Agitation
Common Good Beer Co.

473 mL can, Day 6 of Nita Beer's 2024 Advent Calendar; dated Oct 15 2024 and served slightly chilled. It's been a busy couple of weeks, so I haven't had much time for beer geekery - and as a consequence, I'm waaay behind with regard to this calendar. Listed at 6.1%; the brewery saw fit to mention that this beer has seen major recipe changes since the last time they brewed it.

Pours a foggy medium golden colour, sporting just over an inch of bubbly, soapy white head that recedes within three or four minutes. Afterwards, a narrow ring of lace clings to the glass above a creamy collar and sudsy cap - looks fine so far. Pleasing, citrusy aroma prototypical of the West Coast style: grapefruit, lemon and orange are prominent, aided by notes of floral, spicy hops and pine.

It tastes OK. Grapefruit, lemon and a hint of passion fruit come through initially, joined later on by floral, spicy hops and orange peel. Pithy on the back end, finishing with pine resin & passion fruit; earthy, resiny bitterness lingers into a dank aftertaste. Medium in body, with average carbonation that adds a gentle crispness to this brew's smooth, somewhat slick mouthfeel. Decent drinkability, assuming you like 'em bitter.

Final Grade: 3.72, a B grade. I usually prefer West Coasters over hazy NEIPAs, but I don't think Agitation is an especially memorable example of the former. Don't misunderstand - this is a competently-brewed IPA that I could theoretically drink again without a fuss. I just don't think it does much of anything to distinguish itself from the myriad of similar pale ales out there. It's citrusy, it's piney, it's bitter - and if that's enough to keep you happy, have at 'er. I'd recommend Common Good's flagship Solace IPA over this brew, but hopheads with a soft spot for bitter, resiny IPAs should definitely give Agitation a chance.