Alpha Neo IPA
Beachwood Brewing - Huntington Beach

 

Type: 16-oz. can
Reviewed as: American IPA
Glass: Melvin 14-oz. Spiegelau IPA glass
Price: $4.19
From: Bine & Vine Bottle Shop in Normal Heights (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: March 26, 2020
Consumed: March 27, 2020
Misc.: Canned on March 2, 2020

Was especially looking forward to this one, mainly because of the Sabro. Online description called it, “Alpha Neo is a modern West Coast-Style IPA brewed with an incredibly unique blend of hops. Explosive aromas of lemon zest, lychee and coconut are alive in this vibrant IPA brewed with Neomexicanus, Sabro and Sabro Cryo.” I love Sabro, but have never had Neomexicanus.

Poured a clear golden color with two fingers of frothy white head. Lots of bubbles coming up from the bottom of the glass at fast speeds. Excellent layered lacing. Excellent retention. (Sight - 4.50)

Smelled lime zest, viney vegetable, green pepper, edamame, pine, black pepper, coconut, woody varnished cedar, almost bourbon, and tropical zest. Much of the same out of the can, getting green viney vegetable, woody cedar (almost bourbon like), coconut and lime. (Smell - 3.75)

Tasted about as good as the nose. In order got Sabro, black pepper, lime, viney vegetable, green pepper, edamame, woody varnished cedar, bitter pine, coconut and tangerine. Grew on me as it went down. (Taste - 4.00)

Medium body. Oily-to-creamy texture. Average carbonation. Bitter finish. (Feel - 3.75)

This was a hell of a unique beer and I’m glad I got to try it. Outstanding. (Overall - 4.00)

3.95 | 89 | B+

 

Nope. No sir. Can’t do it. Took two sips... I tried. Like, I tried to like this beer more than I tried to save my last relationship. In the end, it just isn’t worth it.

Did Coppertone make a beer? This is straight sunscreen and coconut. Wow. Like miss Piggy on vacation sunbathing in Hawaii, I just can’t do this.

Peace.

Poured from a 16 oz can stamped C1-CANNED 03/05/20
Label lists:
Hops:Neomexicanus, Sabro, Sabro Cryo
Malts:American 2-Row, Canadian Pilsener

Pours straw colored, mostly clear, with a frothy white dome that slowly recedes to a thin layer of minuscule bubbles ringed by a firm white ring. Moderate, clumpy lacing.
Aromas of grassy citrus notes that move toward floral lemon. Coconut peeks in at random moments, but disappears in the melange of citrus and a finish of spicy, herbal hop notes.
The surprise comes now, in the flavor. It begins with coconut. It is distinct yet subtle. Smooth, but does not come off as some contrived adjunct. It begins and continues but really takes the place of the citrus notes that were foreshadowed in the nose. The finish goes mildly sweet, akin to orange blossom honey.
Mouthfeel is fine for an IPA. On the lighter side of medium feel and carbonation.
Overall, a good IPA that does something interesting with the nose giving you a head fake.