Counter Weight Headway Ipa

Counter Weight Headway IPA is an India pale ale from Massachusetts. The details on file don't include ABV or IBU, so the profile below reflects what the style typically delivers rather than measured figures. IPAs in this vein generally lead with hop aroma: citrus peel, grapefruit, pine, resin or tropical fruit, depending on the hop varieties used. They sit on a lean malt backbone that provides balance without much sweetness. Expect a dry-to-medium finish with noticeable but not punishing bitterness, and a body light enough to keep it drinkable past the first glass. Hop aroma fades quickly in IPAs, so fresher is better. Keep the bottle or can cold and upright, and drink it soon after buying rather than cellaring it. Serve it at roughly 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics get muted, and a few minutes on the counter lets the citrus and pine come forward. A tulip or a shaped IPA glass is the best choice, since the tapered rim concentrates the aroma. A standard pint glass or a nonic works well if that's what you have. Pour with a firm stream to build a head, which releases the hop oils. The bitterness and carbonation suit rich, fatty or spicy food: smash burgers, fried chicken, carnitas tacos, buffalo wings, and curries with some heat. It also works with sharp cheddar or washed-rind cheeses, and the citrus-leaning hop character is a good match for grilled shrimp or fish tacos with lime.