Slow Ride
New Belgium Brewing Co.
Story by:
Steve Alvarez
Session IPA
Year-Round
Colorado
United States
Judges Ratings 88
Aroma: 21 / 24
Flavor: 36 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 9 / 10
Overall Impression: 16 / 20
Description
Kicking back and relaxing with a session beer requires little more than a couch, some free time, and a few pals. SLOW RIDE SESSION IPA is up for this easy-going challenge, starting with a pour of sheened gold and plenty of fluffy, white foam. A blend of eight hop varieties, led by exotic Mosaic and Nelson Sauvin, twist together brilliant tropical scents of melon, peach, lime and grapefruit for a vividly fruity aroma. The flavor mirrors the aroma, while balancing a malty-sweet yet clean start and hoppy bitterness in the back. Light bodied and extra quaffable, this sessionable India Pale Ale brings the finish line to you.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 4.50%
IBUs: 40
Served at: (40° – 50° F)
Hops: Amarillo, Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe, Nelson Sauvin, Nugget, Centennial, Cascade.
Malts: Pale, C-80.
Judges Review
By Pete Garofalo
Judges Ratings 88
Aroma: 21 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 36 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 9 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 16 / 20 / 20
A blast of fruity, resiny hops greets the nose with a cornucopia of tropical fruits: papaya, guava, and pineapple. The citrusy character is also present in the hop-driven aroma. A secondary bouquet of bready malt and a hint of corn-like DMS round out the fragrance. The flavor follows suit, but the fruit types are less defined. Hop flavor is tea-like with lush fruitiness. Malt does not fully support the weighty hops, but manages to keep things at session strength with a light grainy character. The cleanly expressed hops contain a trace of grassy quality. This beer is thirst-quenching and drinkable, offering an antidote for your hop-jonesing without the alcohol and heaviness of a full-strength IPA.
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