Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans – Colorado's Perfectly Balanced Mountain IPA

Updated → August 2025

Experience Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans – a 6.4% ABV Colorado-style IPA that bridges West Coast bitterness with East Coast drinkability. Named after Telluride's legendary backcountry ski run, this balanced brew features Simcoe, Amarillo, and El Dorado hops creating a piney, floral profile that's bold yet approachable.

The Colorado IPA Revolution

The craft beer landscape shifted dramatically when Colorado brewers began redefining what an IPA could be. Unlike the palate-wrecking bitter bombs dominating the West Coast or the murky juice bombs flooding the East, Colorado brewers pioneered a third path – balance. Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans exemplify this revolutionary approach, delivering what locals call a "no coast" IPA that respects both hop lovers and casual drinkers.

When Telluride Brewing Company launched Tempter IPA in 2012, the craft beer world was experiencing peak hop madness. IBU counts soared past 100, and brewers competed to create the most aggressively bitter beers possible. Telluride's brewing team took a contrarian stance, crafting an IPA that prioritized drinkability without sacrificing character. This decision positioned Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans as a gateway beer for IPA newcomers while satisfying seasoned hopheads seeking session-friendly options.

Market Positioning

In today's saturated IPA market, Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans occupy a unique niche. The beer bridges generational preferences, appealing to traditional IPA drinkers who appreciate clarity and hop-forward profiles while attracting younger consumers drawn to approachable craft options. At 6.4% ABV, it hits the sweet spot between session beers and high-gravity offerings, making it suitable for everything from après-ski sessions to summer barbecues.

The Colorado craft beer market continues expanding, with consumers increasingly seeking locally produced options that reflect regional character. Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans capitalize on this trend, featuring Rocky Mountain snowmelt in the brewing process and paying homage to Telluride's outdoor culture through its ski-run namesake.

Tempter IPA Profile Deep Dive

Pour Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans into a proper IPA glass, and you'll witness liquid amber catching light like Colorado sunshine. The beer presents crystal clarity – a deliberate choice in an era of hazy IPAs. A fluffy white head forms enthusiastically, leaving Belgian lace patterns as you sip. This visual presentation signals the traditional craftsmanship behind every batch.

The aroma hits with pine forest intensity, reminiscent of hiking through Colorado's high country. Citrus notes dance alongside floral undertones, creating complexity without overwhelming the senses. Unlike aggressively dry-hopped modern IPAs, Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans show restraint, allowing malt character to peek through the hop curtain.

The first sip reveals why this beer earned its "dangerously drinkable" reputation. Initial hop bitterness arrives measured, not militant. Pine resin and grapefruit pith lead the charge, supported by subtle caramel malt sweetness that prevents palate fatigue. The 65-70 IBUs feel perfectly calibrated – assertive enough to satisfy hop enthusiasts yet approachable for casual drinkers. The finish stays clean and crisp, inviting immediate return visits.

Telluride's Brewing Philosophy

Telluride Brewing Company operates from one of the highest-elevation microbreweries in the world, sitting at 8,750 feet above sea level. This extreme altitude influences every aspect of their brewing process, from boiling points to fermentation dynamics. The brewery's commitment to using Rocky Mountain snowmelt isn't marketing fluff – the pristine water source contributes minerality and purity that define Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans.

Founded in 2011 by best friends Chris Fish and Tommy Thacher, the brewery embodies Telluride's adventurous spirit. Their brewing philosophy prioritizes drinkability over extreme flavors, community connection over mass distribution, and quality ingredients over cost-cutting measures. This approach resonates throughout their portfolio but shines particularly bright in Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans.

Hop Breakdown & Flavor Science

The magic of Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans lies in its sophisticated hop blend. Simcoe hops contribute the backbone – delivering pine, passion fruit, and earthy notes that ground the beer. These Pacific Northwest powerhouses provide both bittering and aromatic qualities, creating depth from kettle to glass.

Amarillo hops add the citrus punch, bringing orange and grapefruit characteristics that brighten the profile. These Yakima Valley gems complement Simcoe's intensity with approachable fruit flavors. El Dorado hops complete the trinity, contributing tropical fruit notes and a candy-like sweetness that rounds out any harsh edges. The dry-hopping process employs all three varieties, ensuring aromatic complexity persists through every sip.

The interplay between these hop varieties creates what brewers call "hop synergy" – flavors that exceed the sum of their parts. When combined with carefully selected malts providing caramel and biscuit notes, Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans achieve the elusive balance that defines Colorado-style IPAs.

IPA Style Comparison

Backcountry Inspiration

The name "Tempter" pays homage to one of North America's most legendary backcountry ski runs. Located just outside Telluride's resort boundaries, the Tempter run challenges expert skiers with steep terrain, variable conditions, and breathtaking exposure. Like its namesake, Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans tempt you to push boundaries while respecting the mountain's power.

This connection to Telluride's outdoor culture runs deeper than branding. The brewery regularly supports avalanche education, trail maintenance, and environmental conservation efforts. When you purchase Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans, you're supporting a company that gives back to the landscapes inspiring their beers.

Food Pairing Excellence

The balanced profile of Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans makes it exceptionally food-friendly. The hop bitterness cuts through rich, fatty dishes while the malt backbone prevents it from overwhelming delicate flavors. Colorado green chile cheeseburgers find their perfect match, with the beer's pine notes complementing charred beef while citrus hops brighten roasted chile flavors.

