95 Rating: AmIRite?! by Springdale Beer

AmIRite?! is an American IPA being judged in the Specialty IPA category (2015 BJCP Category 21B) as a New England-style IPA. A bouquet of hops, featuring elements of hibiscus soaked in grapefruit juice, jumps out of the glass. There is a small element of the aroma that is reminiscent of crushed dry-wall and chalk. This aroma is almost completely dominated by the hop profile but is never pungent – very pleasing with subtle undertones of honeydew melon, papaya and grapefruit pith. This is an attractive blonde color that is oddly clear for the style. A small fluffy white head sits atop the brilliantly clear beer and diminishes slowly.

The flavor is surprisingly subtle overall. An appropriate level of medium-low bitterness, putting more emphasis on hop flavor and aroma. The hop flavor is a bit subdued but matches the aroma perfectly. The malt isn’t highly perceptible but has a slightly toasty background that stays out of the spotlight and lets the hops do the talking. Medium body and carbonation. There is zero hop -derived astringency and a slight creaminess aids in the drinkability of this hop-laden IPA. It should come as no surprise that the best examples of this style are coming out of New England – Springdale/Jack’s Abby Brewing are flying under the radar in comparison to some of their northeast neighbors, but they consistently make world-class lagers and ales.