French Broad IPA | French Broad Brewing Co.
Brewed by:
French Broad Brewing Co.
North Carolina, United States
frenchbroadbrewery.com
Style: American IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.90%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by GJ40 on 08-27-2011
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 37 | Ratings: 157
4.03/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
I've lived in Asheville for a long while now, and full of guilt, can say I have never had this. Random whim at the grocery store today, picked up a bomber. No date (tired of breweries not doing this, even Budweiser gives a date...). Could be fresh, could also not be fresh. Anyways, poured into a 13oz Belgium glass. Nice half inch frothy head that dwindles down. First thing is the nose. It smells awesome. Very bright citrus right to the face. Light copper color as well. Taste is pleasant. Citrus forward hops, not tropical on this one. Traditional one could say. Has a nice malt body and a lingering bitterness. Its drawback is the feel. Not overly thin, but has a watery feel on the back end. I'd like it to have a little more oomph in that department. Overall, not a shabby beer at all. I'll buy again, without a doubt.
★ 825 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
I've lived in Asheville for a long while now, and full of guilt, can say I have never had this. Random whim at the grocery store today, picked up a bomber. No date (tired of breweries not doing this, even Budweiser gives a date...). Could be fresh, could also not be fresh. Anyways, poured into a 13oz Belgium glass. Nice half inch frothy head that dwindles down. First thing is the nose. It smells awesome. Very bright citrus right to the face. Light copper color as well. Taste is pleasant. Citrus forward hops, not tropical on this one. Traditional one could say. Has a nice malt body and a lingering bitterness. Its drawback is the feel. Not overly thin, but has a watery feel on the back end. I'd like it to have a little more oomph in that department. Overall, not a shabby beer at all. I'll buy again, without a doubt.
★ 825 characters
4.01/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4
I like this beer.
Perhaps I should explain that I'm a hop head. I'm perfectly fine drinking Green Flash Palate Wrecker or (to pick something more local) Olde Hickory Death by Hops.
French Broad IPA is not like that. That's the surprising thing. In this beer the brewers have crafted an amazing amalgam, a remarkable balance, so that the malt and the hops fuse into a single unified beverage. Very smooth, very tasty, and altogether worthwhile, if you call yourself a beer drinker.
It's orange, lightly carbonated -- other reviewers have done a good job describing the appearance. The aroma is an apt harbinger of the taste, almost like a perfume. My sample came from a 22 oz. bomber, poured into a glass Carolina tankard, whence the white and blue "UNC" logo has long since been effaced by the dishwasher. The low level of carbonation had me wondering whether the beer might be more fizzy at the brewery. The cap felt tight. There's no date on the bottle, but the beer tastes fresh.
Overall, I have to give this a high recommendation. If you're partial to IPAs, this deserves a tasting. Maybe even if you're not, this might be the right sort of brew to expand your horizons. I look forward to visiting the brewery in Asheville one of these days. The beer should be even better at the source.
★ 1,308 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4
I like this beer.
Perhaps I should explain that I'm a hop head. I'm perfectly fine drinking Green Flash Palate Wrecker or (to pick something more local) Olde Hickory Death by Hops.
French Broad IPA is not like that. That's the surprising thing. In this beer the brewers have crafted an amazing amalgam, a remarkable balance, so that the malt and the hops fuse into a single unified beverage. Very smooth, very tasty, and altogether worthwhile, if you call yourself a beer drinker.
It's orange, lightly carbonated -- other reviewers have done a good job describing the appearance. The aroma is an apt harbinger of the taste, almost like a perfume. My sample came from a 22 oz. bomber, poured into a glass Carolina tankard, whence the white and blue "UNC" logo has long since been effaced by the dishwasher. The low level of carbonation had me wondering whether the beer might be more fizzy at the brewery. The cap felt tight. There's no date on the bottle, but the beer tastes fresh.
Overall, I have to give this a high recommendation. If you're partial to IPAs, this deserves a tasting. Maybe even if you're not, this might be the right sort of brew to expand your horizons. I look forward to visiting the brewery in Asheville one of these days. The beer should be even better at the source.
★ 1,308 characters
3.7/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A: Clear copper into stein. A finger to two of cream colored head, excellent retention. Excellent appearance.
