Man Juice Mandarin IPA from Knee Deep Brewing is being evaluated as a Fruit Beer (Category 29A) from the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.
This IPA pours a light gold color with brilliant clarity that is quite inviting. The white head leaves a thick stand of fine bubbles on the beer that persists as you enjoy it.
Prominent and fresh mandarin orange greets the drinker and then fades down a bit to allow a mixed tropical and citrus hop character to emerge. A light swirl will kick up the orange aroma again. A light touch of bready malt makes an appearance as the beer warms and vents. The flavor follows with moderately strong orange that leads to primarily tropical fruit hop character of pineapple and mango, with a light hit of grapefruit following. Prominent hop bitterness makes a fast appearance and lingers through a light residual sweetness into a dry finish. A light bready malt emerges late as the fruitiness settles down. The hop bitterness is assertive but remains smooth throughout.
This is a well-brewed American IPA with the mandarin oranges enhancing the tropical fruit and citrus hop character. Enjoy this one fresh!