I'm shocked! Shocked I tell you!
Today we take a deeper dive into the IPA variety pack from Magic Hat Brewing.
Specifically we consider their offering called Electric Peel. As you can tell from the label it is advertised as a "grapefruit IPA". This immediately got me thinking about the west coast and west coast-style IPAs such as you might get from Sierra Nevada, or the Rebel IPA from Sam Adams. To me those IPAs have a more pronounced citrusy smell and taste than "regular" IPAs. So rightly or wrongly that was the benchmark established in my mind as I approached Electric Peel.
As you may be able to tell as you peer through the glass to the countertop below, this IPA is lighter in color than many traditional IPAs. As expected there was a marked grapefruit aroma when the glass was brought close. The first taste also revealed a definite citrus component, though admittedly more subdued than anticipated given the strength of the grapefruit aroma.
There was some maltiness in the flavors, but the grapefruit was definitely predominant, especially in the aftertaste. There was some bitterness at times while drinking this brew, but overall the balance was fine.
The lasting impression was that the Electric Peel was lighter than most IPAs, lighter in color, body and overall taste. But it compared well to the IPAs I would consider West Coast style. The grapefruit was a little more pronounced in the Electric Peel however than I recall in most of the other similar IPAs. I was not surprised to learn later on the web site that grapefruit peel is added during the brewing process.
At 6% alcohol, Electric Peel is not a weakling, but is certainly not overwhelming and can be a beer you can stay with all night. It was certainly easy to drink. I don't believe this is my favorite West Coast style IPA, that distinction probably goes to one of the brews from Sierra Nevada. But Electric Peel is a fine, tasty and refreshing addition to the offerings in that style.
I give Electric Peel from Magic Hat 6 mugs out of 10.
Specifically we consider their offering called Electric Peel. As you can tell from the label it is advertised as a "grapefruit IPA". This immediately got me thinking about the west coast and west coast-style IPAs such as you might get from Sierra Nevada, or the Rebel IPA from Sam Adams. To me those IPAs have a more pronounced citrusy smell and taste than "regular" IPAs. So rightly or wrongly that was the benchmark established in my mind as I approached Electric Peel.
As you may be able to tell as you peer through the glass to the countertop below, this IPA is lighter in color than many traditional IPAs. As expected there was a marked grapefruit aroma when the glass was brought close. The first taste also revealed a definite citrus component, though admittedly more subdued than anticipated given the strength of the grapefruit aroma.
There was some maltiness in the flavors, but the grapefruit was definitely predominant, especially in the aftertaste. There was some bitterness at times while drinking this brew, but overall the balance was fine.
The lasting impression was that the Electric Peel was lighter than most IPAs, lighter in color, body and overall taste. But it compared well to the IPAs I would consider West Coast style. The grapefruit was a little more pronounced in the Electric Peel however than I recall in most of the other similar IPAs. I was not surprised to learn later on the web site that grapefruit peel is added during the brewing process.
At 6% alcohol, Electric Peel is not a weakling, but is certainly not overwhelming and can be a beer you can stay with all night. It was certainly easy to drink. I don't believe this is my favorite West Coast style IPA, that distinction probably goes to one of the brews from Sierra Nevada. But Electric Peel is a fine, tasty and refreshing addition to the offerings in that style.
I give Electric Peel from Magic Hat 6 mugs out of 10.
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