Bissell Brothers Reciprocal

Reciprocal is an imperial IPA from Bissell Brothers in Maine, listed at 7.3% ABV and 80 IBU. That bitterness figure is high for the strength: a bittering level near 80 on a beer a little over 7% typically reads as a firmly hop-driven, dry-leaning beer rather than a sweet, malt-heavy double IPA. Expect a resinous, pungent hop profile, with citrus-peel and pine bitterness running through the finish, and a modest malt body that mostly exists to support the hops. New England-region IPAs often lean on juicy, tropical hop character, but at this IBU level you should expect the bitterness to stay assertive and linger on the back of the palate. Styles like this usually show grapefruit, orange zest, and resin on the nose, with a medium-light body that keeps the 7.3% alcohol from feeling heavy. The strength is moderate for an imperial IPA, so the beer is generally more drinkable than the category's 8 to 10% examples. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics get muted and the bitterness comes across as harsher; a few minutes out of the refrigerator lets the citrus and pine notes open up. A tulip or a standard IPA glass is the right choice, since the tapered rim concentrates the aroma, and a shaped glass such as a Teku works equally well. A shaker pint will do the job, but it lets the hop aroma escape faster. For food, the bitterness and carbonation work well against rich, fatty or spicy dishes. Think smash burgers with sharp cheddar, fried chicken, carnitas tacos, or a Thai or Indian curry with real heat. Aged cheddar, blue cheese, and carrot cake are also good matches, as the sweetness or fat softens the bitterness. Because the hop character fades with time, this is a beer best enjoyed fresh, so check the packaging date and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to pour.