CrossBones

Session IPA is a relatively new style that is arguably still finding its way among brewers. I look for certain qualities in a good session IPA: drinkability, lower alcohol content, and assertive hop flavor and bitterness. This example pours clear and bright with a beautiful orange glow and a fluffy off-white head.  Somewhat earthy hops mixed with citrus are up front in the aroma followed by biscuity malt. The bitterness level is high relative to the lower gravity of this ale, but the flavors are surprisingly balanced between citrusy hops and an almost English IPA-style malt character of bread crusts and saltine crackers with a dry finish. This is a fairly bitter, highly quaffable, well-crafted session IPA that, were it not for the characteristically American hop flavor, might even be confused for an English example of the style given its quite malty (but not sweet) flavor profile and relatively reserved hop aroma and flavor.