Mighty Squirrel Cloud Candy Light

Cloud Candy Light from Mighty Squirrel in Massachusetts is a New England-style IPA brought down to 4.5% ABV and 30 IBU. Both numbers say something about how it drinks. The alcohol puts it in session territory, and a 30 IBU rating is moderate for an IPA, so bitterness should sit in the background while hop flavor stays up front. Beers in this style usually pour hazy and pale gold, with a soft, rounded mouthfeel and a quick, clean finish rather than a lingering resinous one. The flavor to expect is tropical and juicy: pineapple, mango, citrus pith and stone fruit are the usual territory for hop-forward New England IPAs. The lighter body is what separates this from a standard hazy IPA. There is less malt sweetness and less weight on the palate, so the hop character reads more clearly and the beer is easier to finish a second one of. Because it is not a heavy, high-alcohol example, you can taste the fruit without it feeling dense. Serve it cold but not frozen, around 40 to 45°F. That range keeps the carbonation lively and the finish crisp while still letting the hop aromatics come through. Straight from the coldest part of the fridge it will taste muted, so give it a few minutes in the glass. A tulip or a shaker pint both work, but an IPA glass or a stemmed tulip is better for concentrating the aroma, which matters most with a hop-driven beer like this. Pour with a little vigor to release the volatile hop oils, and drink it fresh, since hoppy beers lose their brightness with age. At this strength and bitterness, it pairs well with food that has some heat or acidity. Fish tacos with lime, Thai green curry, grilled shrimp, chicken wings, and carnitas all suit it, as the fruit character and carbonation cut through spice and fat without competing. It also works with salads dressed in citrus vinaigrette and soft fresh cheeses like goat cheese or burrata. Heavier, richer dishes such as braised short rib or aged cheddar will tend to overpower a beer this light.