Melvin Brewing, based in Alpine, Wyoming, has made a name for itself by crafting bold, hop-forward beers with a touch of irreverence. Their IPA is no exception. This American style IPA embraces the brewery’s signature west coast vibe while offering an accessible and balanced drinking experience.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Melvin’s IPA pours a clear golden hue with a light amber undertone. The beer is topped by a frothy white head that leaves a fine lacing as it recedes. Its clarity and effervescence make it visually inviting.
Aroma: The aroma is a hop lover’s dream, with bright citrus notes of orange peel, grapefruit, and a hint of lemon zest. Subtle pine and herbal undertones emerge, complemented by a faint malt sweetness that rounds out the nose.
Flavor: On the palate, Melvin’s IPA is refreshingly crisp and well balanced. It leads with a burst of citrus and tropical fruit flavors, such as tangerine, pineapple, and hints of mango. These flavors are followed by a subtle resinous pine character that adds depth. The malt backbone is light and bready, providing just enough sweetness to support the hop-forward profile without overpowering it. The bitterness is moderate and clean, leaving a dry, slightly zippy finish.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation, Melvin’s IPA feels smooth and refreshing, avoiding the heaviness that some IPAs can carry. It’s a beer that works equally well as a thirst quencher or a companion to a meal.
Overall Impression
Their IPA showcases Melvin’s ability to craft hop-forward beers with finesse. While it doesn’t push boundaries or aim to reinvent the IPA, it succeeds in delivering a balanced, flavorful beer that appeals to both casual drinkers and IPA enthusiasts. Its clean, citrus-forward character makes it approachable, while its layered complexity keeps it interesting. The dry finish ensures it stays refreshing without lingering bitterness, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
What’s Unique?
Melvin Brewing has earned a reputation for its bold, often over the top creations, but their IPA represents a more restrained, everyday take on the IPA style. This beer feels like a nod to the classic west coast IPAs that helped define the craft beer movement, while still offering enough modern hop character to keep things fresh. The brewery’s dedication to high quality, hop-centric beers shines through in Melvin’s crisp execution.
Ratings
- Appearance – 4.5/5
- Aroma – 4/5
- Flavor – 4/5
- Mouthfeel – 4/5
- Overall – 4.25/5
Conclusion
If you’re in the mood for a reliable, clean, and well crafted IPA, Melvin’s IPA should be on your radar. It strikes an impressive balance between hop flavor and drinkability, making it a strong contender in the crowded IPA market. Melvin Brewing proves once again why it remains a favorite among hop heads, delivering a beer that’s both easy going and packed with flavor.
If you’ve tried a Melvin Brewing IPA, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
Leave a Reply