Double Banked
Cape May Brewing Company

Big two to three finger head of basic white foam, surface mottled by larger bubbles, retention is very good, lacing more big splotches than streaks. Soft haze to the liquid, translucent rather than opaque, bright golden yellow color, any visible bubbles super tiny. Brisk nose with some penetrating punch, tangerine to pink grapefruit citrus, unprocessed grains, clean sort of leafiness, simple if satisfying array of orchard fruits, light tarriness, lingers nicely. Medium-bodied, the carbonation adds a strong, consistent prickle. Excellent sour and sweet bite to the tangerine, lime, grapefruit citrus. Cracker, here it's more floral and piney. And arguably more dank, just not the stank. Getting some kiwi and pineapple on top of the base apricot, pear, apple. High marks for drinkability, not too dry, no alcohol burn. Might want to dial back the carbonation a bit. Would buy again, especially if freshly released during summer. (No canning date)

 

Self-described as a Double IPA, nonetheless, there is a hazy aspect to it. Yet, it doesn't seem to be be a true NEIPA. The pour to empty a pint can into a clear glass Imperial pint mug went smoothly. The stark white head is a near perfect one and it seems to be enduring. Beneath it lies a brew blond to dirty-blond in color and although hazy, it's not completely opaque. The aroma is caught at the crack of the can and gets stronger once the liquid is poured. Claimed by the label to be fruity, dank and downright delicious, it's got the dank down already. To the nose, it does seem fruity, both a little tropical and a little citrusy. The taste bears all this out. It drinks wet, with the fruit aspect in great balance and neither too sweet, nor too astringent. Dank it is and also downright delicious. What it isn't isn't a problem for anyone who doesn't want a IPA that tastes like fruit juice. Both the glass lacing and the taste of alcohol are almost missing. Although this isn't a hopfest, there's enough to satisfy that taste reasonably. This is a rare breed of IPA that doesn't have much of a malt character, but works. Overall, this is one pleasant brew, one that may slide down too easily.