Planet Juice by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a Specialty IPA (Category 21B) from the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.
This hazy IPA pours a cloudy gold, with a fine, white head that lingers throughout. The aroma features a prominent mixed tropical fruit hop aroma with a focus on pineapple and light citrus developing as it warms. A light cookie dough-like malt character emerges behind the hops and gives an impression of sweetness to the aroma. The hop aroma remains in the forefront all throughout the glass.
The flavor also has a prominent mixed fruit character, but it shifts a little more toward fresh citrus with a light, ripe pineapple and a bit of mango in the background. Light bready, doughy maltiness emerges mid-palate along with medium hop bitterness that grows slightly but remains smooth. Moderate residual sweetness in the middle fades into a lightly sweet finish. This is a medium-bodied beer with moderate carbonation, and a pleasant, lightly creamy mouthfeel.
This beer certainly lives up to being a juicy, hazy IPA. The hop character is fruity and bold, and keeps your attention as you reach for another can. This is one that should be on everyone's summertime enjoyment list.
