Year of New Beer: Focal Banger, The Alchemist (VT)

Written By: Dion on 07/20/2016

Hype. In the world of craft beer, hype can be a runaway freight train. Many beers are hyped to ridiculous heights, only to be a bit of a letdown once they are tasted. This beer is wholly deserving of its lofty reputation. Grapefruit rind, orange zest, and juicy pineapple mesh nicely with lightly floral grasses on the nose. The tongue sees an assault of hops, bright and slightly sticky as they coat the mouth. A light honey sweetness prevents the bitterness from stripping the taste buds, instead allowing a drying hop presence to persist through the finish without overpowering. This is pretty much my idea of the perfect IPA.