Holiday Gift Giving ~ Bear Republic Racer X Review

The story of Bear Republic, like most other craft brewers, begins with home brewing. It was the spark for their passion to create quality, hand-crafted beers.
Bear Republic is a family-owned brewery, located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. Why did they decide to craft beers among the grapevines of California’s world-famous Wine Country? Simple. This is where they are from. Founded by 3rd and 4th generation Sonoma County residents, they are family-owned and team-oriented.
From brewer to bottler, everyone that works (and plays) together at Bear Republic is dedicated to bringing you fresh, never-filtered craft beer.
Bear Republics first beer, Ricardo’s Red Rocket Ale, is an example of their hop-forward approach without fear of stepping outside the style-guidelines. Each of their beers, from flagship IPA, Racer 5, to any of their specialty brewpub-only releases, are carefully crafted with pride in Sonoma County, California.
Located in the heart of Wine Country, on the corner of Healdsburg’s historic downtown square, Bear Republic Brewing Company offers award-winning food and world class, handcrafted ales. Established in 1995 by third and fourth generation Sonoma County residents, the Norgrove family invites you to come and discover their diverse menu, family friendly atmosphere and more than 14 freshly brewed beers on tap. 

In 2006, Bear Republic opened their Factory Five Brewery in Cloverdale, just 15 miles North of the original brewpub in Healdsburg. In 2016, Bear Republic was recognized by the Brewers Association as the 44th largest craft brewery in the United States.
If you are a beer lover or Nor-Cal resident then you know Bear Republic.  I can honestly say that they are my very favorite brewery. My go to beer has been Racer 5 ever since I discovered it about 10 years ago when it was on tap at a wedding I attended. This hoppy American IPA is a full bodied beer brewed with American pale and crystal malts, and heavily hopped with Chinook, Cascade, Columbus and Centennial. It is 7.5% ABV and a staple in my home.  I am lucky enough to live in Sonoma County and Racer 5 is at every store and on tap at pretty much every bar and restaurant I go to.
BRACE YOURSELF FOR RACER X !!!!
If you are like me and you LOVE Racer 5 then you will flip for it's big brother Racer X. Racer X is a Double Indian Pale Ale that makes it's appearance every year during the holiday season. Racer X has a 8.3% ABV and is available in 22 oz bottles. This copper colored hoppy IPA is going to pair perfectly with your holiday meals. Racer X puts a California twist on English brewing traditions by adding an assertive hop aroma and bitterness that compliments the firm malt backbone. I think this beer tastes amazing with everything as well as on its own but if you are looking for a perfect pairing then here are some suggestions. 

This holiday season when your guests are waiting for their delicious turkey dinner to be served make sure you pour them a cold glass of Racer X and pair it with hour d'oeuvres. 
Serve Racer X with bold cheeses, aged cheddar and hard cheeses. Then carry it over to your main course and pair it with a juicy turkey, chicken or beef. 
We enjoyed our Racer X with barbecued chicken wings. We did a lemon pepper wing and a hot and spicy wing because we found Racer X is incredible when paired with strong flavored and spicy foods. 

I will share with you the recipe we used to make our spicy chicken wings. First grab yourself some Racer X and then follow these simple directions.

  •  2 cups ketchup
  • 3 Tbsp chili powder
  • 12 oz bock (or other malty beer)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1Tbsp regular paprika
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (add more if you want more kick)
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar; packed
  • 2 Tbsp molasses
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
                             
​                              Directions
  1. Whisk all ingredients in a sauce pan and turn heat to medium, bringing sauce to a slow boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Serve with your favorite BBQ.
Come visit Bear Republic in Healdsburg California and save yourself the messy kitchen. Let the friendly staff at Bear Republic Brewing Company serve you a warm, delicious meal and pour you an incredible brew. I recommend doing what I do and order a beer sampler. This will allow you to taste a variety of brews before deciding on your personal favorite. 
To find Bear Republic beer new you use their Bear Tracker located on the website:
                                                  https://bearrepublic.com/bear-tracker/

Brewery Tours
10:00 am on Saturdays by appointment
Contact Bar Manager Ryan Lindecker Tuesday-Thursday by 11 am to schedule a tour of the Healdsburg Brewery. Closed toe shoes required.
707-433-2337

Dog PolicyDoggies rule!
We welcome our four-legged furry friends at Bear Republic! Click here to review some simple rules to abide by while you and your dog are here.

How to Find Bear Republic 
345 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-2337

Make sure to follow Bear Republic Brewing Company on all their social media pages so            you can stay up to date on their latest brews, news and events.