Judge’s Review: 93 Rating – Unicorn Girls by Bradley Brew Project

American Pale Ale | Year-Round | USA

By Dan Martich

Judges Rating: 93.00
Aroma: 22.00
Appearance: 5.00
Flavor: 40.00
Mouthfeel: 8.00
Overall Impression: 18.00

Unicorn Girls by Bradley Brew Project is being evaluated as an American Pale Ale (Category 18B) according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.
The nose presents moderately high aromas of passion fruit, tangerine, and orange peel, supported by a subtle low pine note. High fruity esters are evident, harmonizing with the expressive ale yeast and a significant hop presence.
This beer pours a vibrant golden hue with a thick, rocky white head that demonstrates excellent retention. While the clarity is characteristically hazy, active carbonation is visible through numerous fine bubbles rising steadily, suggesting a refined viscosity.
The palate is led by assertive hop flavors of passion fruit and tangerine, mirroring the aromatic profile. The malt backbone remains neutral with a touch of sweetness, providing a balanced foundation for a firm hop bitterness. This leads into a persistent, citrus-forward finish that remains clean and crisp.
The beer is medium-full bodied with moderately high carbonation. Despite the aggressive hopping, there is no detectable astringency, resulting in a smooth and pleasant mouthfeel.
This is an expertly crafted, hop-forward American Pale Ale that leans into a modern, tropical profile while maintaining superb drinkability. It successfully bridges the gap between a standard pale ale and a larger IPA; while the hop intensity suggests a more substantial beer, it remains light on the palate with no alcoholic bite. The balance of juicy fruit notes and a dry, refreshing finish makes it an exemplary version of the style.