The latest seasonal IPA from Double Mountain Brewery is a collaboration beer with Everybody’s Brewing (located across the river from Double Mountain), a west coast IPA dubbed Escape From Indiana. Both brewery owners are originally from Indiana, and have put together a beer featuring New Zealand hops and Thiolized yeast for potentially an interesting take on the style.

The brewery sent me a bottle to review; I believe it’s the first Thiolized yeast brewed beer that I’ll have tried (unless I didn’t know about it).

Press release with details:

Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery, in partnership with Everybody’s Brewing, is thrilled to announce the launch of their latest creation – Escape from Indiana, a captivating West Coast IPA that showcases the exciting fusion of flavors from both sides of the river.

Escape from Indiana is the brainchild of Double Mountain owner, Matt Swihart, and Everybody’s Brewing owner, Doug Ellenberger, both of whom share a common background, having grown up in Indiana before seeking refuge in the scenic beauty of the Gorge. Inspired by their journey from the flatlands to the mountains, the collaboration brings a unique blend of ingredients and ideas to the brewing table.

“I first met Doug interviewing him for a job to brew for a very large Hood River brewery. We were at a local tavern in West Lafayette, Indiana, and he was trying to act like he hadn’t been there before, but all the bartenders kept coming by to say, Hi Doug! I knew immediately this was a brewer I wanted to work with… and still do…” says Matt Swihart.

This delectable IPA combines the best of the Pacific Northwest and the southern hemisphere, thanks to the infusion of Thiolized yeast and New Zealand hops. The addition of Thiolized yeast enhances the biotransformation and hop oil utilization, unlocking a myriad of previously inaccessible aromas and flavors. Complementing this innovative yeast, New Zealand hops bring forth tropical, ripe, resinous, and dank characteristics, distinct from traditional US and European varieties.

“We thoroughly enjoyed brewing this beer with our friends across the river. It’s about time we got to throw down together and experiment with new flavors and aromas,” continues Matt Swihart. “Escape from Indiana brings a refreshing twist to our brews, expanding our horizons and keeping the creativity alive.”

To celebrate the spirit of friendship and creativity behind Escape from Indiana, Doug and Matt have curated an exclusive Spotify soundtrack that complements the beer’s flavors and enhances the overall drinking experience. As you enjoy this exquisite IPA, immerse yourself in the curated soundscape that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your beer-drinking moments.

Join Double Mountain and Everybody’s Brewing on their flavorful escapade as they liberate the true essence of malt, yeast, and hops with Escape from Indiana – a brew designed to go boldly where few have gone before, elevating your aromatic journey.

Escape from Indiana 6.6% ABV 65 BU

In 2023, two brewers escape the flatlands with one mission: to liberate the flavors and aromas in malt, yeast, and hops and thus, save the world. Aromas of ripe mango and cantaloupe, strawberry and rhubarb fight for the right to party, finishing clean and dry with a backhand of sticky fruit resin.