Tribus I Been Juicin’ IPA and Raspberry Linzer cookie

It is always exciting when a new brewery opens, but almost as good is when they announce their first can release. Tribus has been making great beer and taking home some colorful cans to enjoy at my leisure was all the reason I needed to wait in a line on a chilly winter morning.

The Beer: I Been Juicin’ is the single IPA offering of the 'SingleDoubleTriple' can release and it is a great beer. We don't always talk about can art, but this is a striking label. Juicy Fruit gum was a staple of my childhood and the color and style of the can immediately brought to mind what to expect. I was not disappointed. It is light with great hop character. It's hazy, juicy and the most crushable of the Tribus trio.

The Cookie: We often talk about marking holidays with baked goods and brews, and Valentine's day is no exception. Linzer cookies are so pairable, having that plain buttery cookie with a tart and fruit jam. These jumbo cookies, appropriately heart shaped, fulfilled a need that I never knew I had. It took me about as long to eat the cookie as drink the beer, which was a pretty great experience.

The Pairing:  Hops and butter with highlights of jam - it never gets old. The cookie was dunkable (when in small enough pieces) with a bit of powdered sugar for added sweetness. The light body of the beer allowed the cookie to shine through and the deft cookie eater knows to save the extra jam in the middle for the last couple bites - a great way to combine the last, extra hoppy sip of beer with a tangy fruit backdrop.