Mighty Squirrel Magic Rain

Magic Rain is a New England IPA from Mighty Squirrel in Massachusetts, listed at 6.5% ABV and 40 IBU. That bitterness figure sits in the moderate range for an IPA, and in this style it is deliberately restrained so that hop aroma and fruit character lead rather than a sharp bitter bite. Expect a hazy, juicy pour with tropical fruit on the nose and palate, and a soft, smooth mouthfeel typical of the style, which usually comes from a generous dose of oats or wheat in the grist and a yeast strain that leaves some fruity ester character behind. On the palate, New England IPAs like this one tend to put mango, pineapple, citrus pith and stone fruit in front, with the malt kept in the background as a gentle, slightly bready cushion. At 6.5% the alcohol is present but well integrated, so the finish should read as rounded and short on bitterness, with the hop flavor lingering more than any astringency. Because the hop character is the main draw, this is a beer to drink fresh, and it is worth keeping cold and out of the light until you open it. Serve it at roughly 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a very cold fridge, the aromatics get muted and the haze can feel thin; a few minutes on the counter lets the fruit open up. A tulip or an IPA-specific glass is the right choice, since the curved bowl and tapered rim gather the hop aromatics, and a standard shaker pint works fine if that is what you have. Pour with a moderate head and don't be shy about swirling the last bit of yeast haze into the glass if the style calls for it. At the table, juicy IPAs pair well with food that has some heat or richness to play against the fruit: tacos al pastor, Thai green curry, jerk chicken, fish tacos with a lime slaw, or a burger with sharp cheddar. The tropical hop character also works against spicy dishes, and the low bitterness means it won't clash with chili heat the way a more aggressively bitter West Coast IPA can. For something lighter, try it alongside a fresh goat cheese salad with citrus or a ripe mango salsa with grilled shrimp.