Stand By IPA by Pontoon Brewing is being evaluated as a traditional West Coast style American IPA (2015 BJCP Category 21A). This IPA pours a light amber color with only a minimal amount of haze. It sits beneath a cream-colored, mousse-like head.

The hop-forward nose is fairly intense and features notes of pine, resin, grapefruit and hints of guava and passion fruit, all of which are supported by moderate toasted malt and restrained caramel. A faint whiff of strawberry emerges as it warms.

Like all solid American IPAs should be, the hop bitterness is firm but not abrasive. Definitively hop forward but the solid toasted, caramel backbone provides plenty of support. There’s more berry and papaya in the flavor than the aroma but the pine, resin, and papaya are still present. Cleanly fermented. The lingering, dry finish has that quality of “you need another sip” to it.

Overall, this offering from Pontoon is a solid IPA that could easily be in your regular rotation. With its thirst-quenching ability, this IPA would be a lovely addition to your beer refrigerator in the summer time.