Surly Brewing 'Furious' IPA, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Spitting sparks from the glass with a fiery hue and a defiant aroma, Surly Brewing ‘Furious’ IPA doesn’t whisper, it roars. From the first pour, it declares itself: a whirlwind of hop-forward intensity, framed by a deep amber body and crowned with a persistent cream-colored head. Layered, loud, and unapologetically bold, this iconic beer launched a movement in the Midwest craft scene and still holds its ground with unruly confidence.

Product Details:

• ABV: 6.7%
• Owners: Omar Ansari
• Brewmaster: Ben Smith

Sensory Description:

Lashing with waves of grapefruit pith, pine resin, and toasty caramel, this IPA balances aggression with art. The mouthfeel is assertively bitter but tightly structured, with complex malt undertones of burnt sugar, rye toast, and a hint of earth that grounds the explosive hop profile. The finish is dry, zesty, and lingering, with a biting snap that demands another sip.

Brewer's Background:

Founded in 2005 by Omar Ansari in a converted abrasives factory, Surly Brewing Co. redefined Minnesota’s beer landscape with its rebellious ethos and uncompromising quality. ‘Furious’ was the breakout flagship, a brash answer to bland beer, brewed to provoke both conversation and palate. Today, Surly remains a fixture of Midwest craft brewing, known for pushing limits and resisting complacency.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 45–50°F in a tulip or nonic pint glass to highlight its aromatics and dense foam structure. Pour deliberately to control the head and allow hop oils to expand. Pair with flame-grilled burgers, sharp cheddar, Szechuan-style wings, or smoky barbecue to match its intensity. Best enjoyed fresh, with 5–6 oz pours if sharing, or let it fly solo for the full experience.