Rivergate IPA
Rivergate Brewing Company / North End Pub

I was cautioned beforehand that this was an English-style IPA without the mesmerizing hops profile of more abundant Northwest varieties. But that's not entirely accurate. It's not that Rivergate's IPA lacks hops, it's that they're thrown so cavalierly into the bittering range that they strangle everything else. The hops are grassy and astringent with the acidic punch of grapefruit juice and the near caustic character of turpentine. They're bombastic and corrupting of the taste, smell, and texture.

The color resembles apricot nectar in a maelstrom of opacity. The thick white head and lace lend a momentary dignity to what is otherwise a dreadful beer far beyond repair.