Hangar 24 - Essence

Local brew from the neighboring city of Redlands, CA.  This beer is part of Hangar 24's Local Fields Series.  It's a double IPA that features the zest of navel oranges, blood oranges, and grapefruit all grown there in Redlands.  Really cool idea, these fruit should accentuate the citrus qualities of the massive amount of American hops they put in the beer!  Here are my thoughts:


Appearance - Hazy orange.  Nice tight off-white head.

Aroma - Huge grapefruit zest, piney, and hints of bready malt as the beer warms.

Flavor - Wallop of fresh oranges and grapefruit.  I also can pick up that sweet intense blood orange as well.  There's also a nice floral hint once you give your palate a chance mellow after you are blasted with all that citrus zest character.  The malt is very subtle, perfect for an IIPA.  A nice light toastiness to balance the smooth bitterness.  No noticeable alcohol, even though it ranks in at 8.5% ABV.  Very quaffable.

Mouthfeel - Nice medium mouthfeel.  Carbonation is slightly prickly, but really carries the beer across the palate nicely; it accentuates the dryness of this beer.

Overall - I'm really digging this beer.  I like character that adding citrus zest gives this beer.  I love the pungent orange and grapefruit flavor.  It's kind of like the citrus character from hops, but more fresh and clean tasting and it doesn't linger.  The bitterness is there, but not puckering; balances well with the smooth bready malt.  I'd drink many more of these.  I am inspired to add some zest to my next IPA.