Lord Hobo Mixed Pack New England Sampler

This mixed pack from Lord Hobo gathers New England-style IPAs brewed in Massachusetts, a style defined by a soft, hazy body and a flavor that leans on hop aroma rather than bitterness. The listed figures are 6.5% ABV and 45 IBU, which sit in the middle of the style's usual range. The IBU number looks moderate on paper, but in this kind of beer the perceived bitterness is typically lower than the figure suggests, because the low-sulfate water, generous late-addition hops and residual fullness in the body round off the edges. As with most New England IPAs, expect aromas of citrus peel, tropical fruit such as mango, pineapple and passion fruit, and sometimes stone fruit or a touch of pine and resin, depending on the hop blend in each beer. The malt backbone is usually light and bready, with oats or wheat adding a pillowy mouthfeel and a low, soft finish. Because this is a sampler, the individual beers will differ in their hop selection and emphasis, so the pack works well for comparing how different hop varieties shift the character within one style. Check the labels on the cans for the specific beer names and any per-beer details. Serve these cold but not ice-cold, ideally around 42 to 48°F (6 to 9°C), since over-chilling mutes the hop aromatics that are the whole point of the style. Pour into a tulip, a shaker pint, or a wide-mouthed IPA glass so the aroma has room to collect; a stemmed tulip is best if you want to concentrate the fruit notes. Drink them fresh, as hop-forward hazy beers are at their best soon after packaging and tend to lose brightness with time. For food, the citrus and tropical hop character pairs well with spicy dishes such as Thai curries, tacos al pastor or buffalo wings, where the fruitiness and low bitterness help temper heat. It also suits fish tacos, burgers with sharp cheddar, and creamy cheeses such as fresh chèvre, and its soft body stands up to carrot cake or other lightly spiced desserts.