King’s Gambit

King’s Gambit by Seven Tribesmen Brewery is a hazy style IPA that falls under BJCP 2021 Category 21C Hazy IPA.

This beer pours a very hazy yellow color with a fluffy off-white head that clings to the glass as it fades to a lasting ring. It’s nearly opaque, like extra pulpy OJ, but some light comes through around the edges. The aroma is all about the hops with a bouquet of citrus and tropical fruit. There, all the zests show up with lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange coming through along with juicy pineapple and papaya. Beyond all the fruit, there is a bit of grass, alcohol, and grainy/wheaty malt.

The flavor tastes just like it smells, but with a sweeter note. Fruit punch. Orange pineapple ice cream. Key lime pie. Limoncello. The notes from the hops are distinctively different from each other and pair really well together. At times the tropical fruit is boldest, at others it’s the citrus led by lemon & lime, but both tropical and citrus are always there. While the hops are definitely bold and at the forefront of this beer, it has a moderately low bitterness, which gives it a sweeter balance and keeps the zippy citrus from building on the bitterness too much. This also leads into a smooth, creamy mouthfeel, but still keeps a moderately light body, despite being a fairly large beer.

Although there is some low warmth to warn you, it drinks so smoothly, you’d never guess that its over 8% ABV. All the refreshing fruit character helps make it truly quaffable, and would love to knock back a few of these on any given Sunday. Or Friday. Or Saturday. Or any day for that matter. If you’re a fan of IPAs, definitely give this one a shot if you have the chance.