Kismet

Though I was set on cherishing Kismet by Mother Earth Brew Co. based on its complex and evolving aromas alone, this IPA example (2015 Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) Category 21A)was missing the malt flavor, and its overly attenuated dryness and alcohol characteristics push the beer out of style by focusing too much on hop bitterness.

At first, it smells of moderately strong fresh pineapple juice and sweet bread aromas. On second smelling, the pine resin cuts through the malt and blends well with white flower petal and cracked red pepper hop aromas. This hazy, light amber-colored IPA has a frothy 1″ white head that greets me and leaves lacing up and down the sides of my glass after swirling.

It is surprisingly bitter, resinous, with grapefruit pith hop flavor that dominates and lingers into the crisp, mouthwateringly dry finish. As I wait, the aftertaste shows light vanilla pith and milled whole wheat flour flavors.

Moderate body, slight slickness, and moderate carbonation are not able to reduce the strong bitter flavors that are intensified by the quite dry body and moderate alcohol warmth.