Side Bae Citra Simcoe Double IPA

Side Bae Citra Simcoe Double IPA by Wild Leap Brew Co. is being judged as a Double IPA (Category 22A) per the 2021 BJCP Guidelines, taking into considerations this beer’s NEIPA style elements.

This beer pours a light gold color with opaque hazy clarity. A bone white head of tiny, fine bubbles makes a thin layer on top of the beer, which persists. The aroma consists of a medium-low dank aroma with light notes of pine and subtle general citrus. There is a light doughy aroma with a touch of graininess presenting itself as well. As the beer warms, there is a low topical pineapple aspect with a fleeting hint of vanilla. The flavor consists of a medium-low bitterness quickly followed by a medium-low flavor of dank hops, low pine and low orange peel. There is a low note of doughy, grainy malt flavor. The aftertaste manifests into a low, warming ethyl alcohol, followed by a low malt sweetness and a lingering medium-low grassy flavor. There is a low, pleasant spiciness, which manifests briefly a few seconds after the swallow. This beer has a medium, prickly carbonation with a medium-thin body. Low alcohol warmth and medium-low creaminess are present on the tongue.

Overall, this is a good beer. However, I expected a touch more character in hop flavor, bitterness and alcohol if it was to be described prominently on the label on front of the can as a double IPA. NEIPA is only mentioned in passing on the side of the label.