Remember the coastal rap rivalry of the 90s? Well, Tupac and Biggie’s beef is being resurrected. Instead of fresh beats and dope lyrics, craft beer lovers are squabbling over fresh hops and hazy juices. If you’ve been on social media recently, you’ve undoubtedly seen that a line has been drawn. Hop heads still prefer the dank resinous West Coast style IPAs well known for their outrageous IBUs; However, the New England IPA is a little more complex, yet subtler, then to be expected. Most of these “juice bombs” sport intense fruit flavors, soft mouth feel and a much sweeter finishing flavor. You could say that West Coast is the rougher, bitter, more “gangsta” of the two, whereas the New England style is the softer, easier drinking, almost hip-hop of the two.

Tupac spoke of California Love, and Port Brewing delivers that with their Mongo Double IPA. Much like many of the Southern California hop forward brew, this one pairs great with surfing as well as gold chains and piles of money. It’s unapologetic with its piney resinous aroma and flavor but is subdued with loads of citrus like orange and grapefruit. Load up your cooler and hit the beach or crush it as you flip-off the world.

Since 2006, Tomme Arthur has been brewing innovative concoctions in San Marcos, California. While Port focuses mostly on hop forward West Coast styles, Arthur also brews Belgian-inspired beers under The Lost Abbey label.

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