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Moustache Brewing Co. Double IPA Dexterity Issues. (Credit: Lenn Thompson)

Even if Moustache Brewing Co.’s latest Double IPA release “Dexterity Issues” wasn’t as good as it is, it’d be newsworthy and worth chasing down. You see, it was brewed to benefit multiple sclerosis research. Brewery co-founder and brewmaster Matthew Spitz was diagnosed with MS, an autoimmune disease that attacks the nerves in the brain and spine, in July 2013.

“For me, everyday things like walking up stairs, seeing clearly and not dropping things all the time are made a little more difficult,” Matt writes on the back of the beer’s can. “For others, it is a severely life-altering and debilitating disease causing blindness, muscle weakness, or even paralysis.”

Proceeds from each can sold will be donated to further research to find a cure. That is reason enough to buy some. That it’s a really good hoppy ale is just icing on the proverbial cake.

Moustache Brewing Co. has one of the best top-to-bottom beer portfolios in New York, but they seem to have a way with hoppy styles in particular. They make several IPA and DIPAs, all good, and yet each one is distinctive in style and profile.

Dexterity Issues was brewed with Green Bullet, Comet, Amarillo and Citra hops in the boil and then dry hopped with Simcoe and Denali in two separate dry-hoppings. The Denali hops were donated to the project by Hopsteiner, a Manhattan-based supplier of hops and hop products.  

“The goal was to pull the citrus character out of the Amarillo and Citra, then balance it with the piney characters in the Simcoe,” Matt told me. “We like to make drinkable beers that remain balanced but also interesting. IPAs and DIPAs in cans are the big trend in the industry now, and who are we to deny people what they want?”

Mission accomplished. It’s a mouth-filling, flavorful DIPA that is extremely drinkable, even at 8.4 percent ABV. It’s big on hop flavor, but not overwhelmingly bitter. It’s the perfect beer to sit down with after a long afternoon of wine tasting. I can say that from experience.

Dexterity Issues is available at the Riverhead brewery at $18 for a 4-pack of 16-ounce cans, with $4 going to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Lenn Thompson bio

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