Ambrosia Punch
Equilibrium Brewery

Pushing the envelope of what IPA can be, Equilibrium looks back to the popular '70's sweeter side dish for inspiration. The cherry, orange, raspberry, pineapple and marshmallow additions to an otherwise pretty standard hazy IPA gives this hoppy session a taste of Ambrosia salad.

Ambrosia Punch pours with the cloudy mauve appearance of classic fruit punch. But as its creamy and meringue-like froth builds on the rim, so do a bevy of fruit punch aromas with a peppery, herbal and sprucy scent. Focused on the sweeter side of balance, the early taste is creamy, starchy and malty with impressions of poundcake, cereal and sweet cream to start.

As the flavors unfold on the middle palate, the strong cherry flavors take a lead followed by the firm pineapple additions. And as the orange and raspberry come around, the full, tangy and fruity impression of Hawaiian punch start to emerge. Herbal and hoppy, the late taste turns quickly bitter with fresh spruce tips, fruit rinds and botanical herbs for a bitter and sour interplay late in taste.

Full bodied and creamy throughout, the punch flavored beer finishes fruity, tangy, bitter and slightly astringent for a taste that aligns with sour IPA. A medium-long linger of bitterness leaves the palate with a peppery, grassy and pithy bite.

Deep copper in color with a very viscous head. Head was a bit off white and barely clung to glass wall. Nose is sweet and hints heavily of the taste to come. All the favors listed on can come through, cherry, pineapple, raspberry and marshmallow are all fairly heavy at different points across the palate.