Atlanta’s Fire Maker Brewing had only been operating in soft opening mode for a few weeks in early March before it was it was suddenly closed by the pandemic. Now it’s slowly reopening its Westside taproom using its patio and outdoor areas to welcome guests.

With its canning line now up and running, you can buy six-packs to take home, too. And Fire Maker’s four core brands — Way Down Yonder Lager, Perfect Match IPA, Space Dragon Double IPA, and Hazed and Blazed Hazy IPA — will be in the market in early June.

CONTRIBUTED BY Fire Maker Brewing Co.

Credit: undefined

icon to expand image

Credit: undefined

And with that, Perfect Match IPA is this week’s Beer Pick.

Beer Pick

Fire Maker Perfect Match IPA

Fire Maker Brewing Co. Atlanta

Available now at the brewery in 6-pack 12-ounce and in stores in early June

Profile

Fire Maker touts this hybrid American IPA as “Our brew crew’s favorite.” And the big idea is to combine the best of West Coast and East Coast IPAs. The hop bill includes Lotus, known for its “orange creamsicle” character,” in addition to three IPA favorites, Citra, Simcoe, and Centennial.

The result is a bright, citrusy beer, with the expected notes of grapefruit and pine, and a touch of caramel malt in back. In the glass, it looks a bit like a hybrid, too, with a not so hazy amber-orange hue and a bubbly white head. And at 6.5% alcohol it can almost qualify as a sipper.

Pair with

Try Perfect Match with all the usual IPA pairings, including spicy Asian, Indian and Mexican dishes, hot fried chicken, or grilled backyard burgers with all the fixings.

RELATED:

Read more stories like this by liking Atlanta Restaurant Scene on Facebook, following @ATLDiningNews on Twitterand @ajcdining on Instagram.