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Red Racer Session IPA

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Central City Brewers + Distillers, based in British Columbia, crafted Red Racer Session IPA as an approachable entry into the hoppy beer category. This golden-hued session ale presents bright citrus and pine aromas with a clean, crisp malt backbone that keeps the 40 IBUs in perfect balance. The flavor unfolds with refreshing grapefruit and subtle orange peel notes, finishing dry and effervescent with just enough hop character to satisfy without overwhelming at its modest 4% ABV.

ABV
4%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter40 IBU
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
golden6
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppycitrusyclean
hoppy
citrusy
clean
piney
orange
malty
Aroma
The nose leads with vibrant citrus and grapefruit character, supported by a distinct pine undertone typical of noble hop varieties.
also:bready,herbal
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Red Racer Session IPA

◎ Appearance

Red Racer Session IPA presents a bright golden hue with excellent clarity and a lively, effervescent character. The beer maintains a fine white head with good retention and visible carbonation that carries the crisp impression throughout the glass. The color suggests a well-balanced malt bill that avoids heaviness despite the hop-forward profile.

bright goldenclearfine white headeffervescent

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with vibrant citrus and grapefruit character, supported by a distinct pine undertone typical of noble hop varieties. A subtle orange peel note adds complexity without overwhelming the clean malt foundation, which contributes faint bready and herbal elements beneath the hop aromatics. The overall impression remains fresh and inviting, true to the session ale concept.

bright citruspinegrapefruitherbal

◐ Taste

The palate opens with refreshing citrus and grapefruit flavors that develop cleanly across the mid-palate, where a light malt sweetness provides necessary structure. The 40 IBUs deliver a measured bitterness that persists without harshness, complemented by subtle orange peel and piney notes that linger. Malt character remains lean and crisp, emphasizing drinkability while maintaining hop satisfaction.

citrus forwardbalanced bitternesscrisp maltdry

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and clean, with hop bitterness fading quickly into a lingering citrus impression that remains refreshing rather than harsh. The low alcohol and moderate IBU level ensure a quick, refreshing conclusion that invites another sip.

dry finishshort to mediumcitrus persistence
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
78
Taste
78
Appearance
82
Finish
76
Serve at 7–10°C

Serve well-chilled. Session IPAs are at their best cold — the lower ABV means less warmth to balance the hops.

Tulip glass

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

Drink fresh. Session IPAs are brewed to be consumed young — the hops are at their best now.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Red Racer Session IPA

More from Central City Brewers + Distillers

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Red Racer Pils
German Pilsner
5% · 25 IBU
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About Session IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Session IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar Session IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hoppy, crisp, refreshing character as Red Racer Session IPA will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Session IPAs in hopIQ

Compare with another beer →Explore all Session IPA beers in hopIQ →Browse Canada beers →