Zipline Copper Alt

Alcohol content: 5.2 percent

Description: The Copper Alt is a hybrid between an ale and a lager, made from Zipline Breweries in Lincoln, Neb. Available bottled in several grocers in Iowa City and select tap houses.

Taste: This medium-bodied brew is extremely drinkable, with hints of chocolate and hazelnut. The lager and ale blend combine the richness and strength of the lager with the drinkability of the ale, a hoppy bite after each drink.

Appearance: Called the Copper Alt, the color is a deep copper, as would be expected. When full, the color seems to be stronger and less transparent. The rich copper comes out most when the beer is less full.

My experience: I didn’t get to try this brew from the tap, but bottle to glass worked just fine for me. Recommended to me by the brewers at Zipline, I chose the Copper Alt; however, the Oatmeal Porter would be my next option. The brewery limits its market to have its costs be fair and competitive, so we are just lucky enough to be within its range.

Advice: Drink this craft beer slowly to enjoy the flavors, as I imagine few of you have had a hybrid such as this before. Drinkable and strong, yet competitively priced. All I have to say is enjoy.

— by Ben Verhille