Judge's Review: 91 Rating - Mosaic Single Hop Pale by pFriem Family Brewers

Despite being billed as a Pale Ale, Mosaic Single Hop Pale by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as BJCP Category 21A, American IPA. Served at 44^oF. The style was determined by my assistant based on by the beer's specification sheet. Specifically, the strong hop description coupled with strength well into the 6+ percent ABV range dictated the classification. 

The beer comes to me in a half-pint (Imperial) shouldered nonic glass: light in color at light to medium gold (~4-5 SRM) with a distinct haze; a one-inch foam head exhibits good stand, and the beer is well-conditioned. The foam leaves a nice lacing on the sides of the glass, that in combination with the stand indicates good protein-polyphenol complexes that are likely also evident in the body and mouthfeel of the beer.

The aroma is pungent with orange citrus, some apricot-and catty-dank notes, but most prominently a strongly sweet pineapple character from new-world, new-breed hops that have become trademarks in many west-coast, dry-hopped examples of the style. What makes this beer a little different in the nose is that the strong dry-hop character actually gives the beer a very sweet and fruity character that seems to blanch out what little cracker malt is evident. It is very bright and inviting but difficult to assess the malt backbone, especially when served as cold as this has come to my table.

The flavor is bright and bursting with hop fruitiness in the front: again citrus (grapefruit) apricot/mango, and very strong pineapple dominate, with bitterness in the mid-palate that is firm but in no way overbearing or dominant (and noticeably lower than common standards). Malt character is reserved but still offers nice malt structure and some sweetness and cracker flavors, which take advantage of the relatively low bitterness levels. Virtually no caramel/toffee flavors found. The late palate is strongly fruity and has a nice mineral character that lends a dry finish to counteract the relatively sweet pineapple/fruit flavor from late kettle and dry-hop additions. Body is medium, and there is some slight astringency, but it is not off-putting as the beer overall is quite refreshing and drinkable. 

This is a nice, fruit-forward modern American IPA of relatively reserved bitterness, highlighting the classic new breeds of American aroma hops that have strong tropical fruit and modest dank profiles. The beer would pair equally well with neo-classic street tacos of al pastor or lengua, cutting through both fat and heat with precision. Well done.