Mighty Squirrel Cloud Candy

Cloud Candy is an India pale ale from Mighty Squirrel in Massachusetts, listed at 6.5% ABV and 60 IBU. That bitterness figure is solid but not punishing, and at this strength the name points to a hazy, juice-forward interpretation of the style. Expect a soft, rounded body with fruit-driven hop aroma (citrus, tropical fruit and stone fruit are typical for IPAs in this lane) carrying more of the character than raw bite. The 60 IBU gives the beer enough structure to finish clean rather than sticky. On the palate, styles like this usually lead with orange, mango or pineapple notes over a light, bready malt base that stays out of the way. Bitterness tends to arrive late and fade quickly, so the beer drinks easier than the numbers suggest. At 6.5%, it has enough weight to stand up to richer food without feeling heavy through a full pint. Serve it cold but not frozen, around 4 to 7°C (40 to 45°F). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics are muted; letting the can or bottle sit out for five minutes lets the fruit open up. A tulip or shaped IPA glass is the best choice, since the tapered rim concentrates the aroma. A standard shaker pint or a wide tumbler works fine if that's what you have. Pour with a moderate head so the hop oils carry to the nose. For food, the hop bitterness and citrus character suit spicy dishes well: Thai green curry, chicken tikka, jerk chicken or fish tacos with a lime-heavy salsa. It also cuts through fried food such as wings or onion rings, and it pairs naturally with sharp cheddar, burgers with caramelized onion, or a carrot-based dessert where the sweetness meets the beer's fruitiness. Drink it fresh, since hop-forward beers lose their aroma with time.