The Bucket on campus is a lounge where you can get your lunch and, as it turns out, beer. Last semester, the craft brew options at The Bucket were limited. Although still limited, there are slightly better options to choose from now.

There is one thing to understand about these three beers before reading: IPAs. The IPA, or India Pale Ale, originated as a standard pale ale. However, when the beer sent via ship to India, it was found that beer was going bad. To prevent the beer from going bad prior to reaching its destination, brewers added extra hops to the mix to keep the beer fresh longer.

Hops add an intentionally bitter flavor to beer and is probably the most coveted beer type among beer nerds. After a while, brewers began adding more hops to beer simply for the sake of the flavor. Now, the India Pale Ale has nothing to do with India, it’s just a beer style.

Based on a five star scale

Drake 1500

2 1/2 Stars

Drake’s Brewing is located in San Leandro, Calif. The 1500 is a dry hopped American Pale Ale. Although Drake’s has been getting some buzz in the local beer community, this beer is the least favorable among our craft brew options on campus. Not terrible, but Drake’s 1500 left much to be desired.

The beer sampled had a detracting metallic taste which, if unintentional, can mean there was a flaw in the brewing process. The taste of metal wasn’t overwhelming, but definitely noticeable.

The beer was otherwise enjoyable and relatively easy to drink; many IPAs are not easy to drink at all, and that’s normal. With a low 5.5 percent ABV, this beer won’t knock you on your butt right away.

21st Amendment: Brew Free or Die

3 1/2 Stars

21st Amendment is a cool brewery out of San Francisco. The name of the brewery is based on the U.S. Constitution’s 21st Amendment, which abolished alcohol. Available on draft and in store, 21st Amendment’s choice of store packaging of its beer is sticky in cans. No bottles.

Brew Free or Die is a delightful IPA. At 7 percent ABV, this is a little heavier of a beer option as far as alcohol, but it can be more dangerous because it doesn’t feel like it. It’s smooth enough to drink pretty quickly.

A staple in The Bucket, Brew Free or Die was available last semester as well. Although this is no five star beer, it is

definitely good to see it return.

Lagunitas IPA

4 Stars

Lagunitas IPA is a great go-to option for beer lovers. The good thing about Lagunitas, besides the taste, is that in a store it’s dirt cheap. The IPA is Lagunitas’ standard beer, and when most people refer to the company beer, they’re referring to the IPA without having to say it.

At 6.2 percent ABV, Lagunitas IPA is as traditional as an IPA is. If you’ve never had an IPA, or are looking to get into them, Lagunitas IPA is a pretty definitive IPA in terms of what you can expect from the beer style. If you’re having trouble choosing an IPA, choosing Lagunitas can be a quick solution.

This is a great addition to the beer selection at Fresno State. Coming to us from Petaluma, Calif., Lagunitas IPA is the #1 selling IPA in California.

IPAs are not for everyone. They are an aquired taste, but the taste is a step above your everyday lagers and ales, your Buds and Coors. Take a chance on these craft beers; Shock Top will still be there tomorrow.

These beer options are available on campus; The Collegian does not advocate drinking before classes, excessive drinking, or especially drinking and driving. Be safe.­