Lawsons Fest Bier

Lawsons Fiest Bier is listed here as an IPA in a four-pack of cans, with Massachusetts given as its state of origin. The listing doesn't state an ABV, IBU or hop bill, so what follows describes how beers in this style usually behave rather than a measured profile for this one. Expect the hallmarks of an IPA: a hop-forward aroma that commonly runs to citrus, pine, resin or stone fruit, a malt backbone kept lean enough to let the hops lead, and a bitterness that lingers briefly on the finish. Most IPAs fall somewhere between 5.5% and 7.5% ABV, so check the can for the exact figure. The fresher an IPA is, the brighter its hop character, so it's best drunk soon after purchase and kept cold until opening. Serve it chilled to roughly 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics are muted. Pouring into a tulip glass or a standard shaker pint releases more of the aroma than drinking from the can, and a slow, angled pour builds a modest head that carries the hop notes to the nose. At the table, IPAs suit foods with enough fat, salt or spice to stand up to the bitterness. Burgers, sharp cheddar, fried chicken, tacos al pastor and Thai or Indian curries all work. The carbonation and hop bite cut through richness and cool down chili heat. A four-pack in cans is easy to chill quickly and carry to a cookout or tailgate.