S: Citrus and pine. Not a tremendously strong pine scent, but good.
T: More of a fruity, sour taste than I was expecting. A bit more on the fruit side than I like.
M: Medium bodied, crisp, and fresh.
★ 315 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A: Clear copper into stein. A finger to two of cream colored head, excellent retention. Excellent appearance.
S: Citrus and pine. Not a tremendously strong pine scent, but good.
T: More of a fruity, sour taste than I was expecting. A bit more on the fruit side than I like.
M: Medium bodied, crisp, and fresh.
★ 315 characters
3.25/5 rDev -15.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
French Broad IPA makes a loud hiss, when the cap is popped, and the appearance is of bright, brilliant, somewhat opaque, deep orange, bubble streams, and some splotchy, thin lacing left on the glass. The head is medium and off white. The aroma is of a sharp, very citrusy, juice. Maybe, like tangerine? Taste is of the same thing, and the beer evokes Lemon Head or Sweet-Tarts. Bitterness is present, but relatively low. Mouthfeel is medium, and French Broad IPA finishes mostly dry and odd. Overall, this is a strange one, but it does improve with the drinking.
RJT
★ 568 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
French Broad IPA makes a loud hiss, when the cap is popped, and the appearance is of bright, brilliant, somewhat opaque, deep orange, bubble streams, and some splotchy, thin lacing left on the glass. The head is medium and off white. The aroma is of a sharp, very citrusy, juice. Maybe, like tangerine? Taste is of the same thing, and the beer evokes Lemon Head or Sweet-Tarts. Bitterness is present, but relatively low. Mouthfeel is medium, and French Broad IPA finishes mostly dry and odd. Overall, this is a strange one, but it does improve with the drinking.
RJT
★ 568 characters
4.05/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a clear, copper color. One inch head of an off-white color. Great retention and good lacing. Smells of citrus hops, slight floral hops, hint of pine, sweet malt, and caramel malt. Fits the style of an American India Pale Ale. Mouth feel is sharp and crisp, with an average carbonation level. Tastes of caramel malt, strong earthy malt, slight sweet malt, hint of biscuit, citrus hops, and slight floral hops. Overall, good appearance, aroma, blend, and body. Smells very similar to Lagunitas IPA.
★ 502 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a clear, copper color. One inch head of an off-white color. Great retention and good lacing. Smells of citrus hops, slight floral hops, hint of pine, sweet malt, and caramel malt. Fits the style of an American India Pale Ale. Mouth feel is sharp and crisp, with an average carbonation level. Tastes of caramel malt, strong earthy malt, slight sweet malt, hint of biscuit, citrus hops, and slight floral hops. Overall, good appearance, aroma, blend, and body. Smells very similar to Lagunitas IPA.
★ 502 characters
4.06/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
22 ounce bomber -> Samuel Adams Perfect Pint
A - pours up a deep amber with a two inch off white head, excellent retention, and excellent lacing. A beautiful pour.
N - PINE!!!! and citrus
T - this is my kind of IPA. Slightly hop forward with caramel malt and roasted nutty goodness. grapefruit notes are abundant.
M - slight aftertaste, good carbonation.
O - loved this. Those small NC breweries come up with some winners!!!
★ 432 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
22 ounce bomber -> Samuel Adams Perfect Pint
A - pours up a deep amber with a two inch off white head, excellent retention, and excellent lacing. A beautiful pour.
N - PINE!!!! and citrus
T - this is my kind of IPA. Slightly hop forward with caramel malt and roasted nutty goodness. grapefruit notes are abundant.
M - slight aftertaste, good carbonation.
O - loved this. Those small NC breweries come up with some winners!!!
★ 432 characters
3.78/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark sunny orange color, off white head, nice lacing. Aroma of citrus and orange, light sweet malts, and Carmel. Medium to elevated bitterness, plenty citrus and grapefruit, light pine, caramel and nutty malts. Medium body, good carbonation, clean finishing. Drinkability is good. Overall, a nice ipa.
