Evil Twin Brewing’s Hipster Ale

The burden of being a liberal-arts student with an asymmetrical haircut and glasses is the continual accusations of being a hipster. Though I’ve never much identified with hipster music or fashion — and don’t care for Pabst Blue Ribbon — I decided to venture into Portlandia territory by trying Evil Twin’s Hipster Ale, which promises to cater to the “cutting-edge” hipster in all of us.

TASTE: Coming from a brewery famous for beers dubbed Imperial Doughnut Break, Wet Dream, and Ryan and the Gosling, I figured Hipster Ale was more a gimmick than a quality beverage. To my surprise, this American pale ale not only offered a full, caramel-y color but full taste as well. Just as the ale’s thick foam lingers on the sides of your glass, its flavor pops inside your mouth long after your last sip. It’s worth shelling out a few more quarters for a can of Hipster Ale over a sudsy PBR.

ADVICE: I would recommend Hipster Ale to anyone who enjoys a good IPA and not just to those who, as they proclaim, “feel excluded because you’re hip but your city is not.” After all, Iowa City is plenty hip on its own. I’m eager to try Evil Twin’s other offerings next time I engage in a game of Cards Against Humanity.

— by Emma McClatchey