Snow Donut Hazy IPA
Smog City Brewing Co.

 

 

 

 

canned 1/16/25, poured into a tall tulip on 1/25/25. 1.5 fingers white relatively loose head that diminishes moderately fast leaving little lacing. Not much smell. The taste to me bears little resemblance to the claims on the can *****note that this can description that references "...tropical fruit smoothy vibes complemented by delicate hints of white wine..."does not at all match the beer description in the BA notes originally entered a few years ago. Maybe something has changed?**** To me the taste is mostly generic IPA-ish citrus with a bit of bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit rind and perhaps the merest hint of tropical fruit. Not a bad beer but nothing noteworthy and I really hate when the can description does not match the experience.

Type: 16-oz. can
Reviewed as: New England IPA
Glass: North Park 16.5-oz. Munique glass
Price: $3.25
From: Trader Joe’s in College Area (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: March 17, 2021
Consumed: March 17, 2021
Misc.: Canned on Jan. 6, 2021

Grabbed this, another five and a 6-pack of a Thorn hazy IPA on a recent trip to Trader Joe’s. Didn’t realize until home that this was canned on Jan. 6, 2021. Really about two weeks outside my 60-day rule, but about two weeks shy of most people’s 90-day rule. Decided to go with it (and not with another Smog City one I got canned on Nov. 2020). Woof. Such a rookie move. Anyway, Smog City’s website called it “Snow Donut Hazy IPA jumps out of the glass with a big punch of mango and follows with a blend of tropical aromas reminiscent of pineapple-orange juice. A medium body and slight sweetness on the finish makes this juice bomb super drinkable. We brewed this beer with Citra, Idaho 7, Falconer’s Flight hops. Cheers to 2021!” It’s been a bit since I’ve had Falconer’s Flight hops, but it called for “distinct tropical, floral, lemon and grapefruit attributes.”

Poured a medium yellow-to-light golden hazy color with four fingers of rocky white head. Got some bubbles coming up along the sides of the glass. Almost perfect spiderweb foamy lacing. Excellent retention. (Sight - 4.50)

Smelled Citra, grapefruit, lemon, pineapple, orange rind, Falconer’s Flight, tea, pine, herbal and Idaho 7. About the same from the can. (Smell - 3.75)

Tasted about as good as the nose. In order got Citra, grapefruit, lemon, pineapple, orange rind, Falconer’s Flight, tea, pine, herbal, Idaho 7, hints of black licorice and caramel malt. (Taste - 3.50)

Medium body. Creamy texture. Average carbonation. Citrusy finish. (Feel - 3.75)

Very good overall. Would like to revisit a little fresher. (Overall - 3.75)

3.70 | 84 | B

I think no one has reviewed this beer because you can get it at trader Joe's, but it's $3.25. it's worth it though. Hazy, fruity, not bitter, citrusy, a little tropical.