★ 309 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark sunny orange color, off white head, nice lacing. Aroma of citrus and orange, light sweet malts, and Carmel. Medium to elevated bitterness, plenty citrus and grapefruit, light pine, caramel and nutty malts. Medium body, good carbonation, clean finishing. Drinkability is good. Overall, a nice ipa.
★ 309 characters
3.84/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: The beer is crystal clear amber in color and has a slight amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a finger high off white head that died down, leaving a large patch of bubbles in the center of the glass and a collar around the edge of the glass.
S: Moderate aromas of caramel malts are present in the nose along with notes of orange citrus.
T: Lie the smell, the taste has some hints of initial sweetness from the caramel malts that is followed by notes of caramel malts and a light to moderate amount of bitterness.
M: It feels medium-bodied and slightly crisp on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This is an enjoyable maltier version of an American IPA that is quite drinkable.
★ 711 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: The beer is crystal clear amber in color and has a slight amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a finger high off white head that died down, leaving a large patch of bubbles in the center of the glass and a collar around the edge of the glass.
S: Moderate aromas of caramel malts are present in the nose along with notes of orange citrus.
T: Lie the smell, the taste has some hints of initial sweetness from the caramel malts that is followed by notes of caramel malts and a light to moderate amount of bitterness.
M: It feels medium-bodied and slightly crisp on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This is an enjoyable maltier version of an American IPA that is quite drinkable.
★ 711 characters
4.08/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A: Pours a nice clear ruby red with a huge and fluffy tan head. Head fades slowly with great head retention. Nice heavy lacework to boot.
S: Nice juicy citrus with a sweet bready malt backing it up.
T: Again with the citrus up front. Oranges primarily. Decent amount of resin with it. Caramel sweetness balances it out nicely. Mainly resin and a little grapefruit and pine in the finish.
M: Medium bodied, quite nice for the low ABV.
O: A relatively simple yet very flavorful IPA at only 5.9% ABV. Almost has a candied orange flavor to it at times. Nicely balanced but with prominent hoppiness and bitterness (especially in the finish) nonetheless.
★ 654 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A: Pours a nice clear ruby red with a huge and fluffy tan head. Head fades slowly with great head retention. Nice heavy lacework to boot.
S: Nice juicy citrus with a sweet bready malt backing it up.
T: Again with the citrus up front. Oranges primarily. Decent amount of resin with it. Caramel sweetness balances it out nicely. Mainly resin and a little grapefruit and pine in the finish.
M: Medium bodied, quite nice for the low ABV.
O: A relatively simple yet very flavorful IPA at only 5.9% ABV. Almost has a candied orange flavor to it at times. Nicely balanced but with prominent hoppiness and bitterness (especially in the finish) nonetheless.
★ 654 characters
3.95/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
a - poured a one finger thick light tan head into a snifter that left good lacing throughout. the body was a bright amber color.
s - big orange citrus aromas with some caramel to balance it out.
t - caramel and toasted bread up front with a bitter citrus bite to finish.
m - bubbly and effervescent. i would have liked a little more weight to it.
o - solid IPA and flavorful.
★ 375 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
a - poured a one finger thick light tan head into a snifter that left good lacing throughout. the body was a bright amber color.
s - big orange citrus aromas with some caramel to balance it out.
t - caramel and toasted bread up front with a bitter citrus bite to finish.
m - bubbly and effervescent. i would have liked a little more weight to it.
o - solid IPA and flavorful.
★ 375 characters
4.03/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I'm in Asheville on a bit of a break when I stroll into a gas station to find this, along with tons of other local bombers for only $4. Seems fresh, although there is no bottled or best by date. Serious score in my book.
Appearance (4.25) – Pours a light golden amber with a two finger head that fades at a medium pace. Loads of carbonation coming to the top. Beautiful lacing as I drink. Wow, even more beautiful as I get down lower.
Smell (3.75) – Tons of hops in the nose. Hints of lemon and grapefruit. Slightly sweet to the nose.
Taste (4.00) – Load of hops is confirmed. Has a huge crunch to the front. Grapefruit is confirmed. Has a malty finish that isn't so intense. Hops stay throughout (which I love). You get a slight bite at the very end of the finish, but overall I think its masked well.
