New Belgium Ranger IPA

New Belgium Ranger IPA
New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, CO
Grade: B-

12 oz bottle poured into standard pint glass. Given their long-standing position at the forefront of American craft brewing, it's interesting, though not surprising, that NB took this long to release a take on the American IPA. Produces a thin, bubbly white head that barely sticks around. Crystal clear, golden color and lots of carbonation. Excellent aroma, bursting with floral and piney notes and a touch of grassy, tangy bite. Very smooth mouthfeel, almost like a light lager, drinks easy. Flavors are typical and overall underwhelming, in need of more malt, and the bitterness doesn't last long - nice if you're not an IPA fan, but hopheads will find themselves pining for a more robust mix. This beer is refreshing and well-crafted for sure, but would likely be lost among others in this already overstuffed style if it weren't for NB's stature.

À votre santé,

Andrew