Draught at Tip Tap Room, 7/29/21.
Concrete-looking appearance with a drab copper color and dense, well-retained, white head.
Zesty but not punchy, or overly acidic lime mixing with light watermelon, riesling and tons of stone fruit. Wow. This is clear and crisp with so much hop character and not impeded by any annoying bubble gum or other weird yeast notes. Malts seem very supportive with gently honey-like notes and a bit of cracker/biscuit. No alcohol, hop twang or flaw noted.
Hot damn that is amazing. I have really missed this brewery! Lush, juicy, Galaxy-heavy notes of complex white wine, stone fruit and guava all easily balanced by a deep, pillowy-soft, sumptuous maltiness that adds plentiful honey to easily balance the moderate acidity. Citra and Galaxy working in perfect harmony here to create a soft, easygoing juiciness alongside the more complex tropical and white wine notes. Tight, low, engaging carbonation and no hop twang or alcohol noted. Phenomenal. Pretty near-perfect for me as far as NEIIPAs go. Just a shade more malt sweetness than I'd prefer, but that's a big nitpick.