Cigar City Br Jai Alai

Jai Alai is an India pale ale sold under the Cigar City name, packed here as a six-pack. Expect the profile of a modern American IPA: a citrus-forward hop aroma of orange peel, grapefruit and tangerine, backed by pine and resin and a clean malt base that stays in the background. IPAs in this category usually land in the mid-to-high 6s to 7s by ABV, with a firm, lingering bitterness rather than a sharp one. Check the label for the exact ABV and IBU on the pack you are buying. Hop-driven beers like this are at their best fresh, so drink them promptly and keep them cold and upright until you do. Serve at roughly 40 to 45°F. Straight from the fridge it can taste muted and slightly harsh, and a few minutes out of the cold lets the citrus and resin come forward. A tulip or a shaped IPA glass is the best choice, since the tapered rim concentrates the aroma. A standard pint glass or nonic works fine, and a pour with a modest head releases the hop oils better than drinking from the bottle. The bitterness and citrus character make this a good match for food with fat, spice or char. Burgers, barbecue, fried chicken and sharp cheddar all benefit, since the hops cut through richness. Spicy dishes such as buffalo wings, jerk-seasoned meats, curries and tacos al pastor also suit it, because the beer's citrus notes echo chilies and lime. Very delicate fish or mild, creamy sauces tend to be overwhelmed by an IPA, so pair it with bolder flavors.