Mouthfeel (4.25) – Great carbonation amount. Very refreshing with a lovely crunch on the front. Lips are slightly sticky.
Overall (4.25) – Great IPA. Not very complex but still good. I got a ton of hops in mine and absolutely love it. I'm really happy about this IPA.
★ 1,089 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I'm in Asheville on a bit of a break when I stroll into a gas station to find this, along with tons of other local bombers for only $4. Seems fresh, although there is no bottled or best by date. Serious score in my book.
Appearance (4.25) – Pours a light golden amber with a two finger head that fades at a medium pace. Loads of carbonation coming to the top. Beautiful lacing as I drink. Wow, even more beautiful as I get down lower.
Smell (3.75) – Tons of hops in the nose. Hints of lemon and grapefruit. Slightly sweet to the nose.
Taste (4.00) – Load of hops is confirmed. Has a huge crunch to the front. Grapefruit is confirmed. Has a malty finish that isn't so intense. Hops stay throughout (which I love). You get a slight bite at the very end of the finish, but overall I think its masked well.
Mouthfeel (4.25) – Great carbonation amount. Very refreshing with a lovely crunch on the front. Lips are slightly sticky.
Overall (4.25) – Great IPA. Not very complex but still good. I got a ton of hops in mine and absolutely love it. I'm really happy about this IPA.
★ 1,089 characters
3.77/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Received this as an extra in a trade from Onenote81. Thanks Jon! Poured from a 22 oz. bomber into my tulip glass.
A - A vigorous pour produced a golden orange color brew with a massive, fluffy head that almost toppled over the edge of the glass. The head was pillowy like an IPA cloud, with some tremendous bubbles, some of which were almost the size of a dime. Nice retention and incredible lacing as I drink.
S - Citrus, primarily orange, comes to mind as I smell, with an aroma of a grassy hop quality as well. There's also a more substantial malt backbone than I was anticipating, with a nice caramel note.
T - Starts very sweet, like a caramelized orange slice. The malt takes over after that, with some breadiness sliding in. Also a bit of a spicy note on the finish, like an orange zest.
M - Medium bodied, with a dry finish. Drinks a little boozier than the 5.9% that is listed.
O - A very solid IPA. It's hard to tell how fresh this is (no bottle date), but there wasn't really the full fruit basket with this one for me. However, there was a big orange presence, with different orientations showing up throughout.
Thanks again John!
★ 1,148 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Received this as an extra in a trade from Onenote81. Thanks Jon! Poured from a 22 oz. bomber into my tulip glass.
A - A vigorous pour produced a golden orange color brew with a massive, fluffy head that almost toppled over the edge of the glass. The head was pillowy like an IPA cloud, with some tremendous bubbles, some of which were almost the size of a dime. Nice retention and incredible lacing as I drink.
S - Citrus, primarily orange, comes to mind as I smell, with an aroma of a grassy hop quality as well. There's also a more substantial malt backbone than I was anticipating, with a nice caramel note.
T - Starts very sweet, like a caramelized orange slice. The malt takes over after that, with some breadiness sliding in. Also a bit of a spicy note on the finish, like an orange zest.
M - Medium bodied, with a dry finish. Drinks a little boozier than the 5.9% that is listed.
O - A very solid IPA. It's hard to tell how fresh this is (no bottle date), but there wasn't really the full fruit basket with this one for me. However, there was a big orange presence, with different orientations showing up throughout.
Thanks again John!
★ 1,148 characters
3.34/5 rDev -13.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25
At our house, we use a 10-point scale. For this particular beer our ratings are as follows:
Her - 6.5 Nicely creamy head. Only medium carbonation.
Him - 5 Way too hoppy / piney.
Overall, drinkable but a far cry from a top choice; we hold out for brews that are at least a 7 on our scale. Cheers!
★ 297 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25
At our house, we use a 10-point scale. For this particular beer our ratings are as follows:
Her - 6.5 Nicely creamy head. Only medium carbonation.
Him - 5 Way too hoppy / piney.
Overall, drinkable but a far cry from a top choice; we hold out for brews that are at least a 7 on our scale. Cheers!
