Beer: Eugene City Tracktown 100 Meter Ale

Where Spotted: Whole Foods Market, 1440 P St. NW

Price: $5.99/22 oz.

Tasting Notes: Billed as an “India pale red ale,” the 100 Meter Ale isn’t just for hop lovers. As its coppery-orange color would indicate, this beer sports a sturdy malt backbone of caramel, brown sugar, and some orange—more earthy than brighter, citrusy, non-“red” IPAs. If the bottle design looks familiar, it’s because Eugene City Brewery is actually an outpost of Rogue Ales in Newport, 100 miles to the northwest.

Pairing: Despite the track and field imagery, Tracktown makes a poor sports drink—and an even worse javelin. Sip as an appetizer with rich cheeses like aged Gouda and red cheddar.

“What’s the Big Idea?” Though the brewery is not affiliated with the University of Oregon, after drinking three Tracktowns you might become as hot-tempered as its famous Fighting Duck mascot.

Seen an interesting quaff lately? E-mail beerspotter@washingtoncitypaper.com.