THE STYLE: American India Pale Ale. ABV 6.50 percent
GLASS: Shaker Pint Glass, Tulip
SERVING TEMP: 38 degrees
WHAT MAKES IT SO GOOD: As the name implies, loads of Citra hops at 95 IBU’s bring on layers of ripe tropical fruit, grapefruit zest and a touch of caramel sweetness on the aroma. A sticky head floats atop a smooth body with a zing of bitterness. Grapefruit, mango, tangerine and toasted malt linger on the taste buds without a long-lasting bitterness. Overall, tropical fruit dominates, and a touch of caramel sweetness attempts to round it out, but don’t expect a perfect balance here. Smooth and crisp.
SUGGESTED FOOD PAIRINGS: Spicy citrus Thai noodles, Indian curry crab cakes, English Farmhouse cheddar.
THE INFO: Citra is a fairly new hop variety becoming popular in both aroma and flavor. Using citra hops as a single-hop beer is not uncommon because of its intense yet smooth flavor profile. If you crave the citrus-forward American hops, this is for you. It is always nice to see another delicious offering from this established Ohio brewery. “Truth, Justice and the American IPA” is the motto Thirsty Dog is using for this beer, maybe because this is the brewery’s first true IPA and a good choice for the warmer months ahead. While this beer is one-hop dimensional, it is no dog, and it has plenty of bite. Bone Appetit! (Now stop hounding us with the dog puns already.)
PRICE: $10.99 for a 6 12-ounce bottles.
WHERE TO FIND: At your craft beer store locations in the Miami Valley.
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