Lawsons Sip Of Sunshine

Sip Of Sunshine is an 8.0% ABV India Pale Ale from Lawson's Finest Liquids in Vermont, with a listed bitterness of 65 IBU. That puts it in the strong IPA range: more alcohol and weight than a standard 6 to 7 percent IPA, and enough bitterness to give structure without turning harsh. The producer positions it as juicy and hop-forward with tropical fruit, citrus and floral notes, which is the profile of a modern New England-leaning IPA. Expect a soft, fuller body, pineapple, mango and citrus-peel aromatics, and a finish where the bitterness shows up as a dry, resinous snap rather than a sharp bite. The 8.0% ABV matters in the glass. Beers at this strength usually carry a gentle malt sweetness underneath the hops, which helps the fruit character read as ripe rather than sharp. That malt backbone also gives the beer enough substance to stand up to richer food. Spicy dishes are a natural match, since the fruit and residual sweetness temper heat: think Thai green curry, jerk chicken, or tacos with a chile-lime rub. Sharp cheddar, washed-rind cheeses and carrot cake also work well, the cheeses against the hop bitterness and the cake echoing the citrus and tropical notes. Serve it cold but not frozen, ideally around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics stay muted and the beer tastes thinner than it is. Giving it five to ten minutes on the counter lets the fruit and floral notes open up. Because hop aroma fades with time, this style is best enjoyed fresh, so check the packaging date and drink it sooner rather than later. For glassware, use a tulip, a snifter-style IPA glass, or a wide-mouthed stemless tulip. The tapered rim concentrates the citrus and tropical aromas, which are a large part of what this beer offers. A standard shaker pint works in a pinch, but it lets much of that aroma escape. Pour with a moderate head so the foam carries volatile hop oils to the nose, and leave any yeast or haze in the pour, since that is where much of the beer's soft texture comes from.