Flying Tiger "Heroic Hops" IPA

Flying Tiger hasn't been able to shake the mediocrity of an average rating yet, but they only had three tries, and one was on the cusp of being great. I feel like they have the gumpshin of a brewer capable of some outstanding beers, but they just haven't been able to find it within themselves. This might be the heroic move they need.

The foam comes out of the can as soon as it's cracked, and the foam overflows the glass as I pour it in. This foam-filled glass in the picture is after I let the beer half-settle and tried to get a bit more fluid in there. From deep inside the foam-filled glass comes the very hoppy aroma of citrus and tropical fruits. Once the head dies down, I see a straw-colored beer that is significantly hazy.

First sip is not nearly as juicy as the aroma was teasing. The overall sensation is a lot more dry than anything else. The jarring nature of the expectation compared to the experience has had an unfortunate twist in the review. Second sip is less of a shock, and the sip still isn't great. I mean, it's dusty, a little fruity, and dry. 

Tip-in is orange, peach, apricot, and grapefruit with almost no carbonation. The middle rolls with a fierce carbonation burn on top of the fruits, so the fruit is a lot more abrasive than it likely was intended to be. The finish is a dry smack right in the tongue, and it resonates through the mouth before a fruit mist is allowed to settle for the trail off. 

Bottom Line: Their reach is exceeding their grasp.

2.25/5