Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA is a popular beer that has been gaining attention in recent years. The beer has a light gold color and a malt-forward flavor and aroma, with notes of hops, citrus, grass, and a caramel backbone. It is a refreshing and easy-drinking beer that is perfect for any occasion.The beer is sold exclusively at Costco Wholesale stores and is known for its refreshing taste and affordable price. But who actually brews this beer?
Who Brews Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA?
Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA is a beer sold exclusively at Costco under their private label Kirkland Signature. However, the actual brewer of this beer remains a mystery to many consumers.
It is important to note that Kirkland Signature does not produce beer themselves; but instead, they contract with various breweries to create their private label beers. This allows Costco to offer high-quality craft beers at a lower price point than many other craft breweries.
While the actual brewer of Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA may be unknown to consumers, the beer has received positive reviews. The beer is an American IPA that features a light gold color and a malt-forward flavor and aroma. Its character includes aromas and tastes of hops, citrus, grass, and a caramel backbone, making it a refreshing and flavorful beer for IPA lovers.
The Brewing Process
The brewing process for Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA involves several steps. First, the malted barley is crushed and mixed with hot water in a process called mashing. This creates a sugary liquid called wort. The wort is then boiled with hops, which add flavor, aroma, and bitterness to the beer. The hops used in Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA are Citra hops, which are known for their citrusy and tropical fruit flavors.
After boiling, the wort is cooled and transferred to a fermentation vessel, where yeast is added. The yeast consumes the sugars in the wort and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide. The beer is then aged for several weeks to allow the flavors to develop.
Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA is a session IPA, which means it is lower in alcohol content than a traditional IPA. This makes it a more sessionable beer that can be enjoyed over a longer period of time. The beer has an alcohol content of 4.9% ABV and is available in cans at Costco stores.
Ingredients Used
Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA is brewed with a simple yet effective combination of four main ingredients: barley malt, hops, yeast, and Citra hops. The Citra hop is a popular variety of hop that is known for its unique flavor and aroma. It is often used in IPAs and other hop-forward beers.
The use of Citra hops in Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA gives the beer its bold and distinctive taste. The hops provide intense notes of citrus and tropical fruits that are balanced by a caramel backbone. This combination of flavors and aromas makes for a refreshing and easy-to-drink beer that is perfect for any occasion.
Barley malt is another key ingredient in Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA. It provides the beer with its characteristic golden color and malty flavor. The malt also helps to balance out the bitterness of the hops, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable beer.
Yeast is also an essential ingredient in the brewing process. It is responsible for converting the sugars in the malt into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The type of yeast used can have a significant impact on the flavor and aroma of the beer. In the case of Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA, the yeast used is likely a neutral ale yeast that allows the flavors of the hops and malt to shine through.
Flavor Profile
Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA is a refreshing beer that has a light gold color and a malt-forward flavor and aroma. It has a moderate bitterness level of 41 IBUs, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a hoppy beer without overwhelming bitterness. It has a 4.9% ABV, making it a sessionable beer that you can enjoy throughout the day without getting too intoxicated.
The beer’s character includes aromas and tastes of hops, citrus, grass, and a caramel backbone. The Citra hop, which is the main hop used in this beer, provides a tropical fruit flavor and aroma that pairs well with the maltiness of the beer.
The Citra Hop
Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA is a beer that features the Citra hop as its main flavoring component. The Citra hop is a relatively new variety of hop that was first released in 2008. It is known for its citrusy and tropical fruit flavors and aromas, making it a popular choice for IPAs and other hop-forward beers.
The Citra hop is a proprietary hop variety that was developed by the Hop Breeding Company, a joint venture between John I. Haas and Yakima Chief Ranches. It is a cross between several other hop varieties, including Hallertau Mittelfrüh, East Kent Golding, and others.
The Citra hop is a high-alpha acid hop, meaning that it has a high level of bitterness. However, it is also known for its intense aroma and flavor, which are described as citrusy, tropical, and fruity. The hop is often used in late additions and dry hopping to maximize its flavor and aroma characteristics.
Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA is a beer that showcases the unique flavors and aromas of the Citra hop. It is a light, refreshing beer that is perfect for summer drinking. The beer has a light gold color and a malt-forward flavor and aroma, with notes of hops, citrus, grass, and a caramel backbone.
Session IPAs
Session IPAs are a relatively new style of beer that has gained popularity in recent years. They are characterized by their lower alcohol content and lighter body compared to traditional IPAs, making them more sessionable and easier to drink in larger quantities.
