This is a great IPA for a backyard gets together or a day spent reading in the hammock. Seasonal brews are always appreciated, but this year-round creation is one worth keeping an eye out for. Instead of dramatic fruity overtones, Stone subtly creates undertones by relying on hops instead of sweeteners. This citrus-inspired IPA delivers delicious flavors while maintaining a complexity that doesn’t sacrifice the beer-taste. Stone’s Tangerine Express IPA is worth the extra 10 bones for a quarter if you know what I mean. Together they act as a sophisticated backbone of tropical aromas and flavors which make this IPA so impressive. Azacca Hops compliment with complex tropical touch and Mosaic hops add more depth to the citrus flavors. Sterling Hops are part of the mix providing the slight spice that can be tasted in the finish. Citra Hops provide a strong citrus aroma and flavor as well as a bitterness that helps maintain that beer flavor lost in most fruity concoctions. The mix of hops used in this brew is an impressive list of citrusy fruity hops boasting a powerful scent/flavor profile. The flavor behind this hoppy masterpiece is found in the plants that made such an IPA possible. However, the pineapple and Tangerine are named because people know what these fruits are. The pineapple in the background isn’t noticeable but provides a slightly sweet undertone. The citrusy fruity scent and flavor tones draw one in but the complexity of this brew is what will keep you sipping slowly for hours. A dark orange-gold body gives off sweet, tropical scents that preview the flavors layered throughout this beer. There is a weight to each finish that lasts tastefully until you can’t help but go back for another sip. Each mouthful is smooth, full, and sits comfortably doughy on the tongue after the finish. Instead, the puree compliments the bitterness of body. The Tangerine Express IPA’s sharp citrus flavor is credited largely to the Tangerine Puree which allows for an authentic citrus flavor without the sweet overtones. Each brilliantly bright, yet bitter sip hits you in a variety of ways leaving a flavor that dances on the tongue. Stone’s Tangerine Express IPA packs a powerful punch that is every bit as hoppy as an IPA should be and yet complex. A twinge of fruity sweetness is left on the lips as the IPA finishes with a lasting bitter tingle and tangerine before a light dryness wraps everything up.As Stone will tell you on their website – this isn’t a brew for people that want fruit juice in their beer. Everything peaks smoothly with a moderate-to-high hop bite. Pine and grapefruit also jump in on the fine while pineapple, grass and leafy hop notes hang out at the edges. Tangerine Express is note overly fruit juicy which I prefer in these types of beers. TasteĪ strong tangerine flavor dominates with an earthy character, adding to the beer's hoppy bitterness (70 IBU). Soft pine, a touch of grass and floral notes are also present. While that pithy citrus states its case, a hint of pineapple and grapefruit linger gently. This beer is appropriately named as a surge of earthy tangerine hits the nose. The white head sits comfortably atop the brew fluffy and dense. The pale amber brew has a slight haze (perhaps due to chilling) as it rests in the glass. This is a review of a promotional sample. Stone has done a wonderful job with this beer, especially in avoiding the the artificial character that can often accompany fruit-forward IPAs. So, Tangerine Express IPA was still quite perfect for this unseasonably warm February afternoon. Normally, I would say that a lively, refreshing beer like this is ideal to escape the cold doldrums of Winter, but the day I cracked this particular beer open required shorts, not mittens or a scarf. The beer’s hop blend (Chinook, Magnum, Centennial, Citra, Sterling, Mosaic, Azzaca and Simcoe) helps accentuate that surge of fruit flavor while also providing a solid amount of hop bitterness that reminds that this isn’t your kid’s morning juice blend. The tangerine flavors are pithy and earthy, avoiding the overly fruit-juicy nature that I’m personally not a big fan of. Pine, pineapple, grapefruit and leafy hop notes are all in play while the appropriately named Tangerine Express presents a solid citrusy flavor that dominates evenly. Stone Brewing’s newest year-round offering, Tangerine Express IPA, has managed to present an earthy fruit character and excellent balance between the IPA’s elements. Some had a welcome and smooth amount of the fruit while others were overly fruit juicy or allowed the fruit’s natural bite to affect the overall experience. I’ve had a few IPAs that utilize tangerine fruit within their recipe. Discussing, exploring and reviewing all things beer since 2006.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |