pFriem West Coast IPA

pFriem West Coast IPA by pFriem Family Brewers ws judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 21A – American IPA.

I am presented with a slightly hop-hazy straw-colored beer with a one-inch head of mixed-size bubbles, with medium-short retention. A first whiff provides fragrant and fresh hops, heavy intensity with red grapefruit, tangerine pith and nectarine characteristics. Medium-low sweet malt supports the hop-forward aroma. My first mouthful is medium citric acidity, medium-high tangerine pith, ripe mango and juicy red grapefruit with assertive hop bitterness. Low cracker and neutral malt support the assertive hoppiness.

The hop aroma loses some of its assertiveness as I continue contemplating it, though it remains fragrant throughout. There are no esters present, which allows the hop character to shine. The flavor finishes quite dry with some lingering hop spiciness. The beer is medium-bodied with medium-high carbonation, somewhat accentuated by the acidity and hop bitterness. No alcohol warmth, astringency or creaminess are present, as expected for this style.

Today’s West Coast IPAs are changing from their roots and dropping the Crystal malt additions, emphasizing hop character with a mostly neutral malt base. This beer is a well-made example of this continually evolving style.