★ 297 characters
3.72/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
I like the new grading system here on BA.Poured into an imperial pint glass a hazed burnt orange tinged deep golden with a thinner but well sustained white head atop.The hops are not real big in the nose,there is some floral and leafy notes but the biscuit malt is almost as big.Citrusy and leafy hops have a good presence on the palate but they are not huge,a somewhat sweet caramel/biscuit malt base is pretty large.It's smooth and it has good hops it's just not as big as many American IPA's.
★ 495 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
I like the new grading system here on BA.Poured into an imperial pint glass a hazed burnt orange tinged deep golden with a thinner but well sustained white head atop.The hops are not real big in the nose,there is some floral and leafy notes but the biscuit malt is almost as big.Citrusy and leafy hops have a good presence on the palate but they are not huge,a somewhat sweet caramel/biscuit malt base is pretty large.It's smooth and it has good hops it's just not as big as many American IPA's.
★ 495 characters
3.7/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
22oz, no date
Deschutes tulip
A: Pours a clear light amber color. Two fingers of slightly off white head. Seems like nice carbonation.
S: Getting some fruity hops but also some balancing bready malts.
T: Tip of the tongue, piney hop bitterness. Not over powering. Pleasant. Mid mouth, like the color would show, you get those balancing sweet malts. It's not crazy over powering either way. Lingering bitterness the tongue, but a dry finish.
M: Medium bodied.
★ 462 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
22oz, no date
Deschutes tulip
A: Pours a clear light amber color. Two fingers of slightly off white head. Seems like nice carbonation.
S: Getting some fruity hops but also some balancing bready malts.
T: Tip of the tongue, piney hop bitterness. Not over powering. Pleasant. Mid mouth, like the color would show, you get those balancing sweet malts. It's not crazy over powering either way. Lingering bitterness the tongue, but a dry finish.
M: Medium bodied.
★ 462 characters
3.88/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours amber in snifter. Off-white head that lingers well. Minimal lacing.
Smell is sweet malt with hints of muted citrus.
Taste is sweet malts, caramel, orange rind and grapefruit. Nice bitter finish.
Mouthfeel is creamy and medium bodied.
Overall good example of the style.
★ 278 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours amber in snifter. Off-white head that lingers well. Minimal lacing.
Smell is sweet malt with hints of muted citrus.
Taste is sweet malts, caramel, orange rind and grapefruit. Nice bitter finish.
Mouthfeel is creamy and medium bodied.
Overall good example of the style.
★ 278 characters
3.8/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Barley's, Asheville, NC.
Poured a medium copper hue with a half finger foamy white head. There was good retention and lacing.
The smell featured a balmy citrus hop with a light sweetness.
The taste offered elements of pine and tropical fruit as well as a moderately sweet pale malt and a touch of diactyl.
The mouthfeel was typical of the style.
Overall a tasty IPA going in many different directions.
★ 421 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Barley's, Asheville, NC.
Poured a medium copper hue with a half finger foamy white head. There was good retention and lacing.
The smell featured a balmy citrus hop with a light sweetness.
The taste offered elements of pine and tropical fruit as well as a moderately sweet pale malt and a touch of diactyl.
The mouthfeel was typical of the style.
Overall a tasty IPA going in many different directions.
★ 421 characters
4.2/5 rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - good amber color, good lacing good carbonation
S - Lot's of citrus with a sweet malty
T - Excellent hops through and through, good malt sweetness, some pine and citrus as hop character
M - Good carbonation and Medium-bodied.
O - Solid IPA, I really enjoy buying a bomber of this whenever I am in Asheville!
★ 314 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - good amber color, good lacing good carbonation
S - Lot's of citrus with a sweet malty
T - Excellent hops through and through, good malt sweetness, some pine and citrus as hop character
M - Good carbonation and Medium-bodied.
O - Solid IPA, I really enjoy buying a bomber of this whenever I am in Asheville!
★ 314 characters
3.95/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured a 1/2 inch head with mild carbonation. Head dissapated to a ring but had good lacing. Had a malty hoppy nose but the taste wasn't as malty as the nose which I liked. Taste had the grapefruitty hoppy california style with a malt backbone which was certainly appreciated. A medium light mouthfeel which could have used more body. Overall a nice IPA which I will do again.
