THE DRINK NATION IS A FREE RESOURCE FOR FINDING EVERYTHING AWESOME ABOUT DRINKING IN YOUR LOCATION

Beer Review: Cigar City White Oak Aged Jai Alai IPA

Does it work to age an India Pale Ale?
by Tara Nurin on Nov 14, 2011 in Beer
Beer Review: Cigar City White Oak Aged Jai Alai IPA

The version of Cigar City Brewing’s Jai Alai IPA that is aged on white oak smells and tastes like no other India Pale Ale. All the standard components of an IPA are present: four types of malt, six different types of hops (including Simcoe for dry-hopping) and a house yeast strain. But the Tampa, FL-based brewery loves to play with variations, and decided to throw their regular Jai Alai on oak (they also make a rotating selection of IPAs aged on cedar).

In fact, almost everything brewed at Cigar City is aged on wood. This is a nod to the booming international cigar trade in the Tampa neighborhood of Ybor City, known as “Little Cuba,” and the wooden humidors that hold the rolled tobacco. While it would not be unusual to rest a porter, Imperial Russian Stout or brown ale on oak, mahogany, cedar or any of the materials used to keep cigars from drying out, aging an IPA is very uncommon.

Rare as it is, it’s to great effect. The white oak gives Jai Alai and exceptionally deep and rich taste, and smooths the hoppiness you’d expect in a beer with 70 IBUs. On the swallow, a piney, resinous quality emerges, thanks to the tannins picks up from the wood casks. Discernible are bright pineapple, mango and papaya notes that characterize the IPA style, but they are rounded out by aging, and the overall flavor is that of caramel or toffee.

A thick mouthfeel culminates in a sharp finish that leaves your tongue pleasantly tingling. Poured from a 12-oz. bottle, the yellow-beige head is exceedingly hefty, the body is hazy – almost looking unfiltered – and lacing coats the inside of the glass like a second skin. The aroma is clean and fresh at first whiff, but a deep, cave-like scent can be caught, hiding beneath the surface.  

Cigar City head brewer Wayne Wambles has already won silver medals in the 2011 Best Florida Beer and United States Open Beer Championships for White Oak-aged Jai Alai, now available year-round. Though they expect to produce over 8,500 barrels this year, distribution is still limited for the Florida microbrewery (founded in 2008). Look for Jai Alai throughout Florida, and in less copious quantities in surrounding southern states, as well as the northeast beer centers of New York and Philadelphia.


Tags: Beer
Recent Articles

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York

Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York

If you're a frequent Negroni drinker, always order Wild Turkey Bourbon in your old fashioneds, or prefer your ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 9, 2020
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 15, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close