Handshake IPA

Slightly dulled, strong, spicy clove and cracked red pepper aromas are noticeable from over a foot away. Up close, I discover slightly dulled cedar resin, black tea leaves, dried pineapple and papaya, flatbread, slight dried red cherry fruitiness and alcohol warmth. The head does not stay around even after swirling the glass, though off-white, fine carbonation does cling to the sides of the glass of this slightly hazy, medium golden-colored beer. At first, flavors of mint jelly and fresh cut wet grass are discerned and then lead into alcohol, green tea leaves, and matcha powder. The finish has a dusty chalkiness that dries out the mouth and teeth. The aftertaste, of very low purple lilac essential oil, builds over time. Clean, cooling and strong hop bitterness with a low pleasing throat- and lip-coating alcohol warmth combine with a medium mouthfeel, but the beer is let down by moderate warming alcohol heat, drying chalkiness, and bitterness. Cleaner aromas and flavors were missing. Still a solid IPA.