I remember asking my buddy if he listened to The Black Keys. He turned to me, smirked, and said, “Yeah, I have them on cassette.” Needless to say, he’s one of those guys who listens to bands WAY before they become big. He’s too cool for school.

I may not be a music expert, but I do know my way around craft beer. Today’s Imperial NEIPA from New Anthem Beer Project is the hit I’m going to be putting in front of him to try next. 

The North Carolina brewery isn’t just one of my favorites because of their IPAs. Beer and Brewing named them a Breakout Brewer for the same reason! Basically, the equivalent of my buddy’s bands being named as “one to watch” in Rolling Stone.   

For On Cassette, they use a combination of Citra, Amarillo, El Dorado, and Mosaic Hops, making for a smooth, soft, and juicy beer. All of those hops give it lush mango notes, hints of drippy pineapple and peach, and a slight bitterness. Notes of grapefruit and fresh-cut grass balance the brew out. 

Fans are slurping it up! 

• “That’s a yup. Viscous, thick creamy body and pleasantly balanced but present citrusy hop medley.” @Justin G. 
• “Offensively good.” Rob D.
• Hall of Famer. One of the best from an all-star brewery. Perfect fruitiness. Heaven. @Don Z.

I’ll never be able to keep up with music like my friend, but I can point him in the right direction for breweries and beers to pay attention to. New Anthem and their On Cassette are at the top of the list!

Rated 4.32 on Untappd!

Holiday shopping is easy with Tavour! Just head over to Tavour.com/gifts to send a gift box or gift card to the craft beer lover in your life. Cheers to holiday beers!