Brut Session IPA
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

Where one wants juicy, another wants dryness. It turns out there's an IPA for all of us and Gordon Biersch caters to those who miss the days of a sharper and drier hop bomb in a mist of haze. Their "brut" IPA comes in a highly sessionable, thirst quenching form that's actually lighter than water.

Pouring a sparkling chrome appearance, the loose and frothy cap on Bur Session IPA reveals a bold seltzer scent of grapefruit and light orange peels from its bold use of Amarillo and Centennial hops. Somewhat citronella and mineral-like to the nose, the initial sip is a dry wafer character that shows a racy character with its emboldened carbonation value.

As the hops unfold on the middle palate, the development is quick as that citronella upstart races across the middle palate with vibrant herbal, leafy and grassy flavors that shine through a verbena, white grapefruit and orange character. A fast developing bitterness leaves a peppery, dry resin character on the late palate in moderately strong value, taking the shape of hay, pine and parsley.

Light in body, the light alcohol, breaming bubbly texture and premiere dryness all work to ensure a strong evaporative mouthfeel for utmost refreshment, much like a beer flavored alcoholic seltzer, sans such sweetness. A quick finish leaves an arid mouthfeel with a minerally taste of seltzer in a sudden and brief echo.