Vittles:
5.8% abv
Appearance: 9/10
Just look at the foamy head on that bad boy! Nearly an inch and a half of off-white lather sitting on top of a clear, bright, golden/golden-straw body with plenty of effervescence really makes me want to indulge. As the head fell, it left a beautiful lacing pattern on the glass.
Aroma: 21/25
The Cascade hops are very apparent, with their spicy, floral, citrusy scents. I could also smell a subtle maltiness in the background that seemed to balance out the hop nose very well.
Taste: 29/40
The same spicy, floral, citrusy flavors of the Cascade hops come through very nicely. You get to taste all the hoppy goodness without the thick resiny feel that some IPAs impart. The taste was moderately bitter, not over the top, and the aftertaste was a more sedate flavor with a moderate linger.
Mouthfeel: 8/10
With a medium body, a fair sting on the tongue from the ample carbonation, and a clean finish, the mouthfeel does add a bit to the beer overall.
Style: 4/5
Taste-wise, this does fall short of what I expect from an American IPA. I mean, it has the right flavors, thanks to the Cascade hops, but just isn't very bitter, and it lacks that smack you get from bolder AIPAs. It's almost more apologetic about being an IPA, whereas I expect to be punched in the tongue when I crack open an AIPA. Aside from the lack of hop assertiveness, it does fit the category decently well.
Drinkability: 7/10
It hit the spot for me because it was the kind of beer I was in the mood to drink. It's the kind of beer that I'd want to have with a meal, not sit and sip while relaxing.
Overall: 78/100
If you're looking for an IPA that's easier on the hops, this might do the trick. If you're looking for a hop-bomb, look elsewhere. I'd say this might be a good beer to use as an introduction for a friend who isn't familiar with craft beers or IPAs, since it isn't overbearing on the hop characteristics.
One left to try! Cheers!
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