Boulder’s Hoplark releases new take on an IPA

By Jay McKinney

India Pale Ales can have a polarizing effect on beer lovers with their distinct hoppy flavor and higher alcohol levels. Those who love a good IPA but want to have more than one while still being able to drive are now in luck.

Boulder-based Hoplark has released two flavors in its Hoplark 0.0 product line, the Citra and Really Really Hoppy. Both beverages deliver the craft brew flavor but contain no alcohol, sugar, carbs or gluten.

Hoplark was founded by friends Dean Eberhardt and Andrew Markley, who stumbled upon the idea at a brewery. After taking a month-long hiatus from drinking for health reasons, Eberhardt met with Markley at a brewery and realized it wasn’t the beer he craved.

It was the craft beer experience of meeting with his friend and sharing a delicious beverage, regardless of whether it gave him a buzz. From that meeting, the concept was born to deliver a product that gave people the craft beer experience, while keeping health interests at the forefront.

The company also produces hoppy teas and sparkling water.

The duo grew their company with a series of farmers’ market visits, and eventually advanced to the grand prize at the 2018 BevNet New Beverage Showdown. The latest two releases are a continuation of Hoplark’s commitment to bring tasty, alcohol-free alternatives to the craft beverage market.

Hoplark 0.0 Citra was the original product in the lineup brewed with Citra hops. The drink has aromas of citrus and tropical fruit to help define the flavor profile that finishes slightly bitter and sweet.

Hoplark 0.0 Really Really Hoppy was initially part of a limited release last fall but was brought back permanently after winning over consumers. Unlike the tropical fruity flavors of Citra, this beverage has notes of roasted nut and caramel from the decaffeinated black tea used. Really Really Hoppy is brewed with Citra and Simcoe hops and has a bitter IPA-like finish.

"Wowing our customers is our biggest motivation as they push us to elevate, experiment, and create new flavor experiences,” Eberhardt says. “We have been creating IPA-like flavors in our HopTea line for years, but the flavor profile of this new Hoplark 0.0 Really Really Hoppy is the bullseye of West Coast IPA flavors. I can't wait to hear what everyone thinks."

Citra and Really Really Hoppy can be purchased online through Hoplark.com and also is available at various retailers in several states.