Uphill Battle
Ruckus Brewing

quite a solid west coast ipa, well made without being real original in any way, which is kind of their thing here in the early going. really clean and minimal on the malt and fermentation sides, like maybe no more than pils type malt and a california-esque ale yeast, not a whole lot there which i think is the way there are being done now, all about the hops, requiring less bitterness to make a statement, and in this case its loaded with cool fruity character from the hops, kiwi fruit, green melon, and bitter grapefruit, very fresh and pleasant in both aroma and flavor, new school in how its balanced, still some back end bite, but nothing is forced at all and this drinks clean and easy, surprised its as strong as it is. the name is odd because its awfully easy down in fact. the hops also have a little herbal thing, clover and honeysuckle, springy without necessary being delicate, which is a fine place to be for this, some late spruce too before the more bitter swallow. excellent carbonation, lighter bodied for sure, and with good water chemistry and overall attention to detail. among their best beers here in the early going...

Draft at Ruckus. Clear golden pour, persistent creamy white head. Earthy aroma, pine, citrus. Taste fades a bit, not as pronounced as the aroma, light bitterness. Slightly sticky finish.