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Jim Koebel's picture

Hoplanta

Hoplanta

Judges Rating: 
91
Aroma: 
22 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
35 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
10 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

This clear, pale orange IPA is All-American. The aroma is an initial burst of citrus hops, consisting of lemon, orange, mango, and grapefruit. A light piney note emerges as it warms. The fermentation character in both aroma and flavor is very clean and neutral. The malt is similarly clean, but present. The flavor has a moderately high resin, pine, and floral hop character, with much less citrus than the aroma. Hop bitterness is at an equal level and lingers. The resinous hop flavor gives a sweet impression, yet the finish is drying. A satisfying alcohol presence lends both warmth and flavor, and helps to cut the medium body. This beer is quite smooth despite its moderately-high carbonation, which in lesser beers would come off as prickly. Representing a tried-and-true approach in a style that has become more and more experimental, this beer is a textbook example of an American IPA.