Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c – Presidential Power in Every Pour

Updated → August 2025

Discover the Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c, an oak-aged Imperial Wheat IPA delivering 7.9% ABV with watermelon candy and stone fruit notes. This Montana-crafted brew carries the spirit of America's 26th president in a brilliant golden pour topped with mountainous white foam. Available now in 16oz four-packs at The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole.

Presidential Heritage Meets Modern Brewing

The Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c stands as a testament to American brewing innovation, drawing inspiration from one of history's most dynamic presidents. Theodore Roosevelt's connection to the American West runs deep – he owned a ranch near present-day Medora, North Dakota, and his rugged individualism perfectly embodies the spirit captured in this exceptional imperial wheat IPA.

The beer's name originated as a running joke in the Meadowlark brewhouse, stemming from a legendary (and entirely fictional) photograph supposedly depicting Roosevelt killing a Yeti with his bare hands while blindfolded and naked, rafting down the Yellowstone River. While the photo turned out to feature a bear rather than a Yeti, the myth lives on in this boldly named brew that channels Roosevelt's famous motto: "Speak softly and carry a big stick."

The Imperial Wheat IPA Revolution

Imperial Wheat IPAs represent a fascinating evolution in craft brewing, combining the smooth, creamy characteristics of wheat beers with the bold hop profiles typical of American IPAs. The Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c pushes these boundaries further by incorporating oak aging, creating layers of complexity rarely found in the style.

At 7.9% ABV, this beer sits comfortably in imperial territory without overwhelming the palate. The wheat component contributes a pillowy mouthfeel and helps balance the intense hop character, while the "imperial" designation promises elevated alcohol content and amplified flavors that justify the presidential namesake.

Meadowlark Brewing: Montana's Rising Star

Based in Sidney, Montana, Meadowlark Brewing has established itself as a creative force in the Northern Plains craft beer scene. The brewery's commitment to experimentation shines through in the Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c, which showcases advanced brewing techniques like thiolized yeast fermentation and distilled hop oil infusion.

The brewery's location in Eastern Montana provides unique advantages, including access to high-quality regional grains and pristine water sources. This terroir contributes subtle nuances to their beers, distinguishing Meadowlark's offerings from coastal or urban breweries.

A Flavor Journey Through Oak and Hops

Upon pouring the Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c, drinkers encounter a brilliant golden cascade topped with a mountainous white foam head that demonstrates exceptional retention. The visual presentation alone hints at the complexity within.

The aroma profile opens with distinctive watermelon candy notes – a characteristic enhanced by the thiolized yeast strain. Stone fruit elements of peach and apricot follow, while the oak aging contributes subtle vanilla and almond undertones. Traditional hop aromas of pine and citrus provide a familiar IPA backbone, preventing the specialty ingredients from overwhelming the beer's core identity.

On the palate, this imperial wheat IPA delivers remarkable balance. The initial sweetness from wheat malt and fruit-forward hops gives way to a moderate bitterness that cleanses without lingering harshly. Oak tannins add structure and complexity, smoothing out any rough edges from the elevated alcohol content.

Brewing Innovation: Thiolized Yeast Technology

The use of thiolized yeast in the Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c represents cutting-edge brewing science. These specialized yeast strains possess enhanced ability to convert hop compounds into thiols – sulfur-containing molecules that contribute tropical and citrus flavors at extremely low concentrations.

Combined with traditional dry-hopping and the addition of distilled hop oil, this multi-faceted approach to hop utilization creates an aromatic intensity that persists throughout the drinking experience. The technology allows brewers to achieve maximum hop expression while maintaining balance and drinkability.

Professional Tasting Notes

Professional beer judges and certified cicerones consistently praise the Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c for its complexity and drinkability. BeerAdvocate reviewers award it a 90-point score, noting the beer's exceptional balance between fruit-forward hops and oak-derived vanilla notes.

Common descriptors include:

• Visual: Brilliant gold color with exceptional clarity and a persistent, creamy white head
• Aroma: Watermelon candy, stone fruits (peach, apricot), subtle pine, vanilla, and almond from oak aging
• Flavor: Initial fruit sweetness, mid-palate wheat smoothness, finishing with moderate bitterness and oak tannins
• Mouthfeel: Creamy and smooth with fine carbonation, medium-full body, and warming alcohol presence
• Finish: Dry with lingering fruit notes and subtle oak character

Food Pairings That Complement

The complex flavor profile of Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c makes it an excellent companion for bold, flavorful dishes. The beer's fruit-forward character and oak notes create surprising harmony with both traditional American fare and international cuisines.

