Citrus IPA by Garage Brewing Co. is a Fruited IPA and is being evaluated as a Fruit Beer (2015 BJCP Category 29A) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect the fruit to add character to the base beer, but not overwhelm it. For an American IPA expect a hoppy and bitter beer with balanced malt character. These are bolder than American Pale Ales and present a hop-forward balance, a clean fermentation profile and a dry finish. The malt, while present and balancing, allows the myriad hop varieties and their diverse character to shine through.
Initial aroma is freshly squeezed, high acidity tangerines and oranges with some citrus oil character, light cracker and biscuit malt. Pours clear golden orange with a large, frothy off-white frothy head, long retention with light lacing. Flavor is moderate citric acidity, orange and tangerines with light pithy notes, light cracker and biscuit malt, clean fermentation and a dry finish. Medium body, medium-high carbonation, light astringency from the citrus pith and light alcohol warmth.
Further investigation yields light floral hop aromas and a lightly fruity ester character that closely mimics the fresh citrus juice. Freshly squeezed citrus provides volatile citric oils that deliver an acidic tingle to the palate.