Lakefront New Grist Ipa

Lakefront IPA comes as a six-pack of cans and falls into the India Pale Ale category, a style built around hop character rather than malt sweetness. The listing gives no ABV or IBU figure, so treat the following as what the style usually delivers. Expect a pronounced hop aroma of citrus peel, pine resin or grapefruit, backed by a modest malt body that provides balance and some bready or lightly caramel sweetness. Bitterness in an IPA typically lands moderate to assertive, and carbonation is medium to lively, which keeps the finish fairly dry and the hop oils from feeling heavy on the palate. Serve it cold but not frozen, ideally around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a refrigerator that runs near 38°F, the aromatics stay muted, so let a can sit out for five to ten minutes before opening. A standard pint glass or a tulip-style glass works well; pour into the glass rather than drinking from the can, because the aroma carries much of an IPA's flavor, and releasing it into the glass shows that hop character much better. The hop bitterness and carbonation make this a good match for foods with fat, salt or spice. Burgers, sharp cheddar, fried chicken, tacos al pastor and curry all hold their own against it, since the bitterness cuts through richness and the hop notes echo spicy seasoning. Grilled sausages and pizza with cured meats are straightforward fits as well. Very delicate dishes, such as plain white fish or mild desserts, tend to be overwhelmed by a hop-forward beer, so it is better kept with bolder flavors. Cans are packed in a six-pack, which suits sharing at a cookout or keeping a few on hand for the week. Store them upright in a cool, dark spot and drink them fresh, as hop aroma in IPAs fades with time and is at its brightest in the first few months after packaging.