Champion Brewing Company Stickin’ In My IPA, a 7% ABV West Coast Rye IPA made with legendary punk band NOFX
| Appearance | Copper color with fluffy off-white head. |
| Aroma | Sweet malt, subtle spice, floral and citrus hop notes. |
| Taste | Sweet caramel malt flavors, floral and citrus hop notes, lingering sharp rye spice. |
| Mouthfeel | Medium-bodied; moderate carbonation. |
| Overall | Nice balance between the malts and hops. I especially enjoy the punch of rye. |
Champion Brewing Company, founded by Hunter Smith, is located in Downtown Charlottesville, Virginia.
Smith was born in Charlottesville, grew up in Tidewater, and currently lives with his wife and daughter in Belmont. Before opening Champion, he helped his parents operate Afton Mountain Vineyards in Afton.
Smith completed the online program for Brewing Science and Technology through the Siebel Institute of Technology while working 40 hours a week at the winery. He began writing his business plan in the summer of 2011, and secured a building adjacent to the Belmont Bridge on Avon Street in Charlottesville.
The brewery and tasting room have been open since May 2013. The once 3-barrel nanobrewery is now a 30-barrel brewery run with the help of Smith’s brother-in-law Jonathan. One of the most popular beers they brew is Missile IPA, a West-Coast-style IPA.
Stickin’ In My IPA is a West Coast Rye IPA brewed in collaboration with legendary punk band NOFX. The grain bill is 20% rye and is very heavily hopped and dry-hopped with the Falconer’s Flight hop blend from HopUnion. Stickin’ In My IPA won the bronze medal in the Light or Hybrid Ale category at the 2014 Virginia Craft Brewers Cup.
Wanna pick this one up? Check out Champion’s Facebook page for more information.
Check out… this video of the Metal Showcase at Champion Brewing Company!
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