Ideal pairings include grilled meats with fruit-based glazes, where the beer's watermelon and stone fruit notes echo similar flavors in the food. Spicy dishes benefit from the wheat's smoothing properties and the moderate ABV's palate-cleansing effects. The oak aging adds compatibility with smoked foods, while the hop bitterness cuts through rich, fatty preparations like barbecued brisket or aged cheeses.

Market Position and Competition

In the increasingly crowded craft beer market, the Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c occupies a unique niche. Few breweries attempt oak-aged imperial wheat IPAs, giving this beer distinctive positioning among hop-forward offerings.

Competing products typically fall into standard IPA or Double IPA categories without the wheat component or oak aging. This differentiation allows Meadowlark to command premium pricing while attracting adventurous drinkers seeking novel flavor experiences. The presidential branding and Montana origin story add marketing appeal beyond the liquid itself.

Optimal Serving Suggestions

To fully appreciate the Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c, proper serving technique matters. The ideal serving temperature ranges from 45-50°F (7-10°C), slightly warmer than standard refrigerator temperature. This allows the complex aromatics to express fully while maintaining refreshing drinkability.

Glassware selection impacts the experience significantly. A tulip glass or snifter concentrates the hop aromatics while providing adequate headspace for the beer's impressive foam. The stem prevents hand warmth from affecting temperature, while the curved bowl captures volatile compounds. Pour with moderate vigor to create a one-to-two finger head, releasing carbonation and activating aromatic compounds.

Seasonal Availability and Distribution

While the Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c maintains year-round production status, availability fluctuates based on demand and distribution reach. The brewery's Montana location limits widespread distribution, making Jackson Hole area retailers like The Liquor Store particularly valuable sources.

Peak availability typically occurs during summer months when IPA consumption increases. However, the beer's warming alcohol content and oak character make it equally appealing during colder seasons, particularly around holidays when beer enthusiasts seek special offerings for gatherings and gift-giving.

Collector Appeal and Packaging

The packaging for Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c deserves special mention. The label features an audacious illustration of Theodore Roosevelt in an Evel Knievel-style outfit, riding in the back of an El Camino driven by a bear. This irreverent artwork has become iconic among craft beer collectors.

The 16-ounce can format offers practical advantages over bottles, protecting the beer from light exposure while providing superior portability for outdoor adventures. The four-pack configuration strikes an ideal balance between value and commitment, allowing consumers to share or savor multiple sessions without overwhelming refrigerator space.

The Wyoming-Montana Connection

The availability of Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c in Jackson Hole represents a natural geographic and cultural connection between Montana and Wyoming. Both states share Western heritage, outdoor recreation culture, and appreciation for craft beverages that reflect regional character.

Jackson Hole's sophisticated tourist market and local enthusiasm for craft beer make it an ideal secondary market for Montana breweries. The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole's curation of regional offerings like this imperial wheat IPA demonstrates commitment to showcasing the best of Rocky Mountain brewing.

Investment Value for Beer Enthusiasts

For serious beer collectors and traders, the Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c presents interesting opportunities. Limited distribution and unique production methods create scarcity value, while the distinctive packaging appeals to label collectors.

The beer's oak aging suggests modest cellaring potential, though hop-forward beers generally peak within months of packaging. Collectors might consider purchasing multiple four-packs to enjoy fresh while reserving some for vertical tastings exploring how oak character evolves over time. The presidential theme and regional significance add historical collecting appeal beyond pure flavor considerations.

Community Reviews and Ratings

Across multiple beer rating platforms, the Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c consistently earns high marks from both casual drinkers and beer judges. BeerAdvocate's 90-point score reflects professional appreciation, while Untappd check-ins reveal enthusiastic consumer response.

Common praise points include the beer's drinkability despite elevated alcohol content, unique flavor profile combining fruit and oak notes, and memorable packaging. Constructive criticism occasionally mentions price point and limited availability, though most reviewers consider these acceptable trade-offs for quality and uniqueness. The beer's ability to surprise even jaded hop heads with its thiolized yeast character earns particular acclaim.

Where to Purchase in Jackson Hole

The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole stands as your premier destination for acquiring the Meadowlark Teddy Roosevelt Badass IPA 4c. Located at 115 Buffalo Way in Jackson, Wyoming, this established retailer offers knowledgeable staff who can guide your selection and suggest complementary purchases.

Store hours accommodate both early risers and night owls, operating daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This generous schedule ensures accessibility for locals and tourists alike. The store's commitment to carrying regional craft selections like this Montana-brewed imperial wheat IPA demonstrates their role as cultural ambassadors for Rocky Mountain brewing excellence.