One of the new trails being blazed on the frontier of beer is the style known as White India Pale Ales. Galaxy White IPA represents a significant new landmark on that trail. With its use of fresh kumquats, Indian coriander, and black peppercorns, Galaxy pays homage to the early explorers, who sailed unknown seas in search of rare spices and exotic fruits. Captain Cook travelled from Australia to Alaska, and so have the Galaxy hops used to create this adventurous brew. Just as a true explorer never stands still, the presence of brettanomyces guarantees that Galaxy White IPA will keep evolving in the bottle for years to come.

So take a step from the known into the unknown. Cross the frontier from the commonplace into the extraordinary. Be the first to gaze upon an undiscovered country and return to tell the tale to those timid souls you left behind. After all, there’s an entire Galaxy waiting to be explored…

This one comes from Batch #1 bottled in January, 2012.

This brew comes in a 25.4 oz. bottle and it has an ABV of 7.0%.

The Galaxy White IPA poured a slightly hazy lemon/yellow color with lots of bubbles steaming to the top from the center of the tulip glass.  The cap was bright white, of good size, fluffy, rocky and soapy.  The retention time was excellent and it left some very pleasing lacing as it settled.  Very nice.

The nose was wonderful.  Hints of pineapple and a touch of lemon citrus.  A very solid, but relaxed Brett/funk/horse blanket fragrance.  Freshly cut hay intermingled with some breadiness.  Touches of coriander and pepper spice coalesced with a very pleasing “must” and earthiness, which I guess is arising from the wood/oak.  It smelled kind of dank too, albeit in a good way.  Super well balanced and delightful.  It only got better as it warmed to tell the truth.

The taste was wonderful as well.  More of the funky/horse blanket came forth.  It was a bit tart and sour, but not so much to become distracting.  Both the pineapple and lemon citrus were accounted for, which added a smidgen of sweetness.  Again, very earthy, musty and bready.  The bitterness was of medium strength.  The oak and wood stepped it up a touch within the taste and the spices of coriander and pepper tied everything together.  The description said that it was brewed with Kumquats, however I have no idea what to expect from that ingredient since I don’t ever recall having or smelling them.  Oh well, I still thought it was an outstanding taste.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied.  Smooth, but lively.  Snappy, crisp and refreshing.  The carbonation was medium to aggressive without ever becoming “stingy”.  An outstanding amount of flavor was left behind on the palate for a good long while after each sip too.

Man!!!  This beer is GOOD!!!  Tons going on with this one.  It’s very easy drinking and definitely worth a try if you can get your hands on it.  One thing that I really liked was that the “funk” started subtle, but really opened up after several moments, thus letting me get used to it before it completely obliterated my palate.  What a great beer and brewery!!!  Granted, I’ve only had two beers from them, but both have been “world class”.  Anchorage Brewing Company is quickly climbing the ladder to being one of my favorite breweries.  The Tide And Its Takers was one of the best beers I’ve ever had and the Galaxy White IPA doesn’t fall too far behind.  I can’t wait to try a few more of their concoctions that’s for sure.  Have you guys ever tried anything from Anchorage?  If so, what did you think?  Please leave a comment as I would love to discuss them with you.

Thanks for reading and commenting everyone.  I’m so grateful.

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  4.65 out of 5
Grade:  A+