Wandering Soul Melody Maker

Melody Maker is a New England-style pale ale from Wandering Soul in Massachusetts, dry hopped with Citra, Mosaic and Motueka. At 4.9% ABV and 35 IBU, it sits at the lighter end of the hazy pale and IPA spectrum, aiming for hop aroma and juiciness rather than weight or heavy bitterness. The 35 IBU figure is moderate on paper, and in this style the perceived bitterness usually reads softer still, since the hops are added late and in the dry-hop stage rather than in a long boil. The hop trio suggests where the flavor will go. Citra typically contributes grapefruit, lime and general citrus brightness, Mosaic tends to add tropical fruit and berry-like notes with some resinous depth, and Motueka, a New Zealand variety, is known for a lime-zest and tropical character with a faint herbal edge. Together, expect a fruit-forward nose with a soft, rounded malt backbone and a smooth body typical of the New England approach. A low-ABV beer in this style is also easy to drink at length, which makes it a reasonable choice for a longer meal or a gathering. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 40 to 45°F, so the hop aromatics are not muted. A tulip glass or a standard shaped pint glass suits it well, as the curved shoulders gather the aroma and let the hazy body and loose head show. Pour it with some vigor to release the volatile hop oils, and drink it fresh, since dry-hopped beers are at their best in the weeks after packaging. For food, the citrus and tropical hop character pairs naturally with fish tacos, grilled shrimp, chicken wings with a mild or medium sauce, and Thai or Vietnamese dishes where lime and herbs are already in play. Its modest bitterness also keeps it friendly with soft cheeses such as fresh goat cheese or young cheddar, and with a burger or pizza where a clean, aromatic beer cuts through the richness. The reference copy notes the beer is dedicated to Melody Smith, who was stillborn in 2017, which is the origin of its name.