Hip Check IPA

Hip Check IPA by Boise Brewing Co. was judged as category 21A. This is a classic American IPA style so we should be expecting “a decidedly hoppy and bitter, moderately strong American pale ale, showcasing modern American or New World hop varieties. The balance is hop forward, with a clean fermentation profile, dryish finish, and clean, supporting malt allowing a creative range of hop character to shine through.”

In the glass the beer pours a gold color with very good clarity. The foamy white head is about 1 inch, which is moderate and has very good retention. The hop aroma is mildly earthy, with some background hints of citrus. Not all IPAs have to be piney or citrusy so the earthy character, while not as common, is acceptable. The malt is a bit toasty and sweet with a more dominant caramel aroma than I typically see in an IPA. A little caramel is OK, but this seems a bit overdone. Moving into the flavor I get more of the same from the malt. A moderate caramel character with a background hint of dry toastiness. The bitterness is medium-high, which is good. I do get a bit more complexity in the hops as I get a bit of mango, as well and the citrus and earthy tones. Sadly, it doesn’t seem to work that well in my opinion. The balance between the malt and the hops is good with the hops taking over dominance. A bit sweeter for an IPA which should be on the dry side. The beer is medium-bodied, has a moderate carbonation level, and a lightly creamy feel in the mouth. I think it’s a solid IPA, but the low sweetness and caramel notes detract from the beer a bit.