Judge's Review: 89 Rating - Truck Chaser Strawberry Eclair by Wild Leap Brew Co.

Truck Chaser Strawberry Éclair by Wild Leap Brew Co. is a fruited New England IPA and is being evaluated as a Fruit Beer (category 29 in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The fruit in Fruit Beers should complement the base style without overwhelming it. New England IPAs are known for their juicy/tropical fruit/citrusy hop-forward character, hazy appearance and lighter-than-typical American IPA bitterness. Truck Chaser combines the flavors of a strawberry éclair (strawberries, vanilla, and lactose) with a big, juicy IPA measuring in at 8.1% ABV.

Truck Chaser pours golden in color, is very hazy and has a small, finely beaded off-white head. The aroma is moderately strong citrusy and resiny hops with hints of strawberry fruit and nondescript malt. The flavor is similarly prominent resiny hops with lighter tangerine hop flavors. The beer finishes lightly bitter with a light sweetness and plenty of resiny hops. A light strawberry flavor comes out late in the finish.

Truck Chaser Strawberry Éclair is a solid strong New England-style IPA with plenty of resiny and citrusy hops. But, the strawberry is subdued and the vanilla is absent. Hop heads will love this beer and those seeking out more fruit may be disappointed. Hop heads rejoice!