Ah, I started the written part of this article Thursday evening, then noticed some text issues with the article below this on my feed. Had to stop to take care of it. Which pushed back my schedule to get to the other beers I meant to write up. I know. First World Problems.

This is the latest from Spoetzel Brewery, better know as Shiner Beer, from the little Texas town where they’re located. Again, they send me beers for my comment, and they are pretty widely available here in the Chicago area.

This drop is what they say will be the first of an “IPA Franchise,” called “TexHex,” a step away from their flagship lager beers. The first entry is called Bruja’s Brew, and is made with cactus water (the new “water” thing) and Amarillo hops. Seems to be a whole Texas thing going on here. It’s listed at 7.0% alcohol by volume.

The pour has a slight golden haze, looking more like limited filtering. It kicks up a big fizzy head that leaves suds behind as it settles. The Amarillo hops are right there in the nose, a pungent note of bitterness with some pine resin and animal dander. Tasting just brings in more hop blast, with some orangy citrus coming in on the tongue. I don’t know what to expect from the addition of cactus water. Perhaps it’s to add a little more sweetness or fermentable fruit note. The toasty malt profile is much lighter to make room for the hops.

Another entry in the hoppy IPA sweepstakes, but not as overwhelming or intense as some might look for. Alcohol is present, but takes its time getting noticed.