Hazy New Year
Mirror Twin Brewing

Single 16oz can from Trader Joe's

 

 

Certainly not bitter about the change of the new year, the Mirror Twin brewers start anew with their old hoppy ways and roll out another stellar New England styled IPA, this time with the weapons of Azacca hop's stone fruit flavor, Amarillo's bold citrus flare and Vic Secret's tropical fruit nuances.

If your could burn orange juice, that's the color and hazy level that Hazy New Year strolls onto the bar. Stone fruit aromas lead the way with a decidedly peachy and tropical fragrance. A rich malt palate makes a bold introduction with pastry dough, honey and fructose.

And then the hops unfold on the middle palate once again leading with peaches that spread into complementary flavors of apricot, papaya, mango and orange. As the flavors trend citrusy, its a red grapefruit and blood orange character that extends into a late palate of fine teas, fragrant sassafras and lemongrass.

The bulk of sweetness hangs around and keeps the hop bitterness in check. Retaining a medium body, the richness in taste suggests something fuller like imperial status ale. A subtle spice of gin is the only hint of alcohol that gives the ale a semblance of dryness. A linger of candied peaches linger into a medium length aftertaste with hints of verbena in tow.