Bomb Cyclone by Pontoon Brewing is a white IPA and is being evaluated as a specialty IPA: white IPA (category 21A in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). White IPAs are essentially a cross between an American IPA and a witbier. White IPAs have a lighter color, lighter body, and spicy characteristics from Belgian yeast varieties and/or added spices (such as coriander or orange peel). Bomb Cyclone was brewed with Belma and Strata hops.

Bomb Cyclone pours light golden in color with a moderate haze and a finely beaded, clingy white head. The aroma is moderate hops of tropical fruit, citrus and melon over a hint of malt. The flavor is moderate mangos and melons hops over a hint of malt. The finish is lightly bitter with lingering citrusy hops.

Bomb Cyclone is a very pleasant IPA. While lighter in color than a typical American IPA, this example of a white IPA lacks Belgian yeast character and witbier spicing. Perhaps this beer is better described as a New England-style IPA due to the new world hop varieties, hazy appearance and low bitterness (25 IBUs). Hop heads, seek this very good IPA out!