I was going to start this post with a treatise on the invention of new names and new categories of beer and the way that this reduces the average consumer's ability to enjoy a beverage or even just select one from the aisle. I was going to. However, here's the thing about a cold IPA: I'm kinda into it. Basically, it is my understanding that these things are brewed extra cold, and that should give them a crisper taste in general with more muted hops while still maintaining a relatively high ABV. Once you decide to make this a session cold IPA, you are now reducing the ABV, but it's still going to be an ale, so I should still be getting more hops and less malt with something that's easy drinking. Let's see what this combo really brings me.
The pale yellow beer could easily be confused for a lager. Once poured, the torrent of bubbles coming from the points of nucleation in the depths of the beer replenish a head that never really goes away. Instead, I'm treated to almost a half inch of thick, dense foam on top of my beer. There may not be any lacing in its wake, but this head is here to play. The aroma is relatively faint, and I actually got bubbles on my nose as I tried to sniff it. Nevertheless, there is lemon somewhere under there, and I suspect there will be plenty of other flavors to enjoy.
First sip is really smooth, really crisp, and it has enough flavors to keep it going. It's got citrus, tropical, and surprising floral tastes going on. There is a bitterness on the backend, and the malt is bread, but it's very shy. As a result, those hops are bringing the flavor, but they are more gentle than watered-down in a way that makes this beer easy to drink, and I wish it was summer right now. Unfortunately, it's a pretty cold day outside, and I'm stuck in here wearing a sweatshirt. I can't blame that on Founders.
Tip-in is mild carbonation with lemons and wheatgrass - not unlike the start of a pilsner. The middle brings flowers and some tropical fruits to join the lemon while carbonation stays relatively under the radar. The bottom brings bitterness with a cold, crisp snap before leaving lemon peels and flowers for the trail off.
Bottom Line: An easy drinking, easy finishing beer that would probably appreciate friends to help you drink it.
3.0/5