Upslope’s West Coast Style IPA is a solid brew for anyone looking to dive into classic, hop-forward flavors with a crisp, refreshing finish. Right off the bat, the pour is inviting—a golden amber color with a nice, foamy head that sticks around for a bit. The aroma hits you with a burst of citrus, pine, and a bit of floral goodness, giving you a clear indication of what’s to come.
Tasting Notes:
On the first sip, the hops are definitely in the spotlight. You’ll notice bold citrus flavors—think grapefruit and orange peel—paired with a piney resin that really gives this IPA that quintessential West Coast character. There’s a bit of tropical fruit in the background, like a subtle hint of mango, which adds a nice complexity. The bitterness is firm but not overwhelming, with a clean finish that doesn’t linger too long.
The malt backbone is subtle but well-balanced, providing just enough sweetness to counteract the bitterness. This makes the beer more approachable and drinkable than some of the harsher IPAs out there. It’s a medium-bodied beer, with a mouthfeel that’s smooth and slightly dry, making it a great choice for those who want something refreshing without being too heavy.
Ratings:
- Hoppiness: 8/10 – Bold, but not overbearing. The hops bring the right amount of bitterness with great citrus and pine notes.
- Malt Balance: 7/10 – The malt is there to do its job, but it’s not the star of the show, which is expected in a West Coast IPA.
- Drinkability: 8/10 – Crisp and clean, it’s an easy-drinking IPA that doesn’t fatigue your palate.
- Appearance: 9/10 – Beautiful amber pour with a solid, lasting head. Looks fantastic in the glass.
- Overall: 8/10 – A solid, well-crafted West Coast IPA that hits all the right notes.
Positives:
- Hop character: If you’re a fan of that piney, resinous West Coast vibe, this beer nails it. The balance between citrus and pine is spot-on.
- Crisp finish: The clean, dry finish makes this an easy IPA to enjoy, even for extended drinking sessions.
- Balanced bitterness: While it’s hoppy, it doesn’t go overboard, making it approachable for IPA newcomers.
Negatives:
- A bit predictable: It sticks close to the traditional West Coast IPA formula, so if you’re looking for something truly innovative or unique, this might not blow you away.
- Might lack complexity: While it’s well-balanced, some may find the malt profile a little too subdued, which can make the beer feel one-dimensional compared to more complex IPAs.
Overall, Upslope’s West Coast Style IPA is a refreshing, hop-forward beer that will please fans of the style. It’s a well-executed brew, though it might not push the envelope much beyond the classic West Coast IPA blueprint. Perfect for when you want something reliable and delicious without a lot of frills.
If you’ve had an Upslope West Coast Style IPA, please let us know you’re thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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