Casual Session IPA

A recent development as far as beer styles go, a Session IPA should contain an ordinary alcohol level while retaining the aggressive hop character of its less sessionable kin. This example has a familiar grassy hop aroma, supported by moderate levels of pine and lemon peel. There is a light caramel malt aroma with berry esters that grow stronger as the beer warms. This clear, dark yellow beer has a moderately high hop flavor that is similar to, but more complex than, the aroma. It is piney and herbal with a low generic fruitiness and even lighter citrus peel. The hop bitterness is moderately high. The flavor rounds out with clean caramel malt flavors before drying and has an aftertaste of piney hops. This beer managed to degas significantly during the gentle pour, resulting in moderately low carbonation that leaves one wishing for higher levels, especially considering its medium-light body. Although this Session IPA may not set the bar, it's a crowd-pleaser that falls nicely into this nascent style.