Kai-garoo
Mirror Twin Brewing

They come from the land down under. No, not the furry, jumpy, pouch-toting marsupials necessarily, but rather the hops that fuel a New England styled IPA of low bitterness and high fruitiness that garnishes the bar of the Mirror Twin taproom.

Pale golden and cast in a pastel peach color, the nearly turbid Kai-garoo crowns with a lavish eggshell meringue. Its aromas rife with pungent tropical fruit is also laced with citrus, herb, berry and a piquant twang of white wine. Juicy in its initial taste, the creamy ale kicks off with the sweetness that resembles angel food cake, honey, dough and taffy.

As the sweetness slowly dissipates, the creamy and starchy nature of the hazy IPA gradually folds in the tropical medley of passionfruit, mango, pineapple and kiwi before a rich cantaloup juiciness floods the middle palate. Orange, peach and mango all seem tart while a taste of peppery white wine provides as much balance as does the hop bitterness. The tang of red berries resonate in a late palate fueled by lemon verbena, sun tea and a fine hemp-like grassiness.

Medium bodied and providing a malty dry coat on the finish, the beer's light gin-like spice provides a smooth, sprucy and herbal perfume without much of a hint from alcohol. A medium length afterglow of tropical fruit rinds ensure a crisp, clean and refreshing character that begs for the next sip.