Overview
Wicked Ram is an IPA brewed by the Spoetzl Brewery in Texas and bottled as a Shiner brand. It has an ABV of 6.0%
About the Brand
The Spoetzl Brewery, based in Shiner, is one of the better known breweries in the state of Texas. While its year-round Shiner Bock is probably its best known product, Shiner has developed a reputation for creating great seasonal and limited run brews.
Wicked Ram IPA is one of Shiner’s perennial brews. It’s generally fairly easy to find and the bottle I sampled came in the Shiner Family Reunion six-pack, purchased in May 2017.
About the Beer
I am going to preface this review by saying that I, personally, am not a fan of most IPA’s. Typically, they are far too bitter for me to enjoy them. For that reason, Shiner Wicked Ram started with a rather severe handicap. However, I know a lot of people really enjoy IPA and thus will likely completely disagree with me. That said…
Wicked Ram has a dark color and a slight haze. Upon opening the bottle, I was immediately met with the deep, hoppy aroma I feared to encounter. When poured into a glass, Wicked Ram develops a significant head very easily.
Reluctantly, I tasted the beer and my fears were confirmed. Wicked Ram IPA is, in my opinion, unpleasantly bitter. Whereas I can appreciate hops followed by a lighter after taste, Wicked Ram’s aftertaste provides no shelter. The bitter notes of each mouthful build upon each other, an experience I found incredibly unpleasant.
Even when I don’t enjoy a beer, I will generally finish it to observe the entire experience. In this case, I simply couldn’t do it. I made it through about half the bottle and threw in the towel. Wicked Ram simply wasn’t for me.
TL;DR
Wicked Ram is a bitter IPA. For some this will be welcomed and enjoyed news. For those like me, this makes it unpleasant to the point that it is undrinkable. Wicked Ram gets a hard pass from me. I have no intention of drinking it again.
Question of the Day
Are you an IPA drinker? If so, which is your favorite?
Threw in the towel?! Jesus. You really do have a wife and a kid and no im not dreaming
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Wasn’t enjoying it, figured it was time to pull the plug.
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