Sometimes a beer doesn’t follow the original plan, and sometimes that turns out to be a very good thing.
That’s the story behind Cage Breaker IPA, the latest release from Lúpulos Hermanos. What began with one idea took an unexpected turn during the brewing process, eventually becoming something different enough — and good enough — that the brewery decided it deserved a release of its own.
Now pouring exclusively at the Lúpulos Hermanos taproom, Cage Breaker comes in at 6.7% ABV and 65 IBU, with a dry hop featuring Centennial and Mosaic.
When a Beer Breaks From the Plan
The story behind Cage Breaker is right there in the name.
According to Lúpulos Hermanos, the beer started with a particular direction in mind, but somewhere along the way it began developing into something different. Rather than forcing it back toward the original concept, the brewers embraced where it was heading.
The result was a beer they liked enough to leave alone — and ultimately put on tap.
That unexpected evolution inspired Cage Breaker IPA, a name that plays on the idea of a beer refusing to stay confined by its original plan.
Sometimes brewing is about precision and following the recipe. Other times, it’s about recognizing when something unexpected is worth pursuing.
Cage Breaker falls firmly into the second category.
Centennial + Mosaic Take the Lead
While Cage Breaker may have taken an unexpected route to the taproom, its hop combination should be familiar territory for IPA drinkers.
The beer is dry hopped with Centennial and Mosaic, two American hop varieties capable of delivering plenty of aromatic character.
Centennial is a classic of American craft brewing, commonly associated with citrus, grapefruit, floral and lightly resinous characteristics. Mosaic can bring another layer of complexity, potentially ranging from tropical fruit and citrus to berry, pine and danker hop notes.
Exactly how those characteristics come together in Cage Breaker is something you’ll have to discover in the glass, but Lúpulos Hermanos describes the finished beer as super aromatic, hoppy and rich.
At 65 IBU, there should also be enough bitterness to remind you that this is very much a hop-forward IPA.
What to Expect From Cage Breaker IPA
Cage Breaker is aimed squarely at IPA drinkers who want the hops to make their presence known. With the brewery emphasizing its aroma and hop character, the dry hopping should take center stage.
Aroma
Expect an expressive hop aroma, with plenty of character coming from the dry hop.
Malt Character
Primarily a supporting foundation, allowing the hops to remain the focus.
Hop Presence
Hop Presence: Hig, this is firmly a hop-forward IPA.
Finish
Expect a pronounced hop presence through the finish, although we’ll leave the exact balance of bitterness, fruit and resin for the first pour.
Where to Find Cage Breaker IPA
Cage Breaker IPA is currently pouring exclusively on draft at the Lúpulos Hermanos taproom.
That makes this a beer to seek out fresh from the source, especially if you enjoy aromatic, hop-forward IPAs with a more assertive bitterness.
There’s no word yet on how long Cage Breaker will remain on tap, so if Centennial and Mosaic are your kind of hops, this unexpected release is one worth looking for while it’s pouring.
PRBG Final Pour
Cage Breaker IPA may not have followed the original plan, but that unexpected turn has given Lúpulos Hermanos a release with a story all its own.
With Centennial and Mosaic leading the way, 6.7% ABV and 65 IBU, this is one for IPA drinkers who like their beers aromatic, hop-forward and with a noticeable bitter edge.
For now, Cage Breaker is draft only at the Lúpulos Hermanos taproom, and sometimes the beers that break from the plan are the ones most worth seeking out.
Photos: PRBG Mockups
