New Belgium Hop Kitchen #5: RyePA India Pale Ale, Alc 7.5% by Vol.
I am warming up to the new graphic style of NB's labels, and this is a charming illustration, but what is the story? A mustachioed frog pilot in a hop costume? Sure, okay.Appearance: hazy crimson hue, with a full creamy head. Looks great.
Aroma: ah, lovely tropical fruit hop notes. Something says "mosaic" about this one, with rye character just a bit behind.
Taste: hops bite hard right away, a good citric snap, staying long on the palate. Once the hops bitterness has made it's presence, the malt comes forward and lays out it's peppery, spicy rye malt character. The heat and the hops make a great combination, and medium body fills the mouth just right. It's good beer, and you can drink it. juuust right.
Historically, I find myself hating the gobbledygook on the New Belgium labels. I'm going to suffer through another one, nonetheless. "Gobs of Riverbend Malt House's rye, paired with heaps of Simcoe, Galaxy, Cascade, and Mosaic hops, make one one great RYE IPA. Expect some nice spicy notes and aromas to take flight."
Okay, a pun put into place, but still no word on why the pilot frog in hop drag. Well, why not?
No comments:
Post a Comment