Judge's Review: 85 Rating - Nolan The Wanderer by Reformation Brewery

Nolan The Wanderer by Reformation Brewery is a Brut IPA judged as a Specialty IPA (BJCP sub-category 21B). It poured gold and slightly hazy into the glass forming a thin white quickly-dissipating head. The aroma featured a strong citrus hop nose that, like the initial head, waned within moments of pouring.  The flavor began with a fruity-juicy combination of hop bitterness and fleeting flavor with supporting esters from the base (pale) malt and American ale yeast. The mouthfeel likewise did not have any outstanding character – medium body, modest carbonation, no creaminess or alcohol warmth, a mostly dry finish, and only the lingering hop bitterness as a contributor to the slight lasting astringency.  It is unclear whether this beer warrants the adjective Brut, but it is certainly no Brute in the wider market for American IPAs. A drinkable beer, but lacking anything to keep most drinkers coming back for more rather than trying the next tap.