Most people looking for what Voodoo Ranger is make the mistake of thinking it’s a single beer. It’s not. Voodoo Ranger is a popular, constantly evolving brand of hop-forward, typically high-ABV IPAs and other experimental ales produced by New Belgium Brewing. While its flagship Imperial IPA is the most recognizable face, Voodoo Ranger is a dynamic lineup, not a static product, known for pushing boundaries in strength and hop character within the mainstream craft beer market.
Defining the Voodoo Ranger Brand
At its core, Voodoo Ranger is a sub-brand of New Belgium Brewing, one of America’s largest craft brewers. It was launched to house their more experimental and hop-centric offerings, particularly those with higher alcohol by volume (ABV). The brand identity is built around a mischievous skeleton ranger, reflecting the often bold and unconventional nature of the beers under its umbrella. Rather than being a single recipe, Voodoo Ranger represents a philosophy: deliver intense, flavorful, and often potent craft beers that stand out on shelves.
The Flagship: Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA
If there’s one beer that embodies the Voodoo Ranger identity, it’s the Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA. This is the beer that most people are referring to when they casually mention “Voodoo Ranger.” Typically hovering around 9% ABV, it’s a bold, aggressively hopped IPA known for its complex citrus and pine notes, backed by a firm malt backbone. It’s widely available across the United States and has become a benchmark for accessible, strong IPAs.
Beyond the Imperial: The Evolving Voodoo Ranger Universe
The strength of the Voodoo Ranger brand lies in its continuous innovation. Beyond the Imperial IPA, the lineup regularly features a rotating cast of styles and limited releases. These include:
- Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA: A softer, cloudier IPA bursting with tropical fruit aromas, typically around 7.5% ABV.
- Voodoo Ranger 1985 IPA: A throwback to West Coast IPA styles, often with stone fruit and dank characteristics.
- Voodoo Ranger Fruit Force: A fruit-infused IPA, often pushing higher ABVs and unique flavor combinations.
- Limited and Seasonal Releases: The brand frequently introduces new, experimental beers, like specialty double IPAs, hazy IPAs with unique hop blends, or even imperial stouts under the Voodoo Ranger label. This constant churn keeps the brand fresh and engaging for drinkers seeking novelty.
This commitment to variety and innovation is a key part of understanding the brand’s strategy and success in a competitive market.
What Voodoo Ranger Isn’t: Common Misconceptions
To truly understand Voodoo Ranger, it helps to dispel some common myths:
- It’s not a small, independent brewery: While it carries a craft aesthetic, Voodoo Ranger is a brand under New Belgium Brewing, which is part of the larger Kirin-owned Lion Little World Beverages. This scale allows for wide distribution and consistent quality.
- It’s not always just an IPA: While IPAs are its bread and butter, Voodoo Ranger occasionally releases other styles, though always with that signature bold, high-impact approach.
- It’s not a subtle beer: Voodoo Ranger beers are generally designed to be assertive, with prominent hop character and often higher alcohol content. If you’re looking for a delicate lager or a sessionable pale ale, you’re likely looking at the wrong brand.
The Voodoo Ranger Impact
Voodoo Ranger has carved out a significant niche by offering accessible, high-quality, and often high-ABV craft beers. It serves as an entry point for many drinkers into the world of stronger IPAs, bridging the gap between mainstream lagers and more esoteric craft offerings. Its consistent presence and diverse lineup ensure it remains a go-to choice for those seeking bold flavors and a reliable kick.
Final Verdict
Voodoo Ranger is fundamentally a brand of hop-forward, high-ABV IPAs and experimental ales from New Belgium Brewing. If you’re asking what is Voodoo Ranger, the primary answer is the Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA, its most prominent and widely available offering. However, remember it’s a family of beers, constantly evolving. If you want big, hoppy flavor with a punch, Voodoo Ranger likely has something for you.