L'Hazy Mango
The Brew Kettle Taproom & Smokehouse / Production Works

 

 

 

 

 

12oz bottle poured into a tulip. Pours a burnt golden with a subtle haze, but has some clarity to it; some floaties/sediment; white head that falls leaving great retention and nice lacing. It doesn't look like your typical cloudy "New England IPA" at all. The aromas have some mango, apricot and orange. Some bread and crackers. Malts are there. The flavors have some mango and coconut along with some more apricot and orange. Some peach in the mix. Citrus is there. Moderate to low bitterness. There's a touch of sweetness. Malts do their thing. Finishes juicy. Alcohol goes unnoticed. Mouthfeel is on the lighter side of medium-bodied with moderate carbonation. It's pretty smooth and easy to drink.

This is a solid IPA. It's not really what I've come to expect from a "New England IPA" at all, but it does have some characteristics. It's nothing too crazy, but it's not bad at all. It's enjoyable stuff.

This is a fantastic beer. However, labeling it a NEIPA was clearly for marketing purposes only, as it doesn't really have many of the "style" characteristics. It's a little fruity I guess, but I certainly wouldn't call it juicy. The mango is much more prevalent in the aroma than the taste. It's not hazy/cloudy/turbid at all. It's a mostly clear dark amber with orange highlights. Aroma is a bright, slightly dank mix of fresh cut grass, ripe citrus and mango. Body is notably full and coats the palate well for a 6% IPA. The mango is a subtle accent to the slightly sticky grapefruit and hints of pine resin. Well balanced with a solid malt backbone. Finishes clean with a nice lingering bitterness.

Great offering from Brew Kettle. It seems a little silly to call this a NEIPA, but I'm not going to penalize them for that. I will definitely be grabbing another 6-pack.