★ 376 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured a 1/2 inch head with mild carbonation. Head dissapated to a ring but had good lacing. Had a malty hoppy nose but the taste wasn't as malty as the nose which I liked. Taste had the grapefruitty hoppy california style with a malt backbone which was certainly appreciated. A medium light mouthfeel which could have used more body. Overall a nice IPA which I will do again.
★ 376 characters
3.08/5 rDev -20.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
16oz growler from Beverage World. Served at around 40F.
Pours clear copper with a one finger off-white head that recedes to a light cap with large foamy bubbles on the ring, leaves some webs of lacing behind. Fairly dark for an IPA.
Aroma is primarily grapefruit, some orange, a little pine, with bread and caramel malt underneath. Simple. Moderate to good strength.
Flavor is grapefruit rind, earthy hops, bit of pine, decent caramel malt backbone in the middle, good bitterness on the finish, minimal alcohol.
Mouthfeel is light to medium bodied, little sticky, moderate carbonation, feels a little watery at times?
Average IPA. Decent grapefruit kick and that’s about it.
★ 681 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
16oz growler from Beverage World. Served at around 40F.
Pours clear copper with a one finger off-white head that recedes to a light cap with large foamy bubbles on the ring, leaves some webs of lacing behind. Fairly dark for an IPA.
Aroma is primarily grapefruit, some orange, a little pine, with bread and caramel malt underneath. Simple. Moderate to good strength.
Flavor is grapefruit rind, earthy hops, bit of pine, decent caramel malt backbone in the middle, good bitterness on the finish, minimal alcohol.
Mouthfeel is light to medium bodied, little sticky, moderate carbonation, feels a little watery at times?
Average IPA. Decent grapefruit kick and that’s about it.
★ 681 characters
3.91/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
My first bottle from this brewery; a bomber that pours a clear, amber body with orange tint. Nice light tan, two-finger head that dissipates into a creamy cap and leaves good lacing. Looks great.
I knocked the aroma down a notch only because it is more malt-forward than hop-forward. But, it's not bad: caramel malt dominates, but some citrus hop notes follow.
The flavor is a touch better than the aroma, with some solid light citrus and pine resin hop flavors out in front of the sweet maltiness. It's actually a very good blend, in the east coast sytle of the IPA.
Light to medium mouthfeel and very drinkable. I like this brew and would definitely recommend it.
★ 668 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
My first bottle from this brewery; a bomber that pours a clear, amber body with orange tint. Nice light tan, two-finger head that dissipates into a creamy cap and leaves good lacing. Looks great.
I knocked the aroma down a notch only because it is more malt-forward than hop-forward. But, it's not bad: caramel malt dominates, but some citrus hop notes follow.
The flavor is a touch better than the aroma, with some solid light citrus and pine resin hop flavors out in front of the sweet maltiness. It's actually a very good blend, in the east coast sytle of the IPA.
Light to medium mouthfeel and very drinkable. I like this brew and would definitely recommend it.
★ 668 characters
3.98/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
@ Barley's (Asheville)
Orange-amber hue with a fluffy head and some nice lacing. Candy-like hop aroma...Two Hearted like in a way. Floral, orange, and green with only a bit of malt poking through. Bitter, floral, juicy, and oily citrus hop flavors. Sweet, but not overly malty. Medium bodied, slick, and bitter with a little too much astringency which distracts a bit from the overall tastiness. Good stuff nevertheless. A quality, flavorful IPA from a brewery I need to finally get around to visiting next time I'm in the area.
★ 529 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
@ Barley's (Asheville)
Orange-amber hue with a fluffy head and some nice lacing. Candy-like hop aroma...Two Hearted like in a way. Floral, orange, and green with only a bit of malt poking through. Bitter, floral, juicy, and oily citrus hop flavors. Sweet, but not overly malty. Medium bodied, slick, and bitter with a little too much astringency which distracts a bit from the overall tastiness. Good stuff nevertheless. A quality, flavorful IPA from a brewery I need to finally get around to visiting next time I'm in the area.
★ 529 characters
3.68/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A bomber bottle from the brewery during the recent sabbatical.
