Outer Orbit Session IPA
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

 

Light, hoppy and highly refreshing, Gordon Biersch (Louisville) is beating the heat and quenching the thirst with a light bodied, modest strength hop bomb to give hop heads a little more than just traditional German offerings

Bright gold and hinting toward straw accented hues, Outer Orbit tops off with a light and fluffy, stark-white froth. As a bold citrus and floral hop perfume rolls from the brim, the first sip leans in with a brisk malt taste of honeysuckle, wafer and light bread.

But as soon as the ale splashes against the middle palate, the malt sweetness rapidly dissolves and the hop flavors quickly expand. A juicy citrus taste aligns itself with orange peel, grapefruit and a hint of pineapple and papaya. Clean, crisp and drying on the late palate, a great sense of refreshment comes with a snappy, peppery bitterness.

Medium-light and with the effortless taste of pilsner, this IPA may carry a vivid hop punch but never lacks drinkability. Its a welcomed session beer to beat the south's summer heat.

It appears this is a rebrand of the Outer Orbit Pale Ale, although this is clearly in session-territory. Decent enough for what it is, with a thin body and quick finish. About par for the course from Gordon Biersch’s options.