Located in the heady college town of Athens, GA, Terrapin Beer Company is a collaborative effort of its founders John Cochran (President) and Brian “Spike” Buckowski (Brew Master). While working together at an Atlanta microberwery, John and Spike aimed to craft beers unlike anything being produced in the south east. In April 2002, Terrapin released its first offering, Rye Pale Ale. Six months later this brew won the gold medal in the American Pale Ale category at the Great American Beer Festival. With such an auspicious premiere, Terrapin Beer Company has built on its success, producing five year round beers, as well as five seasonal selections in its 40000 square foot facility. In addition to these beers, Terrapin also brews its Side Project line of one time special releases, oak barrel aged favorites, and collaborative efforts with Left Hand Brewing Company.

 

            Hopsecutioner is Terrapin’s foray into west coast IPAs. With an ABV of 7.2% and 78 IBUs, Hopsecutioner derives great complexity from a six hop profile and a Cascade dry finish. A bready malt backbone holds strong for this rich bodied brew. Clearly demonstrating the dry Cascade hops at work, this IPA has a fruity nose that pops with lemon and tangerine. The beer pours a ruby orange color with a low, tight head that dissipates quickly. A citrus bouquet imparts the palate with hints of bitter orange, grapefruit, and lemon. Mild caramel backs the citrus with a light residual sweetness. Despite the high IBUs, only minimal oil content is detectable. Hopsecutioner finishes with a dry, bitter bite and a piney resin. Reminiscent of a crisp Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, this IPA is flavorful and light enough for the palate to be enjoyed in a multi-beer session.

 

            Hopescutioner is a crisp acidic beer that is a perfect match for seafood. Scallops, crab, lobster, salmon, sole, and grouper would all be a fantastic pairing for this IPA. Fatty proteins such as bacon, duck, and pork loin would also do nicely with its dry finish. Hopsecutioner holds affinity to several classical flavor combinations independent of protein options making it a perfect beverage to pair with vegetarian or vegan cuisine. Look at fennel, apple, lemon, and basil. Other friendly ingredients are caramel, cinnamon, clove, honey, mint, pomegranite, blood orange, tomato, garlic, avocado, and carrots. Some perfect dishes include duck ala orange, crab and avocado salad, salmon with fennel apple slaw, and seared sea scallops with lemon and caper. Dessert such as lemon chiffon, apple turnovers, and Grande Marnier soaked strawberries would also be a great pairing. Following are two vegan recipes I have designed that you can recreate at home for a perfect compliment with the Terrapin Hopsecutioner.

 

 

 

For any questions regarding these recipes, Hopsecutioner, Terrapin Beer Company, or craft beer please email me at d.battistella@basilmagazine.com.

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