Pernicious IPA

“The west is the best,” or so say The Doors. Even if you don’t agree, this beer demonstrates that East Coast breweries are able to make great, west coast-style IPAs despite their geographic location. This beer pours a beautiful golden-yellow with excellent clarity and a persistent, creamy, white head. A very neutral pale or pilsner malt and sugar likely forms the base of this beer as the malt character is almost nonexistent. Notes of grapefruit, pineapple, and muscadines dominate the strong, hoppy aroma with a very low level of toffee in the distant background. The taste follows suit with assertive hop flavors of citrus, tropical fruit, and burnt rubber.  Bitterness is high and the yeast character is clean and hardly noticeable. A dry, bitter finish and light (but not thin) body make this beer dangerously drinkable despite its brawny hop and alcohol content. Hop heads will revel in this one.