Flagship Hazy IPA
Steamworks Brewing Co.

 

 

 

A few years back I visited Steamworks and had their flagship IPA, before the haze craze. It was stellar. I have high hopes for this based on the malt and hop profiles. It appears bright orange with a pure white head, retained two mintues. Carbonation is covered by the haze. Rather thick at 6.7 abv. It smells sweetly of guava and blended mango. Of couse, juicy orange is present. Notes of honey biscuit as well. This however, is not an orange juice IPA. There is a strong enough hop and malt presence to keep it beery. All the aforementioned fruit notes are there, but mellow and deeper. The carapils and caramalt add to a full and swishy mouthfeel. Moderate malt balance the fruit smoothie blast.
I would describe this hazy as very close to a cream ale, but with much hopping and a bit more green. It tastes excellent, but is deceptively filling. I would definitely buy again as a young people pleaser- a grad party or BBQ beer.

16oz can (no date, but the code H2600926 on the bottom) Poured into 14oz teku. Poured a fully murky dark orange color with over 1-1/4 inch of white head that had good retention and light lacing.

On the crack of the can, a blast of the expected frooty hops popped out. No real malt presence.

Same on the tongue, with the addition of a metallic aspect.

The body was lighter than average for the style, smooth, and carried good carb throughout.

Drinkability was OK, but was hurt a bit by that metallic tang.

Overall, a fairly typical murkster.