When Formula Brewing (Issaquah) and Grains of Wrath (Camas) announced they were teaming up, we knew we were in for something special and potentially chaotic. The result? A West Coast IPA aptly named Recipe for Disaster.
Formula Brewing is known for its technical excellence, specifically its crisp, award-winning lagers driven by the mastery of fermentation sciences. Grains of Wrath, on the other hand, is known for craft beer that tastes like a punk-rock concert; loud, intense, and unapologetically hoppy.
So, what happens when a punk-rock band collides with a laboratory? You get something that combines absolute precision with reckless abandon, or, in this case, a beautiful disaster.
Formula Brewing Science vs. Grains of Wrath Punk
This beer is a clash of the titans.
- The Formula Precision: Formula Brewing is known for being technically flawless, especially with their crisp, scientific approach to fermentation.
- The GoW Fury: Grains of Wrath brings that unapologetic, loud, “screw the rules” attitude to their hopping schedules.
Put them together, and you get a brew that has the structure of a precision machine but the attitude of a mosh pit.
Recipe for Disaster Taste Profile
It strikes a perfect balance between Formula’s refined finishing techniques and Grains of Wrath’s heavy-handed hopping schedule. You get that initial punch of citrus and dank pine, followed by a crisp, snapping bitterness that defines the true West Coast style. It’s dry, it’s aromatic, and it’s dangerous at 6.6% ABV because it is so drinkable.
Why “Recipe for Disaster”?
The name is a playful nod to the potential pitfalls of collaboration brewing. When two head brewers with strong opinions get into a brewhouse, things can get chaotic.
However, the “disaster” here refers only to how fast this beer disappears from your glass.
Wee Verdict
This is not a haze bomb. This is a return to form for the West Coast IPA style.
If you love beer that actually tastes like hops and has a respectable bite, Recipe for Disaster is a must-try. It’s the perfect blend of technical expertise and raw intensity.
I gave it a respectable 3.75 caps on Untappd with the average score being 4.04 caps.
Grab It Before It’s Gone!
Because this was a limited release, Recipe for Disaster is moving faster than a formula racing car.
- Formula Brewing Taproom: Check their current tap list for fresh pours.
- Grains of Wrath Taproom: If there is any left, it’ll be in Camas.
If you are a fan of West Coast IPAs that actually taste like beer, not fruit juice, this is a must-try collaboration.
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
