Judge’s Review: 94 Rating – Castillo Classic IPA by Alaro Craft Brewery

English IPA | Year-Round | USA

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 94.00
Aroma: 22.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 38.00
Mouthfeel: 10.00
Overall Impression: 18.00

Castillo Classic IPA by Alaro Craft Brewery is an American IPA and is being evaluated as an Historical Beer (Category 27 from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines).  American IPAs are hop-forward beers typically expressing American or New World hop characters that are most typically citrusy, piney, or resiny in character. The American IPA has evolved since the 19th century Ballentine’s IPA or even the relatively newer revival of the style of Anchor Liberty from 50 years ago. This style has seen variations including West Coast, Imperial/Double, Belgian, Session, Black, and Hazy, among others. 

For a “historical” American IPA (since there is NOT an official sub-category for this in category 27), we are looking for a little more caramel malt than most current IPAs, a balance that is not extremely hop-forward, the use of “C hops” (such as Cascade and Centennial), and mid-range bitterness.
Castillo Classic IPA pours copper in color in color, is crystal clear, and has a small white head. The aroma is an even blend of moderate citrusy, resiny, and piney hops with light caramel malt and no esters. The flavor is moderate piney and resiny hops with lighter citrusy notes over moderate-light caramel and nutty malt. The beer finishes moderately bitter with moderate piney and resiny hops and moderate-light caramel malt. 
Castillo Classic IPA has won many awards in its existence. The experience of finally trying this beer does not disappoint. I would have liked to see the hop flavors a little more citrusy (than resiny or piney) based on my records of IPAs back over 30 years ago. But, regardless, this IPA hits the marks that were objectively set before judging the beer as a Historical style. Definitely seek this beer out; hopheads will not be disappointed. Cheers!