Judge's Review: 88 Rating - Hubert by Melvin Brewing

Hubert by Melvin Brewing is an American Pale Ale and is being evaluated as an American Pale Ale (category 18B in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). American Pale Ales are hop-forward ales (but less so than American IPAs) with enough supporting malt to balance the hops. Hubert is hopped with CTZ, Simcoe and Citra hops.

Hubert pours golden in color with a slight haze and a big, fluffy white head. The aroma is strong tangerine hops with lighter notes of mango and pine; the malt aroma is very light. The flavor is again prominently hoppy with more of a generic citrus flavor with very light malt support. The beer finishes moderately bitter with moderate citrusy hops and a light resiny note.

This is a very hop forward APA that really drinks more like an IPA. The hops are very assertive and the malt is not present at a high enough level to provide balance to the aggressive hopping. Regardless, this is a very well-brewed and enjoyable beer. Cheers!