The Rites

American IPA | Year-Round | United States

By Michael McGuire

Judges Rating: 88
Aroma: 20
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 36
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 17

This American IPA poured orange with a thick white head consisting of unusually big bubbles. The aroma was relatively mild with some malt and hops in the nose but not as much as expected for style; some plastic-phenolic notes also detracted from the aroma. The flavor was similarly understated hop-wise and included the same phenols as the aroma which persisted into the finish, and the mouthfeel included some warming to attest to its malt bill. Overall, beyond its shortcomings, this beer was rather drinkable but not as an American IPA. In effect, It seemed to be a hybrid of an English IPA, a Belgian pale ale, and a cream ale (minus the adjuncts); in other words, hop-light for its target/labelled style.