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Pineapple Super Diesel by Area Two Experimental Brewing is being evaluated under the 2015 BJCP Guidelines in the category of 30A: spice, herb, or vegetable beer, with a base of a New England IPA, due to the inclusion of hemp hearts.
It poured the murky appearance of orange juice with a similar color. The lasting light amber head of finely textured bubbles is appropriate for the style. But even before I could get my nose to the glass, I could smell the delicious dankness. Surprisingly enough, it wasn't overpowering. The moderate pineapple, low kiwi and sweet mandarin orange also came through. Lower levels of pine, resin and wheat-like malt provided intrigue. It goes without saying, but no faults were perceived.
The flavor really follows the nose with a balanced presentation of the hemp, dank, resiny quality of the special ingredients and the hops with the sweeter citrus-based notes like pineapple, mandarin orange and grapefruit. The finish is a bit on the sweet side even for a NEIPA however. Malt is mainly supportive with restrained wheat, grainy, cereal alongside hints of honey and light caramel. Medium-plus carbonation helps to elevate the moderate body and creamy mouthfeel to aid in drinkability.
Overall, Pineapple Super Diesel is quite a tasty treat. Although it's a bit on the sweet side, which is my only critique, I easily finished the pint. It's that sweetness that tugs at our basic biology to consume and the brewers at Two Roads hit that spot perfectly. I'd recommend it for the late winter or early spring in colder climes when you need that little bit of a pick-me-up from the winter doldrums.