Moat Mountain Flavah Ipa

Moat Mountain Flavah IPA is an American India Pale Ale listed from Massachusetts, and the name signals a flavor-forward take on the style rather than a stripped-down bitter beer. The label details provided don't include ABV, IBU or a hop list, so treat the following as what the style typically delivers. American IPAs usually show citrus and resin hop character, with grapefruit, orange peel, pine and sometimes tropical fruit on the nose. A light to medium malt backbone of pale malt, with a touch of caramel in some versions, holds it up. The finish tends to be dry to moderately bitter, with hop flavor lingering after the swallow. Most beers in this category fall roughly between 6 and 7.5 percent ABV, so check the can or bottle for the exact figure. Serve it cold but not frozen, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics are muted and the bitterness reads sharper; a few minutes on the counter lets the citrus and pine come forward. A tulip, shaker pint or dedicated IPA glass works best, because a slightly narrowed rim concentrates the aroma. Pour with a firm stream to build a one-finger head, which releases the volatile hop oils. IPAs are best drunk fresh, so favor the most recently packaged units and keep them refrigerated. For food, the hop bitterness and carbonation cut through fat and handle heat well. It suits cheeseburgers, fried chicken, barbecue, spicy tacos and wings, and curries with moderate heat. Sharp cheddar, pepper jack and blue cheese hold up to it, and carrot cake or other spiced desserts echo the citrus and resin notes. Very delicate fish or lightly dressed salads tend to be overpowered by a hop-forward beer like this.