Samuel Adams New England IPA

Samuel Adams New England IPA by The Boston Beer Co. is being judged as BJCP category 21B, Specialty IPA: New England IPA. Moderately high levels of orange and lemon citrus gives the impression that you are about to experience some acidic tartness, rather than sweet citrus. Low levels of underlying grainy malt are noted. Some alcohol comes through in the nose as the beer warms. Clean fermentation. The beer pours a light golden orange with sufficient haze, not murky or cloudy. Topped with a big white meringue that hangs around until all else is gone. The flavor follows the aromatics with lots of orange and lemon citrus but is accompanied by a touch of pine tar. A little sweet malt is perceived mid-palate and assists in keeping the balance from being overly bitter. The higher carbonation levels are also assisting in elevating the perception of bitterness, perhaps slightly beyond what the style calls for. The finish is medium dry with some lingering alcohol warmth. Medium body with moderately high carbonation and some alcohol warmth. The carb level is also responsible for increasing the perception of hop bite, spiking the mouth and rather unpleasant. Overall an enjoyable example of the style that could be enhanced with some additional tropical and or stone fruit hop character to aid in interest and dimension. The carb and bitterness levels seem to be working against the “juicy” goal of an NEIPA.