Team Fiona NE IPA

Team Fiona NE IPA by Listermann Brewing Company is a Specialty IPA (BJCP sub-style 21C) and, as instructed, was judged more specifically as a New England IPA (a popular sub-style not delineated in the 2015 BJCP style guidelines). In the glass it formed an unusually thick, white, well-retained head atop a slightly hazy orange-tinted brew. The aroma led off with a prominent hop nose, consistent with style, with fresh pleasantly grassy notes followed by muted citrus, light grapefruit and pear esters. The flavor profile was also, not surprisingly, hop-forward before fading into a pale and caramel maltiness, then finishing with the same mellow esters present in the aroma. The mouthfeel featured moderate carbonation, medium body, and an overall impression characterized by steady balance rather than extreme flashiness. As such, it should have a wide appeal to both IPA drinkers and those who find many American IPAs too aggressive.