Judge's Review: 92 Rating - Gold IPA by East Brother Beer Co.

Gold IPA by East Brother Beer Co. is an American IPA and is being evaluated as an American IPA (2015 BJCP Category 21A) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect a strong pale ale that is quite hoppy and bitter, largely showcasing American hop varieties. The beer is hop-balanced, clean, and the malt supports and allows the hops to shine.

A huge, complex hop nose greets me, signifying candied mango, green melon, pineapple and sweet oranges. Light and supporting bready malt with a light honey character enters behind the hops providing a great backdrop. The beer pours clear dark copper with a medium, creamy off-white head, long retention with some lacing. The bready and honey malt sweetness combine with the tropical and fruity hop flavor to present a lightly sweet beer that finishes dry with lingering candied fruits (hop-derived). Medium-full body and medium carbonation.

The hop bitterness is medium, partially subdued by the malt sweetness. A light alcohol presence appears but it is not hot or detracting from the underlying beer. Consider pairing this with a rich cheesecake or spicy and fruity Indian/North African dish.