Alaskan Brewing 'Icy Bay' IPA. 6.2% abv. 65 IBU. Slight hazy yellow-gold. A finger+ white bubbly head. Excellent retention and lace. Nose of citrus peel, sweet light fruit. Front taste of bitter fruity hops, grapefruit, light malt, white bread. Aftertaste of grapefruit rind, floral hops. Thin-medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, carby, bright.
This is a good category IPA. The mix of hops is bright throughout, with bitter citrus taking front seat over the light malt. The grapefruit taste is distinct, with a well balanced bitter. In today's field of innovate brews, this one is not spectacular but still worthy of note. A solid example of its category. Recommended.
From the brewery:
"Alaskan Icy Bay IPA is made from glacier-fed water and a blend of Cascade, Bravo, Calypso, Summit and Apollo hops and premium two-row pale and specialty malts. Alaskan Icy Bay IPA is made from glacier-fed water and a blend of Summit, Bravo, Calypso, Apollo and Cascade hops and premium two-row pale and specialty malts. Our water originates in the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice Field and from more than 90 inches of rainfall each year."
[source: alaskanbrewing.com]
"Yep, it's col. The surfers who ride the waves around Yakutat and Icy Bay have to be prepared for all of the extremes that come with Alaska's maritime climate. That can mean air temperatures well below freezing, and water temperatures not too much higher. It's sometimes called blue face surfing, and it requires a special breed of adventurer to seek out the rugged shorelines that yield the best breaks. Alaskan Icy Bay IPA comes from the heritage of a beer brewed to endure the long ocean journey from England to India, with a bold taste, brisk bitter bite, and a citrus hop aroma. For the surfers who venture into the cold water of Icy Bay, it's a beer to match the intensity of a remote ride on a wave breaking on a solitary Alaskan beach."
[source: packaging]
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