Bicoastal IPA

Red Hook Bicoastal IPA is an American IPA, and was evaluated as an American IPA (2015 Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) Category 21A) according to BJCP guidelines. For this style, one anticipates prominent New World hop aroma and flavor supported with a minimal amount of malt. Overall, Red Hook Bicoastal IPA is appropriately crisp and refreshing with a modern hop profile. It only misses more complexity and length in the aroma and flavor to be exceptional.

At first the aroma reveals canned pineapple blended with clean pine resin, and supported by white, fresh-milled wheat aroma. Over time, a light whole grain malt character and fresh cut mango emerge. Visually, there is an off-white low creamy head, with some persistent Belgian lacing. The beer is a slightly hazy medium gold color with a continual stream of effervescence rising from the bottom of the glass.

After the first taste, pine resin starts and continues to build. The aftertaste is a blend of mouthwatering pine resin and low supporting all-grain cracker with a slight slate-like minerality. The second taste continues to have bracing hop presence across the back two-thirds of the tongue. It feels clean, refreshing, aggressive but drinkable. Returning to the hops, the mouthfeel is deceptive because the amount of hop resin gives it a weightiness. However, overall the carbonation is smooth but frothy and the body does not come across as heavy, coy, or slick despite its 7.1% ABV.

Overall, a very good IPA that checks many the boxes. The high points include its appropriate-for-the-style crisp dryness, subtle malt, and light alcohol presence. The moderate length, rather than lengthy and complex aroma and flavors are the detractors.