A: The IPA is a golden orange tint, translucent. Sporting a white head, it is. Plenty of lacing too.
S: The nose focuses on caramel and biscuit, the malty side head and shoulders above the hops. As the citrus slowly emerges, it doesn't overtake the malts. Instead, the soft citrus plays a supporting role in the aroma.
T: The IPA is well balanced, perhaps a little closer to the APA zone. Caramel and biscuits, more of the latter, set up the citrus that follows. That results in grapefruit in a supporting role, a domestique if you will, to the malts. Not a bad pairing, the grapefruit providing enough pizzazz to remind you of an IPA. The ale is rather dry as well, pulling the sweetness out of the ale and leaving the biscuit with the last laugh.
M: Carbonated, nice malt lead in. The hops, though, could use just a little more juice to 'em. Best place to drink French Broad's IPA? In their funky brewery/tasting room - make the trip.
★ 1,003 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A bomber bottle from the brewery during the recent sabbatical.
A: The IPA is a golden orange tint, translucent. Sporting a white head, it is. Plenty of lacing too.
S: The nose focuses on caramel and biscuit, the malty side head and shoulders above the hops. As the citrus slowly emerges, it doesn't overtake the malts. Instead, the soft citrus plays a supporting role in the aroma.
T: The IPA is well balanced, perhaps a little closer to the APA zone. Caramel and biscuits, more of the latter, set up the citrus that follows. That results in grapefruit in a supporting role, a domestique if you will, to the malts. Not a bad pairing, the grapefruit providing enough pizzazz to remind you of an IPA. The ale is rather dry as well, pulling the sweetness out of the ale and leaving the biscuit with the last laugh.
M: Carbonated, nice malt lead in. The hops, though, could use just a little more juice to 'em. Best place to drink French Broad's IPA? In their funky brewery/tasting room - make the trip.
★ 1,003 characters
4/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had an amber hue and a clear texture. There was an inch and a half of foamy, long-lasting head. Very good lacing.
S: A decent amount of hops, along with malt and a hint of citrus in the smell.
T: Tasted of hops, citrus (grapefruit), malt, and a little bit of grain in the finish. The hops level comes dangerously close to being harsh, but the flavor is well done nonetheless.
M: A well-carbonated beer with a dry, bitter finish. Medium-bodied.
O: On the whole, a solidly made, drinkable beer.
★ 537 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had an amber hue and a clear texture. There was an inch and a half of foamy, long-lasting head. Very good lacing.
S: A decent amount of hops, along with malt and a hint of citrus in the smell.
T: Tasted of hops, citrus (grapefruit), malt, and a little bit of grain in the finish. The hops level comes dangerously close to being harsh, but the flavor is well done nonetheless.
M: A well-carbonated beer with a dry, bitter finish. Medium-bodied.
O: On the whole, a solidly made, drinkable beer.
★ 537 characters
French Broad IPA from French Broad Brewing Co.
3.86
out of 5
based on 157 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
While the ebbs-and-flows of IPA seem to veer at every turn, it's a good reminder that a fantastic IPA is still a fantastic IPA at any of the stops along the way. A showcase of hops in bitterness, flavor and aroma with a firm malty support and you really can't go wrong.
French Broad's flagship IPA pours with the familiar amber color that we've become accustomed. Capped with a creamy off-white froth and the beer comes to life- shedding an array of hoppy perfumes. Citrus, herbal grasses, fresh pine and light tropical fruit peel off from the hops as a honey-like biscuity scent gives the fruit impressions a ripe, radiant and vivid fragrance.
Gentle sweetness rolls onto the tongue with a toasted nuttiness to complement he calm honey and caramel sweetness. But the ale doesn't hold onto its sweetness too long, quickly favoring the growing hops and calming the malts gradually across the palate. Trailing hop bitterness is of fresh grass clippings, freshly shaven pine and fresh citrus peels in a smooth but piquant resinous tang.
A crisp and brisk finish proves to be highly thirst quenching and drinkable. Medium-light in body the remnants of malt are toasty and faintly starchy and upholds the hop bitterness, giving it roundness and calmness. Spicy bitterness clings onto the finish and outlasts all other flavors by a long piney margin.
★ 1,347 characters