Martin City Brewing(Kansas City, Missouri) Hardway IPA is a solid, well-crafted example of a traditional West Coast-style IPA. It’s got that piney, resinous hop punch you’d expect, with a bit of citrus to round things out. This beer leans toward the classic IPA territory, making it a great choice for hop lovers who enjoy a strong, bitter finish without too much sweetness getting in the way.
First Impressions
Pouring Hardway IPA, you get a nice amber-orange color with a thick, frothy head that sticks around for a while. The clarity is good, and the carbonation gives off some lively bubbles that promise a refreshing sip. Just from the looks, you can tell this is going to be a more traditional IPA, with a bit more bite than the softer, fruitier hazy IPAs that are trending these days.
Aroma
On the nose, Hardway IPA gives you what you’d expect from a classic IPA—pine and resin hit first, followed by some citrus notes like grapefruit and a touch of orange peel. There’s also a light malt sweetness underneath, which gives it a little more depth, but the hops are definitely the star here. It’s bold, piney, and fresh with that West Coast IPA vibe we all love.
Taste
When it comes to flavor, Martin City Hardway doesn’t hold back. The bitterness kicks in right away, with that sharp, piney resin flavor you’d expect from a hop-forward beer. The citrus notes—grapefruit and orange zest—add a nice bright touch, but it’s balanced out by a solid malt backbone that gives the beer a bit of sweetness and keeps the bitterness from being too aggressive.
What I really like about this IPA is that it strikes a great balance between hop bitterness and malt sweetness. You get that bold, bitter bite up front, but it smooths out nicely toward the finish, leaving you with a lingering hop presence that isn’t overwhelming.
Mouthfeel and Finish
The mouthfeel is crisp and medium-bodied, which makes it refreshing without feeling too heavy. It’s got a decent amount of carbonation, giving it a bit of a bite, but the malt keeps it from being too sharp. The finish is dry and bitter, with those piney notes sticking around long after your sip.
Positives
- Bold Hop Character: If you’re a fan of classic West Coast IPAs with a good dose of pine and resin, Hardway IPA will hit the spot. The hop flavors are big and bold, with just the right amount of citrus to keep things interesting.
- Balanced Bitterness: This beer does a great job of balancing its strong hop profile with enough malt sweetness to keep it drinkable. It’s bitter, but not over-the-top.
- Good Drinkability: Even with its bold hop presence, it’s still a pretty drinkable IPA. It’s refreshing and has a nice dry finish that keeps you wanting another sip.
Negatives
- Might Be Too Bitter for Some: If you’re more into hazy IPAs or beers with a softer, juicier profile, Hardway’s bitterness might be a bit much. It leans more into the traditional IPA territory, so if you’re not a fan of that sharp hop bite, this might not be your go-to.
- Lacks Complexity: While it’s a solid IPA, it doesn’t offer a ton of complexity beyond the piney hops and slight citrus. It’s more of a straightforward West Coast IPA, which is great if that’s what you’re looking for, but it may not stand out in a crowded field of IPAs.
Final Thoughts
Martin City Hardway IPA is a classic West Coast IPA that does a great job of showcasing bold, piney hops with a nice balance of citrus and malt. It’s not going to surprise you with any unexpected flavors, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want—just a straightforward, well-made IPA that delivers on hop bitterness and drinkability. If you’re a fan of traditional IPAs and love that pine-and-grapefruit combo with a solid malt backbone, Hardway IPA is definitely worth trying.
If you’ve tried a Martin City Hardway IPA, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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