New Belgium "Voodoo Ranger - Agent 77" IPA

I'm not going to belabor the point, but New Belgium should really have spun off Voodoo Ranger as its own brand. That said, they decided to go with 77 in their name. I'm not sure what that's supposed to be a reference to, but obviously the skeleton that they put on the label of all of these cans is now decked out in a tuxedo like it's James Bond. They most likely didn't even bother trying to get licensing for that, so they went with a different number then 007. I'm not sure that 77 is really a good replacement. But maybe it is probably a reference to the 7.7% ABV.

The quite pale beer is very hazy and yellow. The head is emitted respectably enough, and it goes down to a thin and complete layer of small bubbles across the top of the beer with only a modicum of lacing in its wake. The aroma is a mixture of tropical over citrus fruits, and the more I sniff it, the more I am enchanted by it. Passionfruit seems to be standing out over top of grapefruit and possibly some mango, and it is all quite mouthwatering.

First sip reveals a slap from the carbonation that is further heightened by the coldness of the beverage and adds to the citric acid to all but cover up the flavor of the fruits. I know the fruits are in there because I still taste them in my mouth when I'm done, but I'm not sure I can tell you exactly what they taste like after the beverage is done stinging my tongue. I wish I could say more about the experience of the first sip, but that is pretty much all there is.

Tip-in is significant carbonation with watered passionfruit, guava, and grapefruit. The middle moves to attack with carbonation at the back of the throat and along the roof of the mouth while the fruits remain watery in the center. The finish is where the carbonation ceases its assault and bitterness is allowed to seep in to finish what is, ultimately, an unbalanced beverage.

Bottom Line: Not as smooth as 007.

1.75/5