Tap Handle #805: Midnight Sun - Sockeye Red IPA

Tap size:  11.75"

Rarity:  tap retired?

Mounting:  internal 3/8" nut

Sockeye Red IPA was one of the taps I purchased back in 2016, along with Kodiak Brown, the tap I previously profiled from Midnight Sun. Shaped, appropriately, like a sockeye salmon, this tap bursts with colors of red and orange, with some yellows present as well. The tap design requires that the fish be pointing down, as the ferrule is attached to a black section around the mouth area. With the tap oriented this way, the tail then becomes the top of the tap, with "IPA" written across it, and below that, signage bearing the brewery's name and logo. Like Kodiak Brown, the front and back of Sockeye Red are reverse images of each other. I have taken a full compliment of photos because this reverse image causes the tap to appear slightly different depending on which side you are viewing. Unlike Kodiak Brown, the brewery listed the Sockeye Red tap as "sold out" for many years (going back to at least 2018 I think), although the beer is still being produced. With a much shorter run (pun intended) than Kodiak Brown, will Sockeye Red ever come back? It's hard to say, but since the tap is no longer listed on their website, that may suggest that it has been discontinued. Only a single tap can currently be found on the secondary market.

For more about Midnight Sun Brewing, see this post.

A long time flagship brew, Sockeye Red is instinctively bold and determined, and a beautifully crafted Pacific Coast-style India Pale Ale with a real bite. Specialty molts impart a spawning red hue to its fresh, firm body but the predominant character of this incredible catch comes from outlandish hops. Cascade, Centennial and Simcoe hops join forces to infuse intense hop aroma and flavor, defining and proliferating Sockeye Red's appeal. Determined and bitter but amazingly balanced, Sockeye Red IPA is gnarly enough to take you hook, line and sinker. Snag some Sockeye Red IPA for your next gathering. Serve in pint glasses or goblets as an aperitif or to accompany fresh, flavorful, and spicy cuisine. Forget about a bigger rig; grab a bigger glass.

Ratebeer:  3.58 out of 5

Beer Advocate:  85 out of 100 (very good)