Space Dust Na Ipa

Space Dust Na Ipa is Esplanda's non-alcoholic take on the India pale ale, a style built around hop aroma and a dry, bitter finish. No ABV or IBU is listed for this bottle, so what follows is the profile non-alcoholic IPAs typically show, not measured figures for this beer. Expect a hop-forward nose of citrus peel, grapefruit, pine or tropical fruit, depending on the hop varieties used. Brewers dealing-in the style usually build it on a light malt base, with some body from oats or wheat to make up for the missing alcohol. Non-alcoholic versions tend to taste slightly sweeter and fuller on the mid-palate than their alcoholic counterparts, with bitterness that lingers at the back of the tongue. The best examples keep the finish dry enough that the hops still read as bright instead of syrupy. Check the label for hop and malt details specific to this release. Serve it cold, around 3 to 6°C (38 to 43°F). Chilling keeps the carbonation crisp and the sweetness in check. If it warms past about 8°C, the malt can turn rounder and the bitterness more noticeable, which suits some drinkers but flattens the hop aroma. A tulip glass or a standard IPA glass is the best choice, since the tapered rim holds the hop aromatics. A pint glass or nonic works too. Pour at an angle, then straighten the glass to build a short head and release the aroma. At the table, the bitterness and citrus character suit foods with fat, spice or char. Fried chicken, burgers, fish tacos, wood-fired pizza and Thai or Indian dishes with chili heat all work. The hop bite cuts through richness, and the carbonation clears the palate between bites. Sharp cheddar and washed-rind cheeses are also good matches, as are salty snacks such as roasted nuts and pretzels. Very delicate dishes, like plain steamed fish or light salads with a mild dressing, are better left to a gentler beer.