Reuben's Crush Series: Crush Cancer by Reuben's Brews was judged against BJCP category 21B, Specialty IPA – New England IPA – though the style is still not recognized by the BJCP. No matter, we know basically what to expect: deeply complex hop character from new hop breeds in a juicy and creamy package with high, bordering on extreme, hop flavors with subdued bitterness.

I am served the beer in a soft out/in tapered and shouldered pint glass at 43^o F. The beer pours a milky yellow with a big creamy foam of fine mousse-like bubbles with an excellent foam stand. It certainly looks the part. The nose is slightly sweet and very fruity, with notes of mango, banana, fresh orange juice and a light pitch-resin back. There is actually quite a bit of light biscuit malt character mixing in with some creamy notes possibly from lactose. It has a distinct orange creamsicle/Orange Julius note that is pleasant and inviting.

The flavor is very fruity up front with a very noticeable but not dominating bitterness in the middle, mingling with melon, mango and pine notes above a light base-malt sweetness and an evident dose of ethanol. The body is medium-full, creamy in texture, and lacks any evident astringency. The finish lingers juicy like the best examples with strong yet sweet and complex fruity hop notes lasting through the dry finish. While there is a nice malt structure and residual sweetness mixing with the hop-juicy character, the lingering bitterness provides balance and counterpoint.

Overall, the beer hits all the marks I look for in a hazy IPA, where the freshness and bright fruit notes shine but are not dancing solo. I really like this beer, and if you like the style, I am sure you will too.