Mighty Squirrel Blood Orange Cloud Candy

Cloud Candy Blood Orange is an IPA from Esplanda, brewed in Massachusetts and sold here as a four-pack. The name and the blood orange in the title point to a fruited, hazy-leaning take on the style, so expect citrus-forward aromatics: orange peel and juice over a softer, rounder hop profile than a classic West Coast IPA. The exact ABV and IBU aren't listed for this product, but IPAs in this fruited, juicy lane typically land in the mid-6% range with moderate bitterness, letting the fruit and hop oils lead instead of a sharp bitter edge. Blood orange tends to bring a slightly tart, berry-tinged citrus note that sits differently from standard orange. It works well alongside modern hops with tropical or citrus character, and styles like this usually finish fairly clean, with a touch of fruit sweetness and a gentle pith bite rather than heavy malt weight. Anyone who finds traditional IPAs resinous or harsh will likely find this more approachable, while drinkers who want a hop-driven beer should still find enough hop presence to recognize it as an IPA. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C). Fridge-cold straight from the back of the shelf can mute the fruit and hop aromatics, so let a can sit out for five to ten minutes. Pour into a tulip or an IPA-style glass, or a standard shaped pint glass, so the citrus aroma has room to gather at the rim; a wide-mouthed tulip is especially good at holding it. For food, the citrus and moderate bitterness suit spicy dishes well: fish tacos with lime, Thai or Szechuan-style stir-fries, jerk chicken, and buffalo wings all work with a fruited IPA. It also pairs with fresh goat cheese, grilled shrimp, and carrot or citrus-dressed salads, where the blood orange echoes what's already on the plate. Heavier, richly sauced dishes can overwhelm it, so lean toward bright, spiced, or grilled food.