Sparkling IPA

Sparkling IPA by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as an American IPA (21A). Malt and hops dominate the aroma with a nice balance and overall character. The malt aroma is very clean with no caramel or dark malt character. The hops are slightly pungent, earthy and herbal. The color is quite light in color (straw) and a little more pale than expected for the style. A steady release of fine carbonation produces a fluffy and persistent white head on the surface of the beer. The flavor is hop-forward with a sweet malt balance in the finish. The hops are very much as they smelled: herbal, earthy and slightly pungent/resinous with significant hop flavor in addition to the supporting bitterness. The ferment is very clean with no off-flavors from the yeast or anything else. The malts produce a measure of residual sweetness that lingers. The mouthfeel is creamy as a result of the carbonation and malt presence. This provides an impression of fullness that is probably more than the actual body of the beer. Some alcoholic warmth pushes through in the finish as well. Overall this is a very good beer that slips through the cracks a little as an IPA: a little light in color and a little sweet in the finish. Nonetheless, it is very enjoyable to drink and would go well with just about anything that you would choose to pair with it.