High Tide Fresh Hop IPA
Hazy gold, topped with a thick, white puff of head. Looks more like a hefeweisen than an IPA, but it sure is pretty. Sheets of lace cling to the glass, leaving a mark with each sip. The aroma is nice and hoppy in a bright, flowery way. The hops certainly dominate, but there's a light malt toastiness and a hint of apple hiding in the back. The flavor opens with a flicker of malt sweetness. Very much pale malt, without anything more than a light toast. Immediately hop driven. The star of this show is obvious. Some soft apple and mango fruitiness, moving quickly into an assertively hopped finish. Very bright hop flavors. Bold, floral and citrusy. Very drinkable. The body is slightly lighter than I expected, fairly medium, with steady, even-handed carbonation. Hoppy, but nicely balanced. The past couple of years have seen several fresh hop brews fill my glass, and I have to say this is one of the best, if not top of the heap.