Citra StarFRESH
Taproom Beer Co

Poured into a Seattle Beer Week pint glass. Pours a medium golden amber with a half finger white head with good retention and light lacing. Aroma of caramel malt, citrus and dank hops, over-ripe orange, grapefruit and catty dankness. Flavor is caramel malt, citrus, piney and dank hops, orange, grapefruit, mixed light stone fruit, pine and a touch of dankness. Good citrus and piney finish. Medium bodied with light to moderate creaminess. It was a surprise to see a wet/fresh hop ale from Southern California this late from the season and one in the low range of imperial ABV. The flavorful malt and extra alcohol actually made me think that neither is helpful in a fresh hop ale and here the herbal fresh hop aroma and taste are muted. It makes sense that a lighter background flavor will help the hops stand alone. On the other hand, this is a quite nice and traditional West Coast IPA. Its got lots of citrus and pine with some dankness to keep things interesting. The caramel malt is my favorite for this style as well. Not a great example of the freshest of fresh hops, but the freshness certainly didn't hurt the hop profile in this one. I liked the original Citra Starburst and a I liked this one too.