Martin House heeds a call with Big Hoppa

Image courtesy of Martin House Brewing Co.

Inspired by a call to action put forth by a well-known local retailer, Fort Worth's Martin House Brewing Co. will release Big Hoppa IPA, a juicy, fresh and unfiltered IPA crafted in the spirit of those being brewed at places like The Alchemist, Trillium, and Lawson's Finest Liquids.

The catalyst for the new beer was none other than Lone Star Beverages and Taps & Caps co-founder Rick Ali. As a fan of the newly-emerging New England style of IPA, it was Ali's lament of a local option that lit the fire under Martin House brewmaster Cody Martin.

"We heard Rick, who knows his craft beer, loud and clear when he complained about the lack of a good, juicy, Northeastern-style IPA here in Texas," said Martin. "We decided to take that on the way a Texan would with a 12% ABV IPA full of all of our favorite hops."

Regarding the hops in question, Martin revealed a recipe built on a list of varieties that includes Chinook, Citra, Equinox, Simcoe, Mosaic and Falconer's Flight. It's a mix borne out of work done on another popular Martin House beer, and one Martin thinks should hit the mark for die-hard hopheads.

"Since we started brewing our single-hopped Cellerman's Reserve IPA, we've gotten very familiar with lots of really unique and tasty hops," explained Martin. "So, we took that expertise and came up with this six hop cocktail that will certainly impress those searching for an awesome double IPA."

As for when it will be available, the brewery expects to unleash Big Hoppa to accounts across North Texas in September. Considering the beer's background, that should work out well for Ali as well, since that's about the time Lone Star Beverages will celebrate its tenth anniversary in Carrollton. On top of that, the timeframe may also fall right in line with the debut of the newest Taps & Caps in Fort Worth.

"The timing can't get any better based on what we've got going on with the two shops," said Ali. "With that in mind, I see this beer as an ode to my father and partner Sam (whose image appears on the label), since he loves IPAs. Not only did he inspire me to jump into the business, he's been there by my side the whole way as we approach the 10-year anniversary at Lone Star Beverages."

Of course, Ali is also glad that it was Martin House that answered the call.

"The guys at Martin House have been great partners since they opened and we love what they have been doing with their IPAs and the single hop series," added Ali, "so obviously we're excited for them to brew this!"

Come September, look for Big Hoppa IPA to be available on draft and in four-packs of 12-ounce cans.