Southwestern cuisine particularly shines alongside this IPA. Think carnitas tacos with cilantro and lime, where the beer's hop character echoes herbaceous notes while providing refreshing contrast to pork richness. Smoked brisket benefits from the beer's ability to cleanse the palate between bites, while spicy buffalo wings meet their match in Tempter's cooling carbonation and balancing sweetness.

For cheese pairings, reach for aged cheddars whose sharpness plays against hop bitterness, creating complementary intensity. Blue cheeses work surprisingly well, with their funk mellowed by the beer's citrus notes. Even dessert pairings succeed – try Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans with carrot cake, where hop spices enhance warm cinnamon while cutting through cream cheese frosting.

Perfect Serving Guide

Maximizing your enjoyment of Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans starts with proper serving temperature. While many reach for ice-cold beers, IPAs reveal their complexity best between 45-50 °F. This temperature range allows hop oils to volatilize, releasing aromatic compounds while maintaining refreshing drinkability. Remove cans from refrigeration 5-10 minutes before serving for optimal results.

Glassware matters more than most realize. IPA-specific glasses feature ridged bases that create nucleation points, maintaining head retention and continuously releasing aromatics. The tapered rim concentrates hop aromas toward your nose with each sip. If specialized glassware isn't available, a standard pint glass works well – just ensure it's clean and free from soap residue that kills head retention.

Pour technique influences your experience. Tilt your glass 45 degrees and pour steadily down the side until half full. Straighten the glass and pour directly into the center, creating a one-inch head. This method properly releases CO₂, preventing bloating while creating the foam cap that traps volatile aromatics. The visual appeal of a well-poured Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans enhances anticipation before the first sip.

Seasonal Availability

Unlike many seasonal craft offerings, Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans remain available year-round, reflecting their status as a flagship beer. However, consumption patterns shift seasonally in Southwest Colorado. Winter months see increased demand as skiers seek flavorful session beers for après-ski gatherings. The beer's name resonance peaks during ski season when locals share stories of conquering the actual Tempter run.

Summer brings different appreciation for this IPA. River runners and mountain bikers reach for Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans as post-adventure refreshment. The can format proves essential for outdoor enthusiasts, allowing enjoyment in places where glass containers face restrictions. The beer's hop profile particularly shines during warm weather, providing perceived cooling through bitterness and carbonation.

Durango's Craft Beer Scene

Durango's craft beer culture rivals any Colorado city, with discerning drinkers supporting both local breweries and carefully curated selections from across the state. Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans hold special significance here, representing the best of neighboring Telluride's brewing prowess while embodying the outdoor lifestyle both communities share.

The San Juan Mountains create a natural corridor between Durango and Telluride, fostering cultural exchange that extends to beer preferences. Durango locals appreciate Telluride Brewing's commitment to quality over quantity, values that mirror their own community's approach to craft beer. When stocking Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans, Wagon Wheel Liquors recognizes this cross-mountain appreciation for exceptional Colorado craft beer.

Storage & Freshness Tips

Hop-forward beers like Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans demand proper storage to maintain peak flavor. Unlike wines that improve with age, IPAs showcase best when fresh. The aluminum can format provides superior protection against light damage – beer's primary enemy. Store cans upright in a cool, dark location, ideally maintaining temperatures between 38-55 °F.

Check packaging dates when purchasing. Most breweries now include "packaged on" or "best by" dates. For optimal hop character, consume Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans within 90 days of packaging. While the beer remains safe to drink beyond this window, hop aromatics fade and oxidation introduces cardboard-like off-flavors. The can format extends shelf life compared to bottles, making it ideal for stocking up on favorites.

Retail Insights

Smart shoppers recognize value extends beyond price per ounce. Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans deliver consistent quality that justifies premium positioning. The brewery's small-batch approach ensures attention to detail often lost in mass production. When comparing costs, factor in the use of premium hops, Rocky Mountain snowmelt, and the expertise required to achieve such precise balance.

Can packaging offers practical advantages worth considering. The format chills faster than bottles, travels better for outdoor adventures, and eliminates light damage concerns. Recycling aluminum requires 95% less energy than producing new cans, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. These factors make Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans an intelligent choice beyond flavor considerations alone.

Why Choose Wagon Wheel

Wagon Wheel Liquors has served Durango's beverage needs for years, building expertise in Colorado craft beer that benefits every customer. Our staff undergoes regular training, staying current with brewery developments and seasonal releases. When you purchase Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans from our store, you're guaranteed proper storage and rotation ensuring maximum freshness.

Our commitment extends beyond stocking shelves. We maintain relationships with Colorado breweries, often securing allocations of limited releases and ensuring consistent availability of favorites like Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans. Our temperature-controlled storage and careful handling preserve the brewery's intended flavors from delivery to your glass.

Order Your Tempter IPA Today

Ready to experience Colorado's perfectly balanced IPA? Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans await at Wagon Wheel Liquors. Whether stocking up for your next adventure or trying this acclaimed IPA for the first time, our knowledgeable staff stands ready to assist. Visit our Durango location or order online for convenient pickup. Join the growing community of craft beer enthusiasts who've discovered why Tempter IPA perfectly captures Colorado's innovative brewing spirit.

Don't let this exceptional IPA slip away. Stock up on Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA Cans today and discover why locals and visitors alike return to this balanced beauty. Like the legendary ski run that inspired its name, once you've experienced Tempter, you'll understand the irresistible appeal that keeps adventurous spirits coming back for more.