Hoppy Camper In Tents IPA

Review Date 9/28/2024 By John Staradumsky

  Style: India Pale Ale   Brewery: Innovation   Country: USA   State: North Carolina   $ Per OZ: $15 (B)   ABV:6.3%

Beer, my friends, is but a small part of life. You may be surprised to hear this from me of all people, but of course it is true. I was reminded of this this week, as Hurricane Helene barreled through Florida, Georgia, and into the Carolinas. Normally I like to have a few beers on a Thursday night, but the night of September 26^th I decided instead to keep my wits about me for the impending storm. It was forecast to start to impact Canton in the midst of the night, after all.

We were very fortunate that the storm was much milder than had been forecast. We got a lot of rain here, and some wind, but not the high sustained winds and gusts we had been expecting. Not everyone was quite so lucky, though, and Helene caused major damage to homes and businesses all across its path.

Including breweries. Georgia Beer Company in Valdosta, just across the Florida line, suffered major structural damage due to high wind and had to cancel their celebrated annual Oktoberfest. Western North Carolina experienced horrendous flooding, and Hi Wire and New Belgium were both inundated. French Broad reported a dire situation in the Biltmore Village area.

All the more reason for those of us spared to be thankful. My only casualty was a good night’s sleep, but tired as I was the Friday of the 27^th, I decided to have a few beers. I wanted one from western North Carolina in solidarity, and reached for a can of Innovation Hoppy Camper In Tents IPA.

Innovation is in Sylva, not far from Asheville. As far as I can tell they were not impacted, though the news is sometimes behind. Amidst all the tragedy, I enjoyed the beer and mused on the fact the label features a camper for a beer named In Tents.

From the label:

This IPA is the ultimate outdoor adventure companion. It’s perfect for lounging by the lake, rafting down the river, trekking on the trail or being cozy at the campsite. In true American IPA fashion, it’s as juicy as actual juice. As with any IPA, please drink right away as this beer does not age well. It’s no Paul Ruud.

I always take issue with the statement IPAs do not age well. Modern American IPAs might not, but the original ones were designed exactly for that purpose.

Innovation Hoppy Camper In Tents IPA has an alcohol content of 6.3% by volume and is brewed with Citra, Amarillo, Centennial, and Simcoe hops. It was selling for $10.99 a six-pack at Ingles in Murphy, North Carolina when I bought it and was stamped FILLED 05/29/24.

Innovation Hoppy Camper In Tents IPA pours to a clear pale orange color with a thick head of foam and a nose of delicate tropical fruits. A thick layer of Brussels Lace forms on the sides of my glass and follows the liquid all the way to the bottom. Taking a sip, the beer is light in body, very much so. It is crisp and refreshing though and bursts with tropical mango and citrusy grapefruit and resiny pine. It finishes gently bitter.

I like the convergence of flavors here and would drink it again. I will also be looking to buy beers from all the breweries impacted by Helene. Won’t you do the same?  

Glad I tried it?  T

Would I rebuy it??