Judge's Review: 90 Rating - Juicy Brut by Short's Brewing Co.

Brut IPA is not a recognized style in the BJCP guidelines. However, I judged Juicy Brut by Short's Brewing Co. as BJCP category 21B, Specialty IPA.

Fresh “juicy” grapefruit aromatics come out up front then seem to morph into pineapple. There is no impression of sweetness, which leads to an expectation of citrus tartness in the flavor. I also pick up a slight tar-like resin note in the background. No malt, no esters, nothing off. The beer is a pale straw color with some haze, which is acceptable for the style. Nice creamy white head keeps a cap on the beer to the bottom of the glass.

The flavor comes across like fresh squeezed white grapefruit juice with a shot of pineapple, mixed into a glass of sparkling water. However, it is not tart or sour, nor is it sweet. There is a very low-level expression of grainy malt which keeps it from being total hop juice. Low levels of bitterness are aided by the dryness and the bite of carbonation. Very dry. The tar resin shows up at very low levels in the finish and lingers into the aftertaste. The body is thin with high levels of carbonation. Some carbonic bite but not unpleasant.  

Brut IPA is the newest of the IPA varieties. The goal of the Brut IPA, as I understand it, is to provide a very hoppy but not bitter, very dry, very drinkable beer with Champagne like effervescence. Shorts’ Juicy Brut nearly accomplishes each goal. The hops are bright and citrusy but it seems the high carbonation drives them off rather quickly. While the carbonation level is high it falls short of effervescent. The dryness and low-level bitterness results in an easy drinking enjoyable beer. This would be a perfect refreshment for a hot summer day. Perhaps an increased hop presence and effervescence would bring it to perfection for the style but this is probably the best example of a Brut IPA I’ve encountered.