Cambridge Flower Child

Flower Child is a Massachusetts-brewed IPA from Cambridge, listed at 6.5% ABV and 75 IBU. That bitterness figure is high for a beer at this strength, so expect a pronounced hop bite that sits firmly in the foreground rather than behind the malt. The brewer's own description points to floral and citrus hop character over a balanced malt backbone, and beers built this way typically show orange or grapefruit peel and a perfumed, blossom-like aroma, with a clean, bready malt base that keeps the finish from turning harsh. At 75 IBU the finish should be dry and lingering, with the bitterness carrying through after each swallow. The 6.5% alcohol is moderate for the style, so it drinks as a full-flavored IPA without the heavy sweetness or warmth of a double IPA. Because the hop profile leans floral and citrusy rather than resinous or piney, it should read as bright and aromatic rather than aggressively dank. Serve it cold but not frozen, around 42 to 48°F (6 to 9°C). Straight from a very cold refrigerator, the floral aromatics will be muted and the bitterness can feel sharper; letting the bottle or can sit for a few minutes lets the citrus and blossom notes open up. A tulip or shaped pint glass works best, since the tapered rim concentrates the hop aroma, while a standard nonic pint is a fine everyday choice. The bitterness and citrus character suit food with some fat, salt, or heat. Fried chicken, burgers with sharp cheddar, fish tacos with lime, and Thai or Indian dishes with moderate spice are all natural matches, as the hops cut through richness and echo citrus in the dish. Soft, creamy cheeses and carrot cake also work, balancing the bitter finish with fat or sweetness.