Beer Review: Bitter Root Brewing - IPA

India Pale Ale (IPA)

First brewed in England around 1800, for export to the British population of India, IPA was generously hopped as a preservative for the long sea voyage from Britain.  Combining both English and Northwest brewing techniques, Bitter Root Brewing's IPA is light in color, high in hops, with a balanced malt flavor.

Appearance: Pours a dark gold to copper with a large fluffy head. Reduces to one finger with great around the rim lacing. 

Aroma: Up front with bready and slightly toasted malt. A sour dough tang rounds it out with very faint earthy hops. 

Flavor: Strong hop bitterness up front leading into bready malty goodness. The middle of the sip is filled with earthy and herbal hop flavor. Finishes slightly astringent and very dry. Fruitiness comes out as it warms.

Mouthfeel: Low to medium body with medium carbonation. Bubbles are a bit prickly on the tongue.

Overall: This is an American brewed English IPA. Up front bitterness plays nicely with the bready malts and is very easily drinkable for those of us that like hop bitterness. Cleansing on the palate. Nice beer to move into relaxation mode after work.