Hoppin' Frog Brewing Company has brought back a fan favorite, and this one does not bother with subtlety. Gangster Frog IPA is back on draft and in 16-ounce cans at the Akron, Ohio brewery, and it is exactly as bold as its name and its pinstripe-suited amphibian mascot suggest.
This is a proper American IPA, built around a skillfully assertive hop character rather than a shy, restrained one. The aroma and flavor push bright, spicy citrus straight to the front, backed by a distinct orange and tropical fruit bouquet that adds real complexity without losing balance. At 7.5% ABV, it has enough backbone to carry all of that hop character without feeling thin or one-note. This is a beer that is unapologetically about the hops, and it delivers on that promise from the first sip.
Hoppin' Frog has built a reputation over the years for beers that do not hold back, and Gangster Frog fits neatly into that lineage. It is the kind of IPA made for drinkers who want their hops loud and their flavor upfront, no hedging required.
The timing of its return could not be better either. It is landing just as Hoppin' Frog's Tasting Room in Akron ramps up its summer lineup, including new Patio Music Fridays and a full slate of live entertainment on the outdoor patio. Grab a pint of Gangster Frog, find a seat outside, and let the hops do the talking while a local band handles the rest.
Gangster Frog IPA is available now on draft and in 16-ounce cans at the Hoppin' Frog Tasting Room in Akron. For anyone who likes their IPA with a bit of attitude, this is a fitting one to track down this summer.