Surly Minor Miracle Hoppy Ale

Surly Minor Miracle Hoppy Ale. 5.5 % ABV. IBU: low.
Surly Brewing, Twin Cities, MN.
"Citrusy. Miraculous. Crisp."

This one came from the Hop Pack, which I purchased recently. 3 cans of Furious, 3 Yummi Bear, 3 of another new one that will be reviewed soon, and this guy. I've had and like half, and the others seem fine. Can't miss, win/win...sort of...we'll see...

Clear, bright golden, slim, softly settling white head.

In the nose: Highly hoppy, yet soft and smooth. Tropical tones and citrus notes. Orange and lemon, pineapple and papaya.

In the mouth: Nicely hopped, initial bitterness fades quick, with juicy malt rushing in. Sweet turns to dry, while bitterness lays on the palate. Light bodied. Easy enough drinker, hoppy enough. Citrus and tropical fruit flavors play on the tongue.

Minor for the low bitterness and light body, miracle for....? Unfortunately, it's just not terribly special. Missing something short of a miracle. Why is it labeled as "hoppy ale"? They don't want to call it a pale ale? It's not hoppy enough to be an IPA? Not sure what the thinking is, here.

I like this just fine, but can't get too excited about it. It'll do.

BREWED FOR THE IMPROBABLE AND UNEXPECTED, BUT NOT THAT IMPROBABLE AND UNEXPECTED

These days, making a light hoppy ale that still packs a big hop punch is minor miracle, but that’s exactly what we’ve done. It’s light-bodied, with bright, citrusy hop flavor of orange peel and papaya.

HOPPY ALE
COLOR
Golden

HOPS
Warrior (bittering)
El Dorado
Centennial
Cascade (dry hop)
MALT
Two Row
Munich 1
Acidulated Malt
Dingeman Aromatic
OG
YEAST
English Ale
IBU
Low
ABV
5.5%

SURLY MN USA