Figueroa Mountain ‘Hoppy Poppy’ IPA

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. 'Hoppy Poppy' IPA. 6.5% abv. 65 IBU. Honey color. Clear. Two+ fingers of thick white foamy head. Superb retention and excellent lacing. Nose of pine, light fruit, faint sweet citrus, floral hops. Front taste of bitter citrus rind, grapefruit, sweet bread. Aftertaste of ample bitter fruity hops, grapefruit peel, sweet light malt sustain, dry finish. Light-medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, bright, tangy, carby.

This is an excellent IPA, a simple but well-crafted category beer. Although it touts poppy seeds in its brew, something that sets it apart from others in its class, this is firmly an IPA with no intention of blurring that line to Double or Imperial. As with most similar beers, the malt here is light and the hops are abundant, both in aroma and taste. The flavors of citrus and tall bitter hops are fresh and bright throughout, with a floral hop resin taste that comes across as the temp rises. An excellent beer all around. Recommended.

From the brewery:

"Hoppy Poppy IPA is a light-bodied, 'west coast' India pale ale featuring Centennial, Cascade, and Simcoe hops and poppy seeds. Like Figueroa Mountain in May, this brew is bursting with a bouquet of floral, citrusy hop flavors and aromas.  Enjoy this beer as you dream of green meadows dusted with wild flowers and poppies… Inspired by the poppies growing on Figueroa Mountain in the spring. The California poppy was designated as the state flower in 1903… Bursting with a floral bouquet and notes of citrus and pine; bright aromas of grapefruit, orange oil, lemon zest and pine needles abound. The flavor is mellow and smooth with a very moderate lingering bitterness."

[source: figmtnbrew.com]