One of the breweries in a mashup with Stone was based in New Mexico. As far as I can tell, that's the only reviewed beer that has any association with that state, and I suspect that beer was not actually brewed within the state borders. This one, however, comes straight from New Mexico. So, this is breaking new ground. This is, like a recent beer that I reviewed, a gift from my brother in Texas. I really appreciate him sending the can, and I'm going to review the crap out of it.
First sip is light and bitter. It does seem like I've concentrated more on New England IPAs and just regular IPAs lately, and I don't recall the last time I had a West Coast style. I seem to remember them being a lot more mild than this is, but it's been a while. Pine intrudes into the fruits to the point of distraction, and bitterness following them doesn't do the overall flavor much good. Maybe this just needs more malt. I'm not sure what they're going for, but they weren't going for a sip.
Tip-in is rather nice tangerine, orange, and grapefruit in an almost sweet dance with moderate carbonation intrusion. The carbonation moves to the roof of the mouth to become a bit of a nuisance as the fruits mingle underneath with a very slight pine joining in for a good flavor that starts to turn bitter too soon. The finish is a letdown with fruits disappearing entirely - leaving only pits and skins in their wake as bitterness gets rid of all sweetness that had ever been there.
Bottom Line: This would certainly not turn me off of this brewery, but it won't get me to drink this beer again.
1.75/5
