Andina x Mariner – Piñata Pineapple Hot Pepper IPA

Andina x Mariner – Piñata Pineapple Hot Pepper IPA Review

Once again, Yeast Van’s Andina Brewing Co is leading the way in using interesting and authentic tropical ingredients in its brews. This time, it’s their brand-new Piñata Pineapple Hot Pepper IPA, released January 30th.

When we dropped by the tasting room that night, Andina’s Head Brewer Ben Greenberg told us about buying up the entire stock of an imported ingredient at a little-known specialty food shop in East Van for a past brew. It’s the kind of unique experience he’s having at Andina. For this project, Ben collaborated with Kevin Wilson, his counterpart at Coquitlam’s Mariner Brewing—no strangers to interesting fruit-based brews themselves.

Brewing with the tropical ingredients that Andina uses in some of its beers is an interesting challenge. As was the case with their Cocolat Toasted Coconut Chocolate Stout, the team at Andina had to work on their ingredient handling methods to incorporate the dried puya and habenero peppers (Jalapeno would not have worked). As it stands, Piñata Pineapple Hot Pepper IPA is not the easiest brew to clean the tank after. But it’s all worth it in order to make something that’s innovative and completely on brand for South American-influenced Andina.

Given the popularity of tropical-tasting IPAs these days, one might expect this to be an East Coast hazy-style IPA. But although wheat was used in the malt bill, this is a completely clear, filtered beer. The pineapple flavour is subtle, so anyone thinking thinking this IPA might be too sweet needn’t worry. (In fact, there happens to be much more pineapple flavour in Andina’s delicious Palida Hazy Pale Ale.)

For those that enjoy spicy foods, Piñata delivers a nice balance of pepper. On the nose, peppers dominate, but the hops complement them. Try this with a flavourful dish to add some zing to your dinner.

Folks with mild palates may find the spice dominant, but not so much that they need to worry about overheating. Even the BeerSeeker who complains about spicy food drank their full sample.

Andina Photo Tour

Some bonus photos from our library, and taken during the release of the Piñata Pineapple Hot Pepper IPA.

Andina Brewing Co. Releases Piñata – Pineapple Hot Pepper IPA

Andina Brewing – Cocolat Toasted Coconut Chocolate Stout