Judge's Review: 89 Rating - Big Lake Camper by Big Lake Brewing

Big Lake Camper by Big Lake Brewing is a New England Style IPA and is being evaluated as a Specialty IPA: New England IPA (2015 BJCP Category 21B) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect a juicy and hazy version of an American IPA, emphasizing late and dry hops, tropical fruity in character.

A hazy orange beer sits in my glass and supports a medium-sized, frothy and rocky eggshell white head, medium-short retention with light lacing. The aroma is heavy candied mango, pineapple, and tangerine hops with light bready malt. Medium-high hop bitterness emerges from the sweet hop flavors, the same as those noted in the aroma. A dry bread malt supports the hops and provides some balance though the hops are showcased here. The body is medium with moderate carbonation.

Light, sweet vanilla notes are secondary aroma and flavor characteristics. The beer is fermented clean with no ester aromas or flavors. Mango begins to dominate the flavor after every drink. While the hops present a candied sweetness, the finish is dry and there is a lingering soft bitterness.

Overall the beer represents the style well. I would enjoy this alongside a mango lassi following a spicy Indian meal.