Sun King Freedom Rock Session IPA

How do you not love a beer called “Freedom Rock”? I happened upon Sun King’s session IPA bearing this name recently, and even though it was a frigid night begging for an imperial stout, I decided to give Freedom Rock a try.

At just 4.4 percent alcohol by volume, it slides right into that “sessionable” category, meaning you can have a few beers without worrying about falling off your barstool. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: any brewer that can pull off the right balance for a beer like this deserves a tip of the cap.

Sun King did an admirable job with this one. The distinctive citrusy aroma hints at Citra and possible Mosaic hops (don’t quote me on that), with an odd sharpness. The flavor matches the slim body on this one – it’s crisp and clean to drink, with the requisite citrus flavors and mild bite of bitterness that hangs on just long enough.

Freedom Rock isn’t the best session IPA I’ve had, but if you’re looking to have a few while watching the game, get the hop flavors you crave, and not tie one on, you’d do well to consider this one, which is available on draft and in cans.