There are a number of reasons why I buy a particular beer. Some are old favorites that I buy all the time, or beers I’ve enjoyed in the past but haven’t drank in a while. Some beers are recommendations from other beer writers, social media or friends. Sometimes I see a new release described and immediately know I’m going to try some given the opportunity. These factors cover the majority of the beers I buy, but occasionally I just grab something and hope for the best. When I was in Maine my parents were throwing a little party and asked me to grab some beer. Unfortunately I stopped at a store with a relatively limited selection, so I took a shot on a new-to-me beer, Rockerz IPA from Bunker Brewing Company in Portland. I’d heard good things about Bunker and sampled a few of their beers in the past, but I’d never tried Rockerz. Fortunately it was a good choice and well received at the party. Bunker Brewing Company Rockerz IPA is brewed with Citra, Simcoe and Mosaic hops and is available year round on draft and in 12 oz. cans.
Bunker Brewing Rockerz pours a hazy deep orange with a small white head. The aroma is very hoppy, mostly citrus and tropical fruit. The flavor is also very hop forward, notes of grapefruit, mango and lemon along with a solid bitter bite. This beer has the fruity flavors of a NE IPA but it has more bitterness and a little less turbidity. The hops are complemented by a solid malt backbone, hints of bread dough and honey. Rockerz is medium bodied and drinks very easy, but packs a little punch at 6.8% ABV. The finish is crisp with some lingering hop flavor and bite. I really enjoyed this beer, it’s nice to have a slight change of pace from the straight juice bombs while still getting your hop fix. This is why I love trying random beers, you never know when you’ll find a new favorite! Hoppy Boston score: 4.5/5.
Hoppy Boston 
