21 Jan Something New at the Pew – Back Pew IPAs

Back Pew IPAs will be coming in hot and heavy… err… Cool and light? Stone cold and strong? Whatever… TLDR: they’re changing.

The blessed well water in Porter is now gracing a few new hop-charged beers, and it seems like Back Pew IPAs are turning a new leaf in 2021.

From a Mexican Lager named Chola to a couple of Rodeo inspired brews, Back Pew has come a long way from the days of the saints and the sinners. While we loved the concept, they weren’t married to it, and they’re continuing to try new things that are outside of their wheelhouse.

If you ever read our interview with them, you may not even recognize the place. It seems so long ago, and so much has changed within the beer industry, namely in Houston.

They used to focus on German styles, shun hazy IPAs, and steer very clear of fruited beers, but times change, so do people. So, too, have Back Pew IPAs.

Back Pew IPAs Were Classic

A maltier approach than most, bitter enough to appeal to a West Coast hop head, Back Pew IPAs have historically steered away from the haze craze.

Shifting demands in the market have caused Back Pew to keep trying new things, and while we’ve never known them to be the talk of the town for IPAs, they’re aiming to change some minds.

Like everything else around us every day, they’re changing. Bobby Harl, Back Pew’s owner and head brewer, even shared with us a few years ago the direction that he thought hops and IPAs were moving. He was half right. He continues to make predictions based on what people enjoy drinking rather than his own personal taste.

Here are a few on the horizon:

Fruit Monster 8% DIPA

This lil’ monster made Chris say rawrr. It was cute. It was also a sign of how delicious and crushable this IPA is. Leo Longoria, Back Pew’s new Sales Director and a legend of a man, shared the scoop with us over a brisket a few weeks ago. “We used a modified Belgian strain that is used to bring out fruit flavors. We used Belma, Huell Melon and Mosaic hops with a tiny bit of lactose for mouthfeel.” It worked. It’s good. But you won’t find it in cans on shelves. You’ll have to make your way out to the taproom for this one.

Hopozuna 8.4% DIPA

Hopozuna’s still in the experimental phase. Therefore, this info may be null and void by the time you read it, but that nature of tweaking and experimenting is enough to make us want to try it a few times. Seeing how a beer evolves as the recipe is dialed in is a fun way to be a part of the process! In it’s most recent state, this big boi boasts a ton of Citra and Azacca hops accentuated by Kviek yeast. Stay tuned for this one.

Shiny 8.7% DIPA

Shiny is slated to be the star-spangled show stealer of the bunch when it comes to Back Pews IPAs in 2021. This big boi is not only sneaky, it’s loaded with Citra, Comet, and Centennial, and it’s coming to a draft wall near you. After a while, it’ll be packaged in 4-pack 16oz cans soon. Shelfie-shoppers rejoice. But initially, it’ll be draft only, so keep your eyes peeled for updates about packaging.

In Conclusion

Fads and trends aren’t the same thing, and it’s good to see breweries that make quality beer recognize that. When hazy IPAs were projected to be a fad by nonbelievers, we couldn’t really argue; they were still too new to our market. They did have staying power in other parts of the country, but that doesn’t always translate. However, over the course of the last couple years, they’ve proven to have the same staying power here in Houston, so it’s safe to say they’re confirmed to be a trend. Maybe they’re even here to stay. Forever.

F O R E V E R R R

Some of y’all shuddered at that thought. Some of y’all delighted. It’s all good, though. Back Pew also has a little something up their sleeve that has nothing to do with IPAs, and it’ll be a first of it’s kind in Houston.

They’ve got a big Golden Strong Ale aged in virgin oak barrels, and to our knowledge, they’d be the first in Houston to barrel ferment a Golden Strong Ale in virgin barrels. If it finishes out as planned, Rand will be available for Back Pew’s 5th Year Anniversary. Rand is part of Back Pew’s Wheel of Time series that includes Perrin and Matrim, and Rand is slated to clock in at a big 9%. To suit the big, uniqueness of this brew, they’re hoping to put it in 500ml bottles with a cork and cage. (Wheel of Time is a series of fantasy books written by Robert Jordan.)

So in conclusion, Back Pew IPAs aren’t the only thing new at The Pew. These guys and gals are reimagining everything seemingly every day. Go check it out.

Beers to you, Houston.