“An All-American theme for the hop bill in the latest incarnation of our NEed IPA series. Featuring Hops from Yakima Chief in the Yakima Valley of the Pacific North West. It’s a Hopped-up and soft mellow Hazy that belies it’s 7% ABV. HOP talk – The combo of Cryo-Pop and a new experimental variety HBC-630 bring red fruit and candy vibes. Another un-missable IPA in this series!”

Glassware: IPA.

Appearance: Hazy slightly sandy golden pour and a neat two finger crown nestled on top. Good head retention and healthy lacing on the glass.

Aroma: Heady tropical and stonefruit notes initially. Most notable are mango, peach, rockmelon, paw paw/papaya and guava. Still a good presence of orange citrus to be found, resinous pine and dank herbals getting a look in as well. The malt bill seemingly dominated by the wheat and rolled oats… displaying those hallmark grainy, crusty bread and cereal-esque qualities. Not bad thus far.

Flavour: Not a whole lot of variation from the nose. A sweet and tropical combination of stonefruits, citrus and melon followed by a slowly developing pine and herbal accent midway. Again, not a whole lot changes but it does roll in to the smooth and fruity finish with ease. Pulling up a bit short on the back end though.

Mouthfeel: Light and fluffy, well aerated and finely carbed. Medium body, nicely positioned 7% ABV.

Overall: A little underwhelming to be frank. We can’t even be certain that the experimental hop featured here had any impact. The Cryo-pop blend did all the work…and that’s where the issue lies for us we think. We just don’t see what all the fuss is about with Cryo-pop. Middle of the road at best.