Grapefruit Jumper
Country Boy Brewing

Country Boy has done a very good job of adding a sweet grapefruit flavor that melds well with an already good Cliff Jumper. My fear was that a bitter grapefruit would mix with bitter hops and just be bitter. Instead we get sweet citrus, tangerines, pink lemonade and pine.

Riffing on their popular Cliff Jumper IPA, the grapefruit craze that's sweeping the craft beer world finally washes over Country Boy brewing, expounding upon the natural hop-given grapefruit flavor that's common to the ale already, this version takes extra measure in fighting scurvy as well.

Its bright golden austere shares even brighter orange and ambers thorough a modest hop haze. Its aroma is strong with the grapefruit-both of hops and of citrus additions to give the ale a dedicated and focused fruit scent. Its vibrant taste is delicate with the juices of grapefruit, but given even a more vivid display with the malt influences of caramel and honey.

Yet as the sweetness recedes and the hops intensify, the middle palate retains the bulk of grapfruit flavor with its radiant ruby red character for a juicy but drying taste. Complementary notes of orange peel, pine and herb support and round the grapefruit flavor and add the bitter balance that showcase IPA best.

Its medium body and dry finish is plump with fruit even with the malt trailing far behind. Clean, crisp and refreshing throughout, leaving a trail of citrus peel and light spruce in its wake.