Judge’s Review: 95 Rating – Surf Wax by Burial Beer Co.

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By Michael Bury

Judges Rating: 95
Aroma: 23
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 19

Surf Wax by Burial Beer Co., which is being evaluated as an American IPA (2021 BJCP Guidelines, Category 21A), pours an opaque amber color with a significant ivory head that persists for a length of time.
Initial aroma opens with a massive amount of citrus, herbal hops (melon, grapefruit, resin, lemon, hint of vanilla). Restrained grainy malt with a hint of wheat provides support. This beer is also cleanly fermented with no off-flavors, sulfur or noticeable alcohol.
The intense hop persona of the beer continues into the flavor with dominating lemon-lime, melon and papaya hop flavor. The beer is balanced with moderate hop bitterness countering the grainy, wheat malt flavor. Alongside a quality fermentation with proper attenuation, the beer finishes semi-dry with just a hint of fruity sweetness from the hops, which ultimately lingers well into the aftertaste.
Overall, Surf Wax is a really solid offering that is likely to appease many a beer drinker. It probably lies somewhere in between an American IPA and a hazy IPA while leaning heavily towards the latter but with nods to the former. Regardless of style, a solidly made brew that I’d be happy with having in my refrigerator.