Wicked Juicy IPA
Brewery: Spoetzl Brewery (Shiner)
Style: Specialty IPA (21B)
Package: 12oz Can
Purchased: HEB Tech Ridge, October, 2018
Best By: 02/15/19
Consumed Date: 10/29/2018
Details from the Brewer
ABV: 5.7%
IBU: 60
This Juicy IPA is wicked in all the right ways. It’s dry hopped, unfiltered and bursting with Citra hops for a bright, juicy kick. The result is a deliciously hazy brew that’s just waiting to be popped open.
Review
Aroma – 5/12
Low-medium notes of orange and grapefruit. Hop intensity is surprisingly low. A very low grainy malt character, and slight doughiness. No alcohol or off flavors present.
Appearance – 3/3
Liquid is a dark straw, light gold color with a strong haziness. A moderate head composed of small, white bubbles. Retention is good, eventually dropping to a thin layer.
Flavor – 8/20
A low-moderate intensity orange, tangerine, and vanilla flavor hits the tongue first. Over the taste, these notes gradually fade down. There’s a very low doughy malt character, with a touch of breadcrust. Drinks pretty dry, with a moderate bitterness appearing at the towards the finish. No noticeable alcohol. Aftertaste has a hint of citrus, but otherwise finishes clean.
Mouthfeel – 3/5
Medium carbonation hits the front of the mouth. No alcohol warming. Body has an aqueous quality, but still provides a fuller than expected mouthfeel. Slight astringency on the finish. Soft finish.
Overall Impression – 5/10
I would place this more in the realm of American Pale Ale, than IPA. The hop intensity on the aroma and flavor both need to be increased. The muted hop quality really hurts this beer, and suggests oxidation. I feel that it’s just underutilization in this case. The flavor is also very front weighted and falls off quickly.
Rating – 24/50
This was a bit disappointing. With all of the great IPAs available in Austin these days, this just misses the mark. It’s good to see shiner trying some new beer styles, but I can’t help feel they are chasing a marketing trend.
