Judge’s Review: 92 Rating – Tiki Like a Fox by New Realm Brewing

Hazy IPA | Year-Round | Virginia | USA

By Dan Preston

Judges Rating: 92
Aroma: 20/24
Appearance: 6/6
Flavor: 36/40
Mouthfeel: 10/10
Overall Impression: 18/20

Tiki Like a Fox by New Realm Brewing is a hazy IPA that would fall into BJCP 2021 category 21C Hazy IPA, but addition of natural flavors (tropical fruit?) pushes it into 29A, Fruit Beer, per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.

This beer pours a very hazy, yellow-ish gold with a big fluffy off-white head that clings to the glass. Although it is cloudy, there are no floaties to detract from it. The fruity aroma gushes forth the second the can is cracked open. It’s very tropical and citrusy with loads of different fruit: orange, pineapple, mango, tangerine, grapefruit and passionfruit, all of which come from the hops and added natural flavors. The flavor is similarly very fruit-forward with a bit of sweetness (lactose?). Creamy & fruity, it is like drinking an orange Julius, tangerine creamsicle or mango lassi with a splash of alcohol. Beyond all of the fruit from the hops & natural additives, there is also some fruity (apricot, cherry) esters, that makes it come together like a canned fruit cocktail. Well behind all the fruit is some light malt and doughy notes, oat bread, but no caramel-like malt. The hops also deliver a moderately light bitterness that leaves a semi-sweet finish, which helps support the high fruity character. This is further embellished by the smooth, moderately light body and seemingly chloride-rich water profile (calcium chloride is a typical water additive for this style as calcium provides nutrients to the yeast and also aids in providing a fuller, sweeter profile). There’s no astringency, alcohol or other offensive characters; it’s enjoyable all around.

This beer is a nice transportation to the tropics in the middle of winter. There is a ton of fruit character, both from the hops and natural flavorings, whatever they may be. Pineapple? Orange? Whatever it is, its quite delicious. It’s really easy-drinking and begs you not to put the glass down too long.