Judge’s Review: 87 Rating – Sweet Leaf IPA by Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

American IPA | Seasonal | United States

By Randy Scorby

Judges Rating: 87
Aroma: 20
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 36
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 16

Sweet Leaf IPA by Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is being evaluated as an American IPA (Category 21A) from the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.
Sweet Leaf IPA pours light amber with a touch of haze that is appropriate in an American IPA and a fine, white head that persists throughout. The aroma presents as muddled tropical and citrus fruit with a light floral alcohol behind the hops. The malt character is a combination of cookie dough and shortbread with an impression of sweetness. As the beer warms and vents, the overall hop aroma shifts to a more perfumy scent. The flavor follows the aroma with muddled tropical fruit and grapefruit pith hoppiness with light floral alcohol. Medium-high hop bitterness develops mid-palate and turns a little harsh in the medium-dry finish and lingers. Cookie dough maltiness emerges in the finish. There is a light and smooth alcohol warming that is well integrated into the overall character of the beer.
This beer presents as an IPA that has aged a little past its prime, evidenced by the muddled hop aroma and flavor and harshness to the hop bitterness. Fresh and bright hop character would really make this beer pop.