Art Car IPA

American IPA | Year-Round | United States

By Graham L. Barron

Judges Rating: 88
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 36
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 17

Opening up an artfully designed can reveals a golden-amber, perfectly clear beer with a frothy, off-white head that hangs around until the last sip. The aroma is all hops: strong pine, resin, and grapefruit. As it warms up, a hint of caramel appears along with a metallic note. Flavor follows suit as the hops dominate. Citrus and pine are up front and a bit grassy. What little malt character there is waits in the background, only to be discovered as a touch of caramel when it warms. For such a hop-forward beer, the bitterness, while noticeable, is restrained. The medium-light body is accompanied by a notably dry, hoppy finish. This IPA is most certainly in the West Coast-style with the malt hinted at on the margins and only there to support an aggressive hop character. The lighter body makes this an easy-drinker for any hop head.