Symphony IPA
Smith & Lentz Brewing Company

Laced with Mosaic and Citra hops, Smith & Lentz might look like a duo of a hop performance but they get a whole symphony of flavor out of this shy selection.

Symphony IPA sets off with a pale and foggy golden hue while crowning with a firm, creamy and stark-white froth. As a generous perfume of citrus, tropical, berry, herb and cream swirl about the nose, the first sip opens with a crisp cereal character redolent with shortcake, honeysuckle and graham cracker.

And as the malt and cereal sweetness start to recede, its the hops that frame the bulk of flavors as their fruity impressions are bright with tangerine, pink grapefruit and a background of lime. Not to be outdone, a more mango, passionfruit and papaya character stems from more tropical flavors. With the taste slowly but steadily trending bitter, the late taste is crisp with botanical grasses, hemp and black tea and currant.

Medium bodied and plump with hazy sweetness early, the beer makes a remarkable fade to dryness, refreshment and a snappy hop finish. A medium-long aftertaste develops with intensifying cedar, peppery grasses and fruit peels in a highly drinkable hazy IPA but with a more traditional and bitter finish.