Bissell Brothers Swish

Swish is a New England IPA from Bissell Brothers in Maine, listed at 8% ABV and 80 IBU. That is a big number for the style. Most hazy IPAs sit in the 30s to 50s on paper, and the style is built to hide its bitterness behind soft, juicy hop character. An 80 on the label suggests a beer with real hop weight underneath, so expect more structure and a drier, more resinous finish than a typical soft, pillowy NEIPA. Styles like this usually pour hazy, with a golden to orange-yellow color and a dense white head. The aroma tends to lead with tropical and stone-fruit notes, such as mango, pineapple, citrus peel and peach, with some pine or resin from the hops. The malt is typically a supporting player, with a soft, rounded body from oats or wheat, and the 8% alcohol adds weight and a slight warmth through the finish. Because the beer is high in both strength and hopping, it works as a slow sipper. A single can can be shared or drawn out over a meal. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 42 to 48°F (6 to 9°C). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics are muted and the bitterness can read as harsh, so letting it sit for five to ten minutes helps the fruit come forward. A tulip or snifter-style glass is a good fit because the curved bowl concentrates the aroma, and a wide-mouthed IPA glass or a standard shaker pint also works. Pour with a bit of vigor to build some head, but leave the last bit of yeast sediment in the can if you prefer a cleaner look. At the table, the hop intensity and alcohol suit food with heat, fat and char. Spicy fried chicken, carnitas tacos, jerk-seasoned pork, smash burgers and sharp cheddar all work well, because the carbonation and bitterness cut through richness while the fruitiness answers chili heat. Thai and Indian curries are another natural match. Avoid delicate dishes such as white fish or light salads, which the beer will overwhelm.