Apex Predator

Apex Predator by Ghost Hawk Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a Hazy IPA (Category 21C) per the 2021 BJCP Style guidelines.

Big hop notes of pine salute the olfactory receptors. There’s also sweet pineapple juice and more pine aromas that end with a woodsy character. Hold on, there’s more… sweet gummy candies and light coconut aromas also developed upon swirling the glass. And as the beer warmed, a light green tea and mint was found in the background. These hop characteristics showcase the rich variety of hops in today’s marketplace.

The beer is straw-colored and hazy with a big fluffy white head that stood tall. Many bubbles are seen rising to the surface upon tilting the glass, suggesting a high level of carbonation.

The flavors mirror the aromas above: Pineapple, pine and light coconut with a suggestion of white peach. The malt profile is grainy and neutral, showcasing the very forward tropical fruit notes. A moderately high piney bitterness gives this beer a drying finish with white grapefruit notes intermingling.

Medium bodied and a high carbonation helps to dry this beer out, and it is absent of harsh hop notes or warming alcoholic booziness.

This is a delicious beer with fruity tropical notes and one that is very drinkable. The pineapple and coconut flavors pair very well together along with the piney tropical fruit and woodsy character.