Night Shift Santilli

Santilli is an American-style IPA sold here as a four-pack of cans and brewed in Massachusetts. The listing doesn't state an ABV or IBU, so what follows describes the style rather than a measured profile. American IPAs from New England breweries typically run in the mid-5s to mid-6s percent ABV, with hop character that leans toward aroma and juiciness more than sharp bitterness. Expect citrus and tropical fruit notes such as grapefruit, orange peel, pineapple or stone fruit, with a light pine or resin edge and a soft malt backbone that supports the hops without sweetening the beer. Those fruity, aromatic hops are best when fresh, so check the can for a packaged-on or best-by date and drink it within a few months. Keep the cans cold and upright until you're ready to pour, since warm storage dulls hop aroma quickly. Serve it at roughly 4 to 8°C (40 to 46°F). Colder than that mutes the aroma, and warmer lets the bitterness feel heavier. A tulip or a shaped IPA glass is the best choice, because the tapered rim concentrates hop aroma. A standard pint glass or a wide-mouthed tumbler also works. Pour most of the can with a slight tilt, then straighten the glass to build a short head. The hop-forward character pairs well with food that has some fat, spice or char. Carnitas tacos, spicy fried chicken, burgers with sharp cheddar, and Thai or Indian curries all work, because the carbonation and bitterness cut through richness and the citrus notes echo lime and cilantro. For a lighter match, try a goat cheese salad with citrus dressing. Very sweet desserts tend to overpower the hops, so carrot cake or a simple sharp cheese plate suits this beer better.