Judge’s Review: 93 Rating – WC-IPA by Old 121 Brewhouse

American IPA | Year-Round | USA

By John C. Tull

Judges Rating: 93.00
Aroma: 23.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 37.00
Mouthfeel: 9.00
Overall Impression: 18.00

This beer is judged as a BJCP American IPA (21A). Bold hop aromas roll out of the glass: fruity, slightly “juicy”, and herbal (kaffir lime leaf). Malt sweetness comes through also with no distracting characteristics from the fermentation process.
This beer has a pale gold color and produces a fine head of light bubbles that cling to the edge of the glass. Plenty of carbonation release is present also. The flavor is boldly hoppy in both bitterness and flavor (fruity, herbal).
The balance between the grains and the hops is good for the style, leaning to hops but not failing to undergird the big hop presence with a healthy amount of clean malt flavor and residual sweetness. Some modest alcohol heat is apparent as well. The herbal hop character lingers into and beyond the finish of the beer. The mouthfeel is medium with substantial carbonation and a little alcohol heat as noted before.
In a crowded field, this is a very enjoyable American IPA that meets the mark for the style and delivers a ton of flavor and enjoyment in the process.