So, this is the true neutral Wizards' Order IPA, is it? Well, I don't really know what the difference is between this and the Juicebox Wizard of the same variety, but I suspect it will come down to the hops. The fact is, I was quite a fan of that other one, so I now have high expectations for the beer that the whole line was named after. I'm going to clear room on the virtual shelf of Excellent beers, just in case this makes it there.
The dark orange beer looks to all the world as if it is a DIPA. There aren't many IPAs that go this dark, and that head is almost vindictive in its staying power. Once it goes down, it leaves a smattering of lacing, so I'm satisfied in my lust for bubble remnants. The aroma is not as robust as a DIPA, and the fruit skins are kind of muddled together, but at least we didn't switch to pine.
First sip is unusually simple, smooth, and nice. IPAs are notoriously unapproachable for the average lager drinker, but I think this may be mild enough to woo one of them into the fold. The fruits are mostly tropical, and they are really laid back. This is a very nice sipping beer.
Tip-in is sweet grapefruit and orange with a smidge of starfruit. The middle lets bitterness creep in as juices flow smoothly through the center of the mouth and carbonation sizzles all around it. The finish turns a little dry and tart before slightly bitter juice heads into the trail off.
Bottom Line: I know why they made a whole line of beers out of it.
4.5/5
