Judge's Review: 84 Rating - Hop Science by Baxter Brewing Co.

Hop Science by Baxter Brewing Co. is an IPA, but of the New England style so it will be judged under BJCP 2015 category 21B as Specialty IPA. This beer pours a deep straw color with a nearly opaque level of haze as well as a bright white head that clings to the glass. The aroma is a citrusy blend of hops - tangerine, orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, mango - as well as some lemongrass and floral notes. Beyond the hops is some light fruity esters (pear) and bread-like wheaty malt. The flavor is hop forward as well, keeping with the citrus tone (orange, grapefruit, lemon) and more floral notes, and a med-high bitterness that lingers. It has a light, grainy 2row like malt as well as some bready wheat notes. The body is med-light, with a med-high carbonation and slight astringency in the finish along with the lingering bitterness.

The beer comes off as a blend of standard American IPA and the New England sub-style. It’s moderately hoppy with a fruity nature, but it lacks the juiciness and it’s more bitter than the typical New England IPA. The higher bitterness, plus some astringency, also keep away the usual pillowy mouthfeel, for a more standard one. Certainly nothing wrong with that, I was just expecting a more hop-packed brew based on the description.