This Week On Tap: Four Fathers Brewing’s The Gadget Mango IPA, a fresh break in the middle of winter

I walked to the fitness center at my apartment complex today. It was a mistake.

It’s a short walk, three minutes tops, and when I saw the high was 28 I decided to just zip up the hoodie and brave the cold. What a dumbass I am, huh? Cold, biting wind whipped around my legs, hands, and face as light flecks of snow flicked against my cheeks. By the time I was halfway there, I was shivering like a Brazilian on an Alaskan cruise.

Winter is brutal. I don’t really mind the snow, or the cold temps, but when that wind gets going, I definitely understand the folks who ditch their Midwest roots for warmer homes. Those of us that stick around though need an escape. It’s why I wear Hawaiian shirts in January, or why dads grill steaks while standing in a foot of snow. We’re Midwesterners; we make do.

Beer can be a great escape from the cold, whether you like big barrel-aged stouts, or juicy IPAs. Four Fathers Brewing’s The Gadget IPA fits the latter. A 6.7% IPA with Warrior, Zythos and Citra hops and infused with a mess of mango, The Gadget is a refreshing break from outside as type this watching snow fall outside my apartment.