Judge’s Review: 89 Rating – Fresh As by Astro Lab Brewing

American IPA | Seasonal | United States

By Michael McGuire

Judges Rating: 89
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 18

Fresh As by Astro Lab Brewing is an American IPA and was judged as such (BJCP sub-style 21A). It poured light golden into the glass with a slight haze and a moderate white head with adequate retention. Its initial aroma was very sweet and fruity with notes of pineapple. As time passed, the aroma became more complex and revealed a variety of hop and malt notes. The flavor profile was that of a sweet, tangy, well-balanced and very refreshing American IPA, with a smooth texture and a pleasant creaminess on the palate along with moderate alcohol warmth on the finish. Overall, this is a highly quaffable example of this style, perhaps more suitable for those who enjoy sweeter, New England-style IPAs than more resinous, piney flavors.