Norwegian IPA
Upstate Brewing Company

Canned 3/31/20

Look is......huh?....yikes! Opaque yellow, with gray and brown tints. Looks like homemade applesauce , diluted with dishwater.This is one ugly beer. If I hadn't had prior (positive) experience with Upstate, I'd probably be wondering whether I should continue, and actually drink it. (I would - the ol' monkey curiosity would get me in the end - just have to think about it. :) ) Points for nice head and lacing though. Just short of 2-finger fine white head, that is long-lasting, and leaves a good sheet of thick lacing.

Smell is initially fragrant, old-school IPA , with lightly spicy noble hop aroma, and slight pine,grass, and citrus. As the head dissipates , and it warms, I get some fruity elements : charentais melon, pear, and a vague sweet mix. Then in the time it took to describe the look (1 min+/-) , something slightly tangy, almost unripe pineapple, but lighter, and a slight yeasty funk.

Taste is sweet-ish grapefruit, apricot, peach pit, and a touch of dried strawberry that is curiously only present at the back of the palate. Not getting any of the pear or melon that is present in the aroma. A slight tangy/spicy element comes in toward finish, and settles in the middle third of the tongue (longitudinally). Unusual. Moderate pleasant bitterness.

Feel is lightly creamy, with very,very fine carbonation whose tingle/prickle is barely perceptible, yet gives a very definite pleasant burn towards finish and beyond.

Overall , very enjoyable,and glad I got the full pack, rather than just a single. Don't let the abnormal color stop you . Close your eyes, if need be, :) and enjoy, if you like NEIPAs. Overall, the flavor of this beer falls within the usual spectrum of the type.