In this episode of Matt Likes Beer, the Philadelphia Months series rolls on with a West Coast IPA that leans heavily into pop culture. Matt cracks open “You’re an IPA, Harry” from Second Sin Brewing—a beer packed with wizard-themed branding, even if the host himself isn’t exactly a student of the Harry Potter universe.
What follows is a classic Matt-style journey: part beer review, part self-aware ramble, and part unexpected deep dive into theme park memories and media coverage days. From reminiscing about covering events at Universal Orlando Resort to accidentally gaming a Harry Potter trivia challenge, this episode proves that even a non-fan can find themselves surrounded by magic.
On the beer side, Matt evaluates this American/West Coast IPA through a BJCP lens, breaking down appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. Expect notes of lemon candy, pine resin, and a firm bitterness, along with thoughtful critique on balance, stylistic accuracy, and a slightly distracting mineral edge. It’s a beer that smells fantastic, drinks a bit lighter than expected, and sparks a conversation about what makes a classic IPA shine in a world full of hazy and experimental variants.
Whether you’re here for the beer education, the storytelling, or just to hear someone admit they barely know anything about Harry Potter, this episode has a little something for everyone. Cheers!