Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland, OH
American-style IPA, 7.5% ABV
Named for an American hero of the War of 1812, it seems only fitting to follow up my previous review of an English-style IPA with this very American one.
Poured into a pint nonic glass, the beer is a brilliant pale amber with a pale eggshell-colored head that starts out around 1/4" thick and falls to a thin cap. Big, citric hop aroma wafts from the glass with grapefruit, old oranges and a floral note.
Medium body with a fine effervescent carbonation. Starts with a brief moment of caramel malt before a full-on assault of old oranges/orange oil, tangerine, and some grapefruit. Bitterness builds slowly and is quite pleasant. Ends up tasting reminiscent of bitter orange peel. Drying finish with a hint of a crackery note underneath all of those wonderful American hops.
Classic American IPA profile. Big, bold, and satisfying. As the label quotes, "Don't give up the ship!"
