Good People IPA

A billowing cloud of hop essence hits you right as the beer is poured. Heavy grapefruit, ripe orange, pineapple, guava and a wisp of pine fill the air. Way underneath all that is a slight bready malt component and a touch of caramel. Another wave of hops appears as it warms: earthy and grassy, but also a touch cheesy. Impressive head retention covers a brilliant golden beer. Medium-high bitterness pairs with a dry finish. The bitterness lingers a little past the finish, but it does not overstay its welcome. The body is big enough to support the beer without being overwhelming and the caramel is just enough to soften the bitterness. All too often, IPAs feature caramel malts clashing defiantly with the hop bill, but this IPA is beautifully balanced. This is a beer that is excellent when cold but begins to become pedestrian as it warms. If it weren’t for the cheesy character that pokes out when it warms, this would be outstanding. Certainly a beer I would seek out when watching a football game.