Falconer's IPA
Mission Brewing

April 30th, 2015 - Mission Brewery's Falconer Flight IPA looks bright yellow and somewhat hazy in the thumb sized thimble they serve their brews in - almost like a hazy IPA before hazes took off in San Diego. The aroma is a little dank but otherwise it's hard to parse much depth from the serving vessel. But I do get a good sample of the flavor with a healthy dose of hops and grapefruits, and a substantial body that does a great job of carrying the flavor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 oz. sample purchased at the brewery, unknown brewing date, poured into a Mission sampler glass, drank on 6/18/13 over a half-hour.

A: 3.75 - yellow-orange coloration, good clarity (could see and read through), one-finger eggshell head lingers as subtle glass lacing through consumption, moderate alcohol legs

S: 4.50 - typical Falconer's Flight blend of aromas: grapefuit, pine, spice and herbal qualities predominate but don't overpower; there is a subtle cracker/biscuity aroma as well but the hops shine though

T: 4.25 - moderate bitterness on the front of the tongue consistent with 70 IBUs; in the middle of the mouth, there are aroma-accompanying hop flavors of grapefuit, resin and herbs/spice; on the back end, the malt presence kicks with minimal sweetness; very dry and refreshing with very little aftertaste

M: 4.50 - moderate bodied, 7% is present but does not dominate; good carbonation for style

O: 4.25 - my wife and I just stumbled on this brewery outside of our hotel after breakfast; I was impressed with several of their offerings including their Dark Seas RIS and their DIPA, but, on the whole, this was the most well-balanced and crafted; an impressive West Coast IPA with a big hop punch and just enough malts for balancing - recommended!