Judge's Review: 90 Rating - Truth by Rhinegeist Brewery

Truth by Rhinegeist Brewery is being judged as an American IPA (21A) according to the BJCP's 2015 style guidelines.

The aroma of this beer is truly remarkable. I was struck by the smell of honey (with a low sweetness), pine, apricot, black pepper and orange rind with low levels of tangerine and perhaps peach. There was substantial complexity without the aroma becoming "heavy." 

The appearance was appropriate for the style: a deep yellow pour with a white head with moderate retention. There was a slight haze, as is sometimes possible with this style. There were oodles of small bubbles evident in the beer, making it glimmer in the sun.

Once again, the hop complexity dominated this beer. Bubble gum, black pepper, pine, and resin were all featured. This was supported by a solid malt backbone, with few distinct malt-related flavors. Any slight sweetness that struck me in the aroma was not present in the flavor. The hop bitterness was moderate-to-high, but was in balance with the rest of the beer -- in other words, this is not a bitterness bomb.

The beer itself is relatively mouth-filling, not necessarily due to malts or alcohol, but rather due to the carbonation level, which was quite high. There was no astringency, and no other off-feelings.

Overall, this beer was remarkably complex, well-balanced and a pleasant drink.