BOLDNESS, PROPERLY DRESSED

There is a misconception that a truly bitter ale must be aggressive, that hops are a blunt instrument rather than a finely tuned one. For Briana Corrigan, Guest Brewer for the first edition of BBA Nº 5, this idea is entirely missing the point. She believes that an IPA should announce itself with confidence, but depart with grace.

BBA Nº 5 · The Copper Reverie is the fifth chapter of The Grateful Eight — our complete ale collection, eight brews, eight brewers, one singular obsession with craft. Where our darker ales demand deep contemplation, The Copper Reverie demands immediate attention. It is an ale that refuses to be ignored, yet entirely refuses to overwhelm.

BREWED FOR IMMEDIATE IMPACT

When Briana approached this recipe, her focus was absolute clarity of intent. She wanted to capture the volatile, vibrant essence of fresh hops, but anchor them to a malt body that could carry the weight without dulling the edge. The Copper Reverie is not an exercise in extreme brewing; it is an exercise in assertive refinement.

Vivid copper-amber in the glass with a dense off-white head, the aroma is instantaneous: grapefruit zest and passionfruit lead, quickly followed by fresh pine resin and a highly floral dry-hop character. The finish is remarkably clean, perfectly bitter, and decisively sharp. It hits the palate with intent and leaves without a trace of heaviness.

THE REBELLIOUS HEART OF THE COLLECTION

Within The Grateful Eight, The Copper Reverie occupies the vital “Bitter” category with absolute authority. Briana constructed it the way a skilled winemaker approaches a Blanc de Noirs — extracting intense, vibrant character from robust ingredients while maintaining an overarching sense of elegance.

At a precise 6.8% ABV, it is bold from the very first nose but finishes with unmistakable grace. It is the ale for the sharpest moments of the day: a late afternoon transition, a heated discussion, or the sudden clarity of a crisp evening. Bold in conception. Precise in execution.

A REFINED REBELLION

What makes BBA Nº 5 essential is its balance of power and poise. It proves that an IPA can possess a rebellious streak while still adhering to the highest standards of craftsmanship. It does not shout; it speaks very clearly.

The collection sharpens here. And it does so with undeniable style.