Widow Maker Ecstasy Of Gold

Ecstasy Of Gold is an India Pale Ale brewed by Widow Maker in Massachusetts, listed at 6.5% ABV and 50 IBU. That bitterness figure sits in the moderate range for the style: enough to register as a firm hop presence, but well short of the aggressive bitterness found in double IPAs. At 6.5% the alcohol is typical of a standard American-style IPA, giving the beer some body without turning heavy. Styles like this usually lead with hop aroma in the citrus, pine, and resin range, with a malt backbone that adds a light bread-crust or caramel sweetness underneath. Expect the bitterness to arrive mid-palate and fade into a dry or lightly sweet finish, with the malt keeping the hops from tasting sharp. The reference description points to a balance between bitterness and sweetness, which suggests a hop-forward but approachable profile rather than a harsh one. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, ideally around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics are muted and the bitterness can come across as blunt; letting the bottle or can sit out for several minutes lets the citrus and pine character open up. A tulip, shaker pint, or traditional IPA glass works well, since a slightly tapered rim concentrates the aroma. Pour with a firm stream down the middle of the glass to build a modest head and release the hop oils. At this ABV and bitterness, the beer holds up to food with some weight and spice. Grilled sausages, burgers, and barbecued chicken suit the malt and char; the hop bitterness also cuts through fried foods like fish and chips or buffalo wings. Spiced dishes such as Thai curries, jerk chicken, or tacos with a chili rub pair well, as do sharp cheddar and aged Gouda. Heavier cream-based sauces and delicate seafood tend to get overpowered by the hops, so these are better matched with a lighter beer.