Bright Side Ipa

Bright Side IPA is a Massachusetts-brewed India pale ale from Esplanda, sold as a four-pack. The details on file don't list an ABV, IBU or hop bill, so what follows describes the style as it typically behaves, not a measured profile of this beer. American IPAs of this kind generally run roughly 6 to 7.5 percent ABV and lean on citrus, pine and tropical-fruit hop character, with grapefruit, orange peel and resin the most common reference points. Expect a firm but not punishing bitterness that lingers briefly on the finish, supported by a light caramel or biscuity malt backbone that keeps the hops from tasting thin. Because hop aroma fades quickly, an IPA is at its best fresh, so check the packaging date and drink it within a few weeks of canning or bottling if you can. Keep the four-pack cold and upright in the refrigerator, away from light and heat, since both dull hop brightness and push the flavor toward cardboard or stale bread. Serve it at about 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a very cold fridge, the aromatics stay muted and the bitterness reads sharper; letting the bottle or can sit for five to ten minutes brings out the citrus and pine. A tulip or a shaped IPA glass is the ideal choice, since the tapered rim concentrates the hop aroma. A standard pint glass or a wide-mouthed tumbler works well too. Pour with a moderate head and leave any sediment behind if the beer is bottle-conditioned. The bitterness and carbonation make IPAs strong partners for rich, salty and spicy food. Cheeseburgers, fried chicken, barbecue ribs, carnitas tacos and Thai or Indian dishes with chili heat all stand up to the hops, and the bitterness cuts through fat. Sharp cheddar, aged gouda and blue cheese are good cheese-board matches. Very delicate fish or mild, creamy sauces tend to be overwhelmed, so save the four-pack for dishes with some weight and seasoning.