Sip of the Week: Institution Ale's "West Coast or Die IPA"

One of the things I’ve missed most during COVID is trips to local breweries, so a few weeks ago after getting my vaccine I was ecstatic to make a stop at Institution Ale Company in Camarillo, California for a fresh pint to celebrate.

I saw an IPA on the menu that I hadn’t tried before, so I ordered the West Coast or Die IPA. It’s rare that I don’t enjoy an IPA, but when I took a sip of this one I had a major “OMG” moment. That IPA was fabulous!! And not only in a “I’m so excited to be having a beer at an actual brewery” way. The flavor profile of the beer was truly outstanding. I eagerly purchased a 4-pack of cans to take home to share with Tucker.

Caitlin holding a can of Institution Ale's West Coast or Die IPA at sunset. — Institution Ale’s West Coast or Die IPA is the perfect happy hour beer. Pour a pint at sundown and let the tropical aromas transport you to your happy place.

The West Coast or Die IPA is a West Coast style IPA made with California Ale yeast. It’s Mosaic, Simcoe, and Chinook hops sit on a backdrop of subtle tropical flavors. Institution uses Pale, Munich, and White Wheat malts to further influence the body of this brew, ultimately producing a perfectly balanced IPA with a deep golden hue that is hoppy, summery, and refreshing.

Glass of Institution Ale's West Coast or Die IPA with the can rested on the lip of the glass. — Be sure to enjoy this beer out of a glass rather than the can. The aroma of the West Coast or Die IPA really enhances the beer-drinking experience.

By the time I went back to Institution to get another few cans, I learned that this seasonal release had already sold out. Luckily I found a few cans at a nearby grocery store and I’m savoring those for now. I will definitely have my eye out for the re-release of the West Coast or Die IPA. Maybe if I’m lucky they will let me take home a keg for our kegerator!

If you haven’t visited Institution Ale Company in Camarillo, be sure to check them out. They have repurposed their parking lot to allow for lots of outdoor seating, and they have delicious pizza and soft pretzels made in-house to keep you satiated while you try their wide array of beers. Their beer menu boasts a wide range of styles no matter the time of year.

Oakley the goldendoodle with a can of Institution Ale's West Coast or Die IPA. — I forgot to mention, Oakley also approves of the Institution Ale West Coast or Die IPA. He was quite happy to relax with a pint on the lounge chair by the pool!

I’ve written about Institution Ale Company a few times before. Check out my kegerator post, Brut IPA review, Institution pairing suggestion with my Smoked Buffalo Drumsticks, and my shout out to Institution in my Craft Beer Around the World post!

I’m always looking for new breweries to try, and now that vaccines are rolling out it’s safer to pay them a visit. Let me know where else I should visit in the comments!