Session IPAs typically have an ABV of 4-5%, which is lower than the average ABV of a standard IPA, which is around 6-7%. They also have a lower bitterness level and a lighter body, which makes them more refreshing and easier to drink, especially on hot summer days.
Session IPAs are a great option for beer drinkers who enjoy the hoppy flavor of IPAs but want something lighter and more refreshing. They are also a good choice for those who want to enjoy a few beers without getting too drunk or feeling bloated.
Kirkland’s Beer Range
Kirkland Signature is a private label owned by Costco Wholesale Corporation, which sells a variety of products under the Kirkland brand. One of their product lines is beer, which includes the Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA.
In addition to the Citra Hop Session IPA, Kirkland offers a range of other beer styles. These include:
- Kirkland Signature Light Beer: A light lager with an ABV of 4.2% and only 90 calories per serving.
- Kirkland Signature Amber Ale: An amber ale with a rich, malty flavor and a hint of caramel.
- Kirkland Signature Hefeweizen: A German-style wheat beer with notes of banana and clove.
- Kirkland Signature Pale Ale: An American-style pale ale with a hoppy flavor and a crisp finish.
- Kirkland Signature Belgian White: A Belgian-style wheat beer with hints of orange peel and coriander.
All of Kirkland’s beers are brewed under contract by various breweries, including Hopfen Und Malz, Minhas Craft Brewery, and Josephsbrau Brewing Company. The specific brewery that brews each beer may vary depending on the region and availability.
Distribution and Availability
Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA is a beer produced exclusively for Costco, a membership-only warehouse club. As such, the beer is only available at Costco locations across the United States and Canada. It is not available for purchase online or through any other retailer.
The beer is typically sold in 24-packs of 12-ounce cans, although some Costco locations may sell it in smaller quantities. The price may vary depending on the region and local taxes.
Despite its limited availability, Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA has gained a loyal following among beer enthusiasts who appreciate its crisp, refreshing taste and low alcohol content. However, the beer’s availability may vary from store to store, and some Costco locations may not carry it at all times.
To find out if a particular Costco location carries Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA, customers can check the store’s website or call the store directly. It is also important to note that the beer’s availability may be subject to change, as Costco frequently updates its product offerings based on customer demand and availability from suppliers.
Consumer Reviews
Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA has received mixed reviews from consumers. Some people have praised the beer for its refreshing taste and aroma, while others have criticized it for being too weak or lacking in flavor.
According to reviews on BeerAdvocate, the beer has an average rating of 3.57 out of 5 and a pDev of 12.61%. Reviewers have noted that the beer has a light gold color and a malt-forward flavor and aroma. Some have described the beer as having notes of hops, citrus, grass, and a caramel backbone. However, others have found the beer to be too watery or lacking in complexity.
On Reddit, some users have praised the beer for being a good value and a decent option for a session IPA. One user compared it favorably to Sierra Nevada’s 3 Weight, while another said they appreciated being able to get a 24-pack of the beer at Costco. However, other users have criticized the beer for being too weak or lacking flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA?
The price of Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA may vary depending on the location and the store where it is sold. However, it is generally sold at an affordable price point compared to other craft beers.
Who is the manufacturer of Kirkland beer?
Kirkland beer is a private label beer brand owned by Costco Wholesale Corporation. The beer is brewed by various breweries under contract.
What are the nutrition facts for Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA?
The nutrition facts for Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA may vary depending on the batch and the brewing process. However, it is generally a low-calorie beer with a moderate alcohol content.
What are some reviews for Kirkland beer?
Kirkland beer has received mixed reviews from consumers and beer enthusiasts. Some have praised its taste and affordability, while others have criticized its quality and lack of variety.
Is Kirkland beer available in a light version?
Yes, Kirkland beer is available in a light version. Kirkland Light Beer is a low-calorie beer with a crisp and refreshing taste.
Has Costco discontinued Kirkland beer?
As of the current date, there is no indication that Costco has discontinued Kirkland beer. However, the availability of specific Kirkland beer varieties may vary depending on the location and the store.
Conclusion
Despite some mixed reviews, Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA remains a popular choice for beer drinkers who are looking for an affordable and flavorful IPA. It is sold in 24-packs at Costco stores across the United States, making it a convenient and accessible option for those who enjoy a good beer.
While there may be some debate about the quality of Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA, it is clear that it has found a loyal following among beer drinkers who appreciate its unique flavor profile and affordable price point.