Absolute Clarity
Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company

It's a troubling pour to empty a pint can into a clear glass liter mug. Once again, it's an overabundance of stark white foam on top. It may be common in many modern IPAs, but that doesn’t mean lovers of the traditional barley malt version have to like this style. As the foam recedes unevenly, the visual suffers. The liquid is dark, but dull, amber and oats are suspect. The smell is weak, maybe slightly citrusy and/or piney. It drinks much sweeter than anticipated, but it's a shallow sweetness that brings almost no additional character. Another mild surprise is the pleasant hop presence. In no way is this a hopfest, but there's enough there to be appreciated. After the initial hit of sweetness, the hops balance things by bringing references of citrus, closest could be grapefruit, then turn drier and more pine-like. There's even a little resinous bite lingering after the finish. Neither the glass lacing, nor the taste of the alcohol are noticed. The body suffices, without being great. Overall, it's a drinkable AIPA that approaches an Imperial's level of alcohol. Probably, its best attribute is how easily this drinks for its ABV. This is no Heady Topper, which has a wonderful barley base. But for the new age version of IPAs, it's pretty good.

 

Pours a lightly hazy golden color with a 1-2F long-lived head with a lot of lacing.

Smells of slightly dank grassy hops with light citrus.

Tastes of malt, slightly tart grapefruit, followed by sweeter orange , lemon and cantaloup with a slightly bitter finish.

Medium light body with light carbonation. Dry , smooth ( oats?) mouthfeel.

This is a very drinkable, mild mannered , lightly juicy West Coast IPA.