Judge’s Review: 90 Rating – Straight Outta Portland IPA by Migration Brewing Co.

American IPA | Year-Round | USA

By Scott Birdwell

Judges Rating: 90.00
Aroma: 22.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 35.00
Mouthfeel: 10.00
Overall Impression: 17.00

Straight Outta Portland from Migration Brewing is classified as an American IPA (BJCP 2021 Category 21A). It is unquestionably a very nice beer. The beer pours beautifully clear into your glass, deep straw in hue. Head retention is good. This IPA announces its pedigree as soon as you lift the glass to your nose. You are greeted with an abundant wave of floral, citrusy, fruity, juicy hop bouquet: just what you would expect from a true West Coast IPA. No off-aromas in the beer.
Upon tasting the beer, I was somewhat surprised by the initial impact on the palate. It was “malty,” in a word. Not unpleasantly so… not in the least bit cloying. But, not exactly what I was expecting. After the shock of the initial malt bomb impression, the hops made an appearance. And, yes, you could taste those floral, citrusy, juicy, fruity notes promised in the aroma. But unlike many West Coast IPA’s, these hops are not going to trigger the “bitter beer face” from the Keystone Light commercials. They were restrained, to say the least. Not in the least bit wimpy, just not what I was expecting for 7.3% ABV American IPA. Very clean on the palate. All things considered, nice flavor. 
The beer is medium-full bodied with good carbonation and beading, Some warmth from the 7.3% ABV, but doesn’t strike you like “You better sit down to drink this beer!” I found it somewhat creamy for a West Coastie. Clean, with no detectable astringency in the finish. 
Overall, I found the beer to be very enjoyable. I could see having several of these in a sitting. My only real criticism is that this is not truly an American IPA. It’s really more of a strong pale ale than an IPA. It would have scored even higher with more bittering hops or, frankly, just calling it a strong pale ale. Here’s hoping it shows up in my neighborhood!