In our Drink of the Week segment, we’ll showcase one unique type of beer, wine, cocktail — you name it — to try at one of the countless breweries, bars and restaurants from around the basin.

Named after one of their favorite spots around the basin, and a clever name play on the type of beer it is, the new Cold Creek IPA from SLBC is now on tap, cold, and ready to be drank. Before diving into the taste, we should outline the process of how they this style to the finished product.

Despite its name Cold IPAs actually aren’t at all about its drinking temperature – who would want a warm IPA, anyway. This west coast version is brewed with lager yeasts and fermented at a temperature more typical of ales. It incorporates two-row barley and 25% flaked rice and is hopped generously with Citra, Mosaic, and Strata hops. Unless you’re a brewer, all of that probably flew right over your head like a Boeing 737 – it did me. In short, let’s just say this beer is all about the hops.

You get that distinction right off the bat on the nose with notes of tropical fruit and sticky cannabis – yes, cannabis. Side note as we approach the April 20 day of note, this beer might be the perfect celebratory drink. OK, moving on. Those notes really contrast with the dry malt profile, but together there’s some real magic in the taste.

Flavors like mango, passion fruit and mixed berries all pop in and out of each swig. While hoppy, you can feel the purpose of the hops to where they still don’t overpower. The end result is a super clean and crisp (and surprisingly light), golden ray of sunshine.

The ABV rings in at 6.6% so it’s the perfect accompaniment to that long trail ride. If you want the full experience, hit up the Cold Creek trail and then cap it off with one of these – a full circle experience that’s bound to hit all the senses and leave you feeling refreshed.

South Lake Brewing Company is located at 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe. For beer and brewery information visit them online at southlakebeer.com or give them a call at 530-578-0087.