Freak Alley IPA
10 Barrel Brewing Co.

Draft at Boise brewpub. Pale golden, light haze, small creamy head. Aroma is lemon zest, woidy notes. Taste brings dry bitterness, lemons, hay. Light, but bitter.

 

a nice session ipa here, summery and good, not too light in feel or flavor as some of these can be, quite hearty as they go actually, just lower alcohol, i think a fun and tasty beer overall, and one that can really extend a session. i always leave here kind of buzzed, so nice to have something a little lower on the menu! nice clarity on this, and not overly pale looking, a bit of malt color to it, looks well refined. the nose is a little basic on the hops, maybe not as dry hop forward as i thought it would be, and without any obvious elements of interest here, no crazy southern hemisphere hops, curious grains in the mash, or anything to really hold my attention or get me stoked up, but it smells fresh and good, and the taste follows. its got some orange essence to it from the hops, and a pretty stiff bit of bitterness, again not real intriguing, a light spiciness as well, but fresh and good. its bold for a session there with some bitter at the end, and as such it can stand up to some heavier, greasier, or spicier foods, which is new territory for a session. overall i think this could be a little more delicate than it is, its no less filling than a normal ipa, but i also complain when they are too light, so nicely done...

On tap at the brewpub in Boise near Freak Alley. IBU = 38.
Clear amber body.
The aroma is mild for an IPA. It is hoppy and has an adequate flavor considering the aim for a sessionable IPA. Nice lightly sweet to mildly bitter transition.
Good balance.