Beer Advocate score 3.95/5
Untappd score 3.81/5
BJCP Category - 21A. American IPA
American IPA's are hoppy. In the PNW hoppy is a way of life. So, of course, we are kicking things off with an IPA. According the the BJCP, an IPA is a hoppy and bitter,
moderately strong American pale ale. It is a balance of being hopforward,
with a clean fermentation profile, dryish finish, and
clean, supporting malt. In the words of my wife (whom despises IPA's), it smells like hops, tastes like hops and gut-wrenchingly bitter...with more bitter on the aftertaste. I keep telling her it's an acquired taste, she just doesn't want to acquire it.Friday afternoons, after a hard days work, is always a great time to go to your local supermarket, bottleshop or specialty market to find a great or interesting beer to enjoy on your weekend. This last Friday, I was in search of a needed updating to my wardrobe and was shopping at Old Navy. As it would happen, Trader Joe's was just a short walk across the parking lot of the mall. A great place to find beer for the weekend. I decided to duck in and grab this beauty. Here are my tasting notes with my own personal scores:
Aroma: Full nose full of citrusy hop character, smells of grapefruit or possibly another citrus forward fruit I don't care to name. 8.25
Appearance: Golden to amber color with a creamy white persistent head, a little haziness detracts from appearance. 6.75
Flavor: Hop bitterness with citrusy notes at the forefront and smooths out nicely to a sweet malty finish. Aftertaste is bitter but not harsh, well balanced. 8.25
Mouthfeel: Crisp, clean with low carbonation. Not too heavy and not too light. Leaves you wanted more. 8.5
Overall: What you would expect from a well made IPA. Intense citrus notes in a hop forward aroma. Good coloring and head but not totally clear. Not sure if intentional but does not interfere with the flavor at all which is really enjoyable. Has a nice warming feeling, which I am sure has to do with the ABV, but no alcohol taste. Very drinkable. 8
Matt's mark: 3.975/5
In Conclusion, I found this beer to be quite enjoyable, probably one of the better local IPA 's I have had. My personal marks are a little higher than Beer Advocate and Untappd but close enough to think I am on par with the average beer drinker. I did drink it on a Sunday afternoon with an empty stomach. This is not recommended, unless you don't want to be productive for the rest of the day. Now to finish my day with a little wine tasting at a local vineyard. Productive? I can be productive tomorrow.
