There’s a certain kind of nostalgia that comes from sitting in a bar lounge while looking at a beer menu that is limited to something by New Belgium Brewing in a bottle and a couple of taps owned by the largest breweries in North America. You know the feeling, what the hell can I drink here while socializing with a group of newly met business associates without escalating things with an old fashioned? The answer I found was the skeleton with the goggles. And it felt like going back to an old friend.
New Belgium’s Voodoo Ranger IPA
There was a time with New Belgium Brewing Voodoo Ranger IPA made a regular appearance at my local poker game, but it has been over four years since I’d actually tasted the “Original” Ranger. In the craft beer world, four years is several lifetimes. We’ve lived through the Haze Craze, the Pastry Stout era, and the Great Lager Renaissance of 2024. Coming back to Voodoo Ranger IPA wasn’t just a trip down memory lane; it was a reality check on how much our collective palates have shifted.
The Profile: What’s Under the Goggles?
Let’s be honest: Voodoo Ranger IPA is a survivor. When New Belgium rebranded the “Ranger” line back in 2017, they weren’t just changing the label; they were pivoting toward a profile that could stand up to the changing winds of the IPA market.
- The Stats: 7% ABV, 50 IBUs.
- The Hops: A heavy-hitting lineup of Mosaic, Amarillo, Cascade, and Chinook.
- The Vibe: It’s a “Modern West Coast” hybrid.
Drinking from the bottle, the pine resin, grapefruit peel, and a hint of that tropical Mosaic sweetness hits you and though I’m not a fan of the Mosaic hop, I didn’t detect the waxiness I usually associate when Mosaic is abused in the brewing process. But here’s where the “palate shift” really hits home: the bitterness.
The IBU Shock
Remember the “IBU Wars”? There was a time when 50 IBUs felt like a gentle breeze. But after years of drinking “juicy” IPAs with the bitterness profile of a Capri Sun, Voodoo Ranger IPA feels solidly assertive. It has that clean, snappy finish that scrubs the palate. It doesn’t linger like a heavy New England IPA; it says its piece and gets out of the way.
It made me realize how much we’ve spent the last decade chasing softness. We wanted velvet; Voodoo Ranger IPA gives us a little bit of grit. And honestly? Though it feels like a throwback and not something I’m going to add back into the rotation, it was a refreshing trip down nostalgia road.
Why the “Old Staple” is a Top Selling IPA
There’s a reason Voodoo Ranger IPA is one of the top selling IPA brands in the country. While the “whales” and the “hype cans” are fun for the Instagram feed, there is a massive comfort in consistency. Going back to a staple like Voodoo Ranger IPA is like putting on an old leather jacket. It might not be the flashiest look at the bar, but the feeling is comfortable.
When we first started drinking craft beer, we were looking for the “biggest” flavors, the hoppiest, the darkests, the sourest. Now, as the scene matures, many of us are looking for balance. Voodoo Ranger iPA occupies that middle ground. It’s got enough ABV to let you know it’s there, enough hops to satisfy the itch, but it doesn’t demand your entire afternoon to “process” the flavor profile.
Wee Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Taste
Revisiting Voodoo Ranger IPA reminded me that our palates are living things. They evolve. We get bored, we experiment, and then, eventually, we circle back.
If you haven’t had a “base” Voodoo Ranger IPA in a while because you’ve been distracted by its Juice Force or Fruit Force siblings, do yourself a favor. Grab a sixer. It’s a reminder of where we’ve been, a solid anchor in a craft beer sea that sometimes feels a little too chaotic, and it is deserves its place as a top selling IPA.
WeeBeers Cheers to the classics!
What’s your “old reliable” IPA that you haven’t touched in years? Let us know in the comments!
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.
