Barewolf Floodplain

Floodplain is a Massachusetts IPA from BAREWOLF, listed at 6.5% ABV and 55 IBU. Those two numbers place it in the middle of the IPA range: strong enough to carry a full hop load, with a bitterness that is firm but not harsh. At 55 IBU, expect the bitterness to be noticeable on the finish without lingering long enough to tire the palate. The label does not spell out the hop bill, so the flavor profile below is what a beer of this strength and style usually shows rather than a measured description of this one. IPAs in this ABV and IBU band typically lead with citrus, pine, or tropical-fruit hop aroma, backed by a modest bready or lightly sweet malt base that keeps the hops from tasting thin. Floodplain should land in that territory, with the malt supporting the hops instead of competing with them. For food, the bitterness and carbonation in an IPA like this cut through fat and heat. Burgers, fried chicken, sharp cheddar, and spicy dishes such as Thai curries, jerk chicken, or buffalo wings are all natural matches. The hop character also stands up to grilled sausages and carnitas tacos, and the slight sweetness of a carrot cake or a fruit-forward dessert can mirror the beer's citrus notes. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, ideally around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a very cold refrigerator, the hop aroma gets muted, so let the bottle or can sit out for five to ten minutes. A tulip glass or a standard shaker pint works well, and a pour with a bit of head helps release the aromatics before the first sip.