When it comes to Toppling Goliath (Decorah, Iowa) you know you’re in for something special, and their Radiant Haze IPA certainly delivers…mostly. As a hazy IPA lover, this brew ticks a lot of boxes, but it does have a couple of quirks worth noting.
First Impressions
Pouring a deep, golden-yellow color with that classic hazy appearance, Radiant Haze immediately catches your eye. The head is a fluffy white with good retention, and as it dissipates, you’re left with some nice lacing. This beer looks as inviting as a sunny afternoon.
Aromas
The nose is really where this beer shines. From the first whiff, you’re hit with a tropical fruit explosion…think ripe mango, passion fruit, and a hint of pineapple. There’s a touch of citrus zest, too, with a slight grassy, herbal undertone that rounds it out. It smells like a summer vacation in a glass!
Tasting Notes
On the palate, Radiant Haze is just as juicy as the aromas promised. You get those same tropical fruit vibes. Mango and pineapple come through strongly, with a sweet orange or tangerine note that follows. It’s super smooth, with a soft, almost creamy mouthfeel that makes it dangerously drinkable. The bitterness is present but subtle, allowing the fruity sweetness to really shine. If you’re not a fan of overly bitter IPAs, this one will definitely be up your alley.
That said, the sweetness might be a bit too much for some. By the end of the pint, I found myself wanting just a touch more bitterness to balance things out. It’s not cloying, but it could benefit from a bit more of a hop bite to keep things lively.
Body & Finish
Medium-bodied with a soft carbonation, Radiant Haze feels almost pillowy on the tongue, which is a huge plus for a hazy IPA. However, the finish is where I had my one real gripe. It’s a little short and slightly sticky, leaving a bit of that residual sweetness on the palate. A longer, crisper finish would’ve made this even more refreshing.
Overall Rating
- Appearance: 9/10 – Beautiful hazy golden pour with solid head retention.
- Aroma: 10/10 – The tropical fruit notes are absolutely delightful.
- Taste: 8/10 – Juicy and smooth, but could use a bit more bitterness for balance.
- Mouthfeel: 9/10 – Creamy and soft, a joy to sip.
- Overall: 8.5/10 – A fantastic hazy IPA for fruit-forward beer lovers, though it may be a tad too sweet for some.
Final Thoughts
Radiant Haze IPA is a delicious, easy-drinking hazy that’s perfect for kicking back with friends or enjoying on a sunny day. The tropical flavors are bold, and the mouthfeel is incredibly smooth, making it an enjoyable sip from start to finish. While it might leave some hopheads wishing for a little more bitterness, it’s still a great pick for anyone looking to enjoy the juicy side of IPA life. Would I grab another can? Absolutely, but I might be craving something a bit hoppier afterward!
If you’ve tried Toppling Goliath’s Radiant Haze IPA, let us know what you thought about it in the comments below.
Leave a Reply