Judge’s Review: 85 Rating – Cloud Cover by Low Road Brewing

American IPA | Year-Round | United States

By Michael Bury

Judges Rating: 85
Aroma: 19
Appearance: 4
Flavor: 36
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 17

Cloud Cover by Low Road Brewing is being evaluated as a hazy IPA (2021 BJCP Guidelines Category 21C). Akin to many a hazy IPA, it poured with a turbid clarity and a fluffy off-white head. However, the color is more on the side of amber, which is a bit darker than usual.
The nose is a bit overly sweet with the scent of honey malt and caramel. The moderate tropical hops come across as bruised, overly ripe variants. However, it’s cleanly fermented without any off-flavors or issues. The flavor is quite similar to the aroma with a significant amount of malt presence with supportive hops. The latter are more mandarin orange and papaya with a bit of melon. Low hop bitterness and a solid attenuation led to a semi-sweet to semi-dry finish.
Overall, Cloud Cover is a solid hazy IPA for fans of the style. The ripe tropical flavors present a new, unique take on the style. For the style though, a brighter and less sweet presentation would be more appropriate for the style.