Wormtown Be Juicy Ipa

Be Juicy is a New England IPA from Wormtown, brewed in Massachusetts and sold here as a four-pack. The style is defined by what it leaves out as much as what it includes: bitterness is kept low and soft, and the hops are used late in the process so the beer shows tropical and citrus fruit character rather than a sharp, resinous bite. Styles like this usually pour a hazy yellow to pale orange with a full, slightly pillowy body, and the aroma tends toward mango, orange peel, and pineapple, sometimes with a touch of grapefruit or stone fruit. Expect a smooth, rounded mouthfeel and a finish that dries gently rather than snapping shut. Because the bitterness stays restrained, the fruit-forward hop flavor is the main event, and it works best when the beer is not served ice cold. Aim for roughly 40 to 46°F, about 15 to 20 minutes out of the refrigerator. Colder than that and the aromatics flatten and the haze can turn muddy. A tulip or a wide-mouthed IPA glass is the right choice, since the curved bowl concentrates the hop aroma. A standard shaker pint works in a pinch, but pouring into a glass rather than drinking from the can matters more here than which glass you use, because the volatile hop oils are most of what this style is about. For food, the soft bitterness and fruit character suit dishes that bring heat or richness without too much sharpness. Fish tacos with a lime slaw, Thai green curry, spicy chicken wings, and carnitas all hold up well, as the beer's sweetness and juiciness cool the spice. Sharp cheddar and creamy washed-rind cheeses are also a good match, and so is anything with grilled pineapple or mango salsa, which echoes the hop profile directly. Hazy IPAs are at their best fresh, so drink the four-pack soon after purchase and keep it cold and upright until you are ready to serve.