Judge's Review: 94 Rating - Looking Glass by Starr Hill Brewery

Starr Hill Looking Glass IPA was judged as an American IPA, BJCP Style Category 21A. Fresh grapefruit with some pine resin, a little pineapple and a touch of mango are apparent upfront in the aroma. Very subtle grainy malt lurks beneath the hops. Clean fermentation, a yellow-gold color with some hop haze and a big, creamy off-white head that holds up to the last sip are all present. The flavor backs up the aroma providing a nice grapefruit, a little pith and some pine resin joining the party all at moderately high levels. Spicy hops come in mid-palate. High level bitterness dominates the balance as one should expect in an American IPA but is never harsh or abrasive. Pineapple appears in the dry finish, which is assisted by some grainy malt. You know more malt is present rounding off the bitterness but makes itself known more in the mouthfeel than any sweetness. Pine resin lingers into the aftertaste. Medium body with moderate carbonation. Smooth with a little mouth-coating sticky hops, this is a solid example of an American IPA – this beer is all about those hops. Predominantly citrus-focused with enough resin, mango and pineapple to keep it interesting. Really nice job providing some serious hop bitterness without the harsh edge. The refreshing citrus and dry finish leaves you thirsty for more.