Big River’s Soleil IPA

Last week I received an email regarding Big River’s Tapping Party for their new Soleil IPA. I only received the email the day before the event, so it was a last minute decision to check it out. The Soleil IPA is described as being a copper-colored that is a unique twist on a traditional India Pale Ale with a fragrant pine and citrus hop aroma. During the party, pints of the brew were $3 each. In the past, parties have also featured light snack pairings, but that was not the case this time.

OG: 15.0 / ABV:  6.5% / BU: 60

When we arrived, we were seated near the doorway to the brewery. We were told the brewer would be in shortly to tap the keg. We were the only ones that had showed up, probably due to such short notice. It seems a small group of people came by a little later. The brewer, Kent, arrived and introduced himself to us. He told us the name of the beer is after his daughter’s middle name, and that they typically have food at these tapping events, but they didn’t today. He also asked if I found out about the party from the email, which I did, and he said there was something wrong with how it was sent as it should have gone out further in advance. After he went into the brewery and tapped the keg, he told the bartenders that pints were ready to be poured.

In general, I am a fan of IPAs. I was a bit nervous about the description of the fragrant pine, as it’s not a flavor I care for in beer. I really didn’t smell or taste it, with a focus more on the citrus notes.

Matt and I both enjoyed the beer enough to order a second pint. It has been my favorite of the seasonal beers we’ve tasted at Big River over the past few months. We both enjoyed the Oktoberfest and Matt especially enjoyed the Winter’s Nip Holiday Bock. If you find yourself in the Epcot area while the Soleil IPA is on tap, stop in and give it a try. Otherwise, stop in and try any of their other delicious beers!

Have you been to one of the tapping parties? If so, what did you think of it? This one felt a bit unceremonious, so we’d love to know how past parties have been!