The 4 Hands Incarnation IPA is a solid example of the Midwest craft beer scene, boasting a respectable 6.5% ABV. It pours a nice, hazy amber color with a thick, frothy head that sticks around long enough to appreciate. You’ll instantly catch a nose full of tropical and citrus aromas—think grapefruit and pineapple—along with some piney notes that hint at the hops to come.
Tasting Notes
Right from the first sip, you’re hit with a bright burst of tropical flavors. The grapefruit and mango upfront give this IPA a refreshing and juicy feel, making it super drinkable. As the beer settles, more earthy, pine-like bitterness comes through, thanks to a solid dose of Mosaic hops. The malt profile is subtle, letting the hops take center stage, but there’s enough sweetness to balance out the bitterness, which helps avoid the overly dry, astringent finish some IPAs can have.
It’s medium-bodied, leaning slightly lighter, with good carbonation that makes each sip feel crisp. The bitterness isn’t overwhelming (about 65 IBUs), but it does linger, which might be a turnoff if you’re not a fan of beers with a strong hop finish.
The Positives
- Aroma: Fantastic—those tropical and citrus aromas set the stage for a tasty experience.
- Flavor Balance: While hop-forward, the malt sweetness evens things out just right.
- Drinkability: At 6.5% ABV, it’s strong but not so overpowering that you can’t enjoy more than one.
The Negatives
- Bitterness: If you’re not big into hops, the lingering bitterness may stick around a little too long for your liking.
- Body: It could feel a bit thin for those who prefer their IPAs with a fuller, richer body.
- Complexity: While tasty, it’s somewhat predictable. You get exactly what you expect from the hop varieties, and it doesn’t stray into any unexpected flavor territory.
Overall Thoughts
4 Hands Incarnation IPA is an easy-drinking, hop-forward IPA that showcases tropical fruit and piney bitterness without overwhelming your palate. It’s perfect for hop lovers who enjoy bold but balanced flavors. If you’re just dipping your toes into IPAs, the bitterness might take some getting used to, but overall, it’s an excellent representation of the style without being too heavy.
Ratings
- Aroma: 9/10
- Flavor: 8.5/10
- Mouthfeel: 7.5/10
- Overall Enjoyment: 8/10
It’s not a groundbreaking beer, but it’s a reliable go-to when you’re craving a solid IPA that ticks all the boxes. Worth grabbing if you see it on tap or in cans!
If you’ve tried 4 Hands Incarnation IPA, give us your thoughts about it in the comments below.