I recently cracked open a New Belgium Tropic Force IPA, and let me just say, it was a tropical ride! If you’re into bold, fruity IPAs, this one should definitely be on your radar. Let’s dive into the details.
First Impressions:
Right off the bat, the pour is a beautiful hazy golden color with a nice frothy head. The aroma is really inviting, bursting with tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and maybe a hint of guava. It’s got that “juicy” vibe a lot of hazy IPAs aim for, and Tropic Force totally nails it in the aroma department.
Tasting Notes:
As for the taste, it’s like a tropical fruit smoothie with a kick. The pineapple and mango dominate, but there’s also a bit of citrus (think grapefruit zest) coming through, which adds a nice tangy bite. There’s a good balance between the sweet, juicy fruit flavors and the hoppy bitterness. It’s definitely more on the fruity side than the bitter, which makes it a super smooth drinker.
The body is medium, and it finishes pretty clean without too much lingering bitterness. I noticed a mild resinous pine note in the aftertaste, which brings some complexity, though it might catch you off guard if you’re expecting just a full-on fruit bomb. The ABV (7%) is well hidden…this beer is dangerously easy to drink!
Positives:
- Tropical Explosion: The name “Tropic Force” is well-earned. You’re getting a full blast of tropical flavors that’s perfect for summer or when you’re craving some sunshine in a glass.
- Well-Balanced: Even with all that fruitiness, the hops keep it from getting overly sweet or cloying. The bitterness is there but dialed down, making it approachable for IPA fans and newer drinkers alike.
- Easy to Drink: At 7%, it’s just strong enough to feel satisfying, but it’s not overwhelming. This could easily be a go-to beer for a casual hangout or BBQ.
Negatives:
- Lacks Sharp Bitterness: If you’re someone who likes their IPAs with a hefty hop punch or more bitterness, Tropic Force might fall a bit flat. It’s definitely more on the juicy side, and that piney bitterness doesn’t really stick around long enough for hopheads who crave a bitter finish.
- Sweetness Could Be a Turnoff: Some might find the sweetness a little too prominent, especially if they’re not into the hazy/juicy IPA trend. That said, it’s not syrupy or anything, but it leans more toward fruity sweetness than hoppy bite.
Rating:
- Appearance: 9/10 – Gorgeous hazy golden color and nice head retention.
- Aroma: 9/10 – Bold, tropical, and inviting. Almost like a fresh fruit market in a glass.
- Flavor: 8.5/10 – Super juicy with enough hop balance to keep things interesting.
- Mouthfeel: 8/10 – Medium body, smooth and easy-drinking, though could use a bit more bitterness for my taste.
- Overall: 8.5/10 – A great example of a tropical, hazy IPA that’s sure to please most craft beer lovers.
Final Thoughts: New Belgium Tropic Force IPA is a great beer for those who love fruity, juicy IPAs without an overpowering bitterness. It’s a tropical getaway in a glass, and while it might be too sweet for some die-hard hop enthusiasts, it’s a super enjoyable, easy-drinking IPA that would shine at any summer gathering. I’ll definitely be grabbing this one again!
If you’ve had a VooDoo Ranger Tropic Force IPA, please let us know what you thought about it in the comments below.
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