Hopaganda
Chatham Brewing, LLC

 

Some confusion going on style wise; the can says NEIPA, BA calls it a DIPA despite it being only 6% ABV.
Pours rather clear coming from the can, with merely a slight haze in the glass. Nice golden orange color, with visible carbonation. A large lathery head displays great retention.
Holding the glass to the nose, I’m impressed by the bouquet of fruity hops. Notes of mango, guava, and passion fruit evoke tropical aromas. In addition, there are notes of berries, citrus and what I think is pear. Dank and grassy aromatics with a touch of alcohol spice further into the drink.
In comparison to the aroma, the fruity flavors are there as suggested, however, they are a bit more muted as they balance with a neutral, dry and well attenuated malt base. There seems to be, surprisingly, more hops bitterness than anticipated, with a developing spiciness and traditional piny and resiny flavors. As more flavors open up, a subtle fruity sweetness opens up, with notes of peach, grapefruit, mango and passion fruit.
Medium bodied with a mouthfeel that is more crisp than frothy or smooth. Moderately carbonated with a good drinkability, with a dry, almost chalky finish, with a spicy burn from the hops.
Overall, I would consider this more of an IPA rather than NEIPA considering the bitterness, the mouthfeel and not very hazy appearance. Whatever it is, I enjoyed it.