I keep coming back to Cigar City, but I don't know why. Their really not that spectacular, but I think they're pretty solid. They've had their ups and downs, but an IPA with four different kinds of hops seems like a beer that is targeting me specifically. I'm willing to meet this challenge.
First sip is tame. I don't mean to imply that it's underwhelming, but it is delightfully unchallenging. It's not watery, and it's not flavorless, but it isn't assaulting my senses with bitterness, dankness, funk, or even dripping with fruit juices. Instead, there is a crusty, cracker malt that sweetens up the dull bitterness of the hops to allow you to enjoy both sensations while oranges, tangerine, grapefruit, and mango have simply been brushed across the malt to accentuate the flavors.
Tip-in is sweetness above the fruit layers with carbonation sizzling in the foreground. The middle somehow manages to become smooth despite the carbonation sting that lingers at the top of the mouth; the fruits slosh through the center of the mouth with a base of that cracker malt. The finish is a smack of bitterness and pine followed by a joyous mixture of fruits and malt for the trail off.
Bottom Line: Sublime.
4.75/5
