Tap Handle #875: Lost Coast - Fogcutter Double IPA v1

Tap size:  11.75"

Rarity:  tap no longer produced

Mounting: internal 3/8" nut

v2

You have to hand it to Lost Coast Brewing. I don't think there's another company that has embraced the marketability of tap handles to the collector community as much as Lost Coast has. For years, their online store has been filled with great taps that anyone can purchase and have shipped to them. Take this Fogcutter Double IPA tap, for instance. First produced in 2015, the tap was available to purchase in their online store for several years. Though this version is retired, a newer version (which I call v2) was first produced in 2021, and is available for a very reasonable price of $70 (see photo inset). This v1 tap features a skeleton in biker's gear smoking a cigar and driving a motorcycle as a topper. Below that is the name of the beer, and under that is the base of the tap, shaped like an elongated tombstone. At the top of the tombstone is "RIP" with a humorous "I told you I was sick!" carved on it in recessed letters. My dad and I both got a good laugh from that the first time he saw it. Under that is the brewery's logo. Finally, at the bottom is a sign with a skull on it that indicates this beer is part of the "Graveyard Series." Hop vines twine around the tombstone. The back is kind of a reverse image of the front except for the top; the difference is in the motorcycle skeleton - you see the back of it. This is a truly killer tap! In fact, I think the imagery is so killer that I bought a matching tin tacker to go with the tap (there's also an LED sign but it's more expensive). The Revenant IPA tap is very similar to this Fogcutter, just with a different topper...it is a ghost instead of a skeleton, and without the motorcycle it's not quite as popular. Since v1 of the Fogcutter tap is no longer produced, those that appear on the secondary market are now typically selling for $90-$125 at the time of this writing, although occasionally deals can be found. However, only 2-3 have been appearing each year since it was retired.

For more about Lost Coast Brewing, see this post.

Fogcutter was Lost Coast's first true double IPA, and it is quite the work of art. No need to white knuckle the bars, the hoppy bitterness is in perfect harmony with malty sweetness, and the variety of malt flavors and aroma help balance it all out, as any good DIPA deserves. The bright, citrusy nose is born from the extra dry-hop from Centennial, Citra and Simcoe hops. True hop lovers, get ready for a great ride. Available in cans and bottles. Cut the Fog, rock on.

BeerAdvocate:  86 out of 100 (very good)

Untappd:  3.78 out of 5

Editor's note: I couldn't really find out anything specific that defines Lost Coast's "Graveyard Series." It appears to be a marketing/packaging theme that's not tied to something specific...they probably just thought a spooky theme would be cool.