Braxton Labs New England IPA: Citra
Braxton Brewing Company - Braxton Covington

I had a can of this beer last spring (poured into a pint glass) and will look for it again. It has an excellent fruit juice flavor, which means it was perfectly suited to my taste-buds. I have a growing appreciate for NEIPAs.

 

 

 

Not all IPA are created equal, but when the competent team at Braxton Labs pile on the always sexy Citra hops onto a well crafted New England styled IPA, they create an IPA that stands tall. C'mon guys, give someone else a chance!

Moderately turbid and burnish gold in color, the matte finish releases a creamy, ivory froth that captures the eye with the pour alone. Its tantalizing scent of citronella and delicate herb dances on the nose with the soft malty scent of honey and dough. Early sweetness greets the tongue with a pastry rich bready maltiness with a pep of honey, light caramel and angel food cake soothing the sweet tooth.

The hops simply blossom on the middle palate, meeting the sweetness level with blooming tangerine and a supportive tropical taste of mango, papaya and apricot. The juiciness of cantaloup gives the lingering maltiness a bridge toward fruitiness before a light bitterness of botanical grasses bring a mild geranium and hemp character to the late palate.

Lemon verbena, green tea and gooseberry decorate the finish while the medium bodied beer continues a creamy, smooth and relaxed malt influence deep into the session. A medium long linger of sassafras and muddled juniper leads to a moderately bitter session with a hint of gin-like spice from a drying alcohol sensation.

 

 

 

 

Poured from a can into a Bell's tulip. The pour is hazy light orange with 3 fingers of well-sustained head. I'm getting thirsty just looking at it. Very fruity nose with strong notes of oranges, peaches, pineapples, and lemons.

Medium-light body with a soft feel and a pleasant flavor. Crisp and just bitter enough to be appetizing and enjoyable. Soda crackers up front, then oranges, lemons, juniper berries, and a dry finish. Extremely refreshing.

Terrific beer. Easily as good as Braxton's standard NE IPA. Not sure I detect much of a difference, but I'd have to do a side-by-side to confirm. I'll have to pick up another 4-pack of this before it's gone gone gone.