Mango Monster
Mirror Twin Brewing

As the natural tendencies of new hops and New England styled IPA is to go more tropical, more juicy, more exotic and even tangy, the Mirror Twin team capitalizes on these nuanced flavors with a move that's not all that nuanced at all. Copious amounts of actual mangos suggest that they've made a monster of a hazy IPA.

Rich in fruit punch appearances, a rich peach, orange and golden matte austere rests just below a blanket of ivory froth. But Mango Monster really owns its name with the rich mango puree scent that simply radiates from the glass. Tangy, succulent and oozing with tropical punch perfumes, a backdrop of light herb, citrus and melon helps complete the aromatic story. A sweet and fructose rich taste accompanies an angel food softness along with peps of honeysuckle and croissant.

And as the flavors travel from the tip of the tongue and across the middle palate, the focus of taste shift from a light cakiness and toward the mango fruit and all its nectarine, papaya and apricot-like glory. Bringing its own tangy brightness, the fruit bleeds into the hops seamlessly with pink grapefruit, mandarin and cantaloup character for a highly agreeable fusion. Mild bitterness comes way of macha tea, lemon verbena and sassafras for a sensation of earthy sherbet in the end.

Medium bodied yet seemingly fuller, the beer might as well be equipped with extra pulp. Mild bitterness leads the ale to a smooth but somewhat absent bitterness. The highlight of mango completely dominates the taste for a strong and simplistic taste that may be a one note of a beer, but man... what a note it is! A medium length extension of fruit comes with the spice of vodka that simmers lightly on the finish.