Boulevard Brewing, based in Kansas City, Missouri, has a solid reputation for producing innovative, great tasting beers, and their Space Camper series is a prime example. The Juice Nova IPA is one of the standout entries in this line, delivering a bold, fruit-forward experience with a hazy, juicy character.
Appearance – 4.5/5
Juice Nova pours a hazy golden-orange with a frothy, slightly off-white head that sticks around, leaving a nice lacing on the glass. The haze gives it that trendy “New England-style” look, which is always appealing to hazy IPA fans.
Aroma – 4.7/5
Right from the pour, this beer bursts with tropical and citrus notes. You get juicy pineapple, ripe mango, and bright orange zest, along with a hint of dank pine in the background. There’s also a slight sweetness, reminiscent of fresh squeezed fruit juice. The aroma is vibrant and inviting without being overwhelmingly sweet.
Taste – 4.2/5
Juice Nova follows through on its juicy aroma, delivering a smooth, fruit-laden hop punch. The tropical flavors of pineapple, passion fruit, and tangerine are dominant, complemented by subtle stone fruit and melon notes. Despite its juicy character, it’s not overly sweet, There’s a light resinous bitterness that balances things out. The malt backbone is soft and slightly bready, allowing the hops to shine without overshadowing the overall drinkability. The finish is relatively crisp for a hazy IPA, which makes it more refreshing than some of the more cloying, thick bodied versions in the style.
Mouthfeel – 4.0/5
Medium bodied with a smooth, slightly creamy texture, Juice Nova has a pleasant mouthfeel that fits well within the hazy IPA category. The carbonation is moderate, which keeps the beer lively without being too sharp. It’s an easy sipper, though not quite as pillowy soft as some top tier hazy IPAs.
Drinkability – 4.3/5
For a hazy, juicy IPA, Juice Nova is surprisingly drinkable. The moderate bitterness and balanced malt presence make it approachable for both hop lovers and those new to the style. At 9% ABV, it’s on the stronger side, but the alcohol is well hidden. You could easily enjoy a couple of these before it sneaks up on you.
Overall Impression – 4.4/5
Boulevard’s Space Camper Juice Nova IPA is an excellent hazy IPA that brings plenty of tropical juiciness without going overboard on sweetness or heaviness. It has a bright, fruit-forward character with a balanced bitterness that keeps it refreshing. While it may not completely revolutionize the style, it’s a well made beer that deserves attention, especially for fans of hazy and juicy IPAs.
Ratings
- Appearance: 4.5/5 – Hazy and inviting, though not the most visually striking hazy IPA.
- Aroma: 4.7/5 – Bright and fruity, with a pleasant hop presence.
- Flavor: 4.2/5 – Juicy and well-balanced, though not overly complex.
- Mouthfeel: 4/5 – Smooth and creamy, with a satisfying texture.
- Overall: 4.4/5 – A solid, approachable hazy IPA that delivers on its promises.
If you’ve tried Boulevard’s Space Camper Juice Nova, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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