Voodoo Ranger Imp Ipa

Voodoo Ranger Imp IPA is an American India Pale Ale brewed in Massachusetts and listed under the Esplanda brand. The details on file don't give an ABV, IBU or hop list, so what follows describes the style and what to expect from a modern American IPA, not a measured profile of this bottle or can. American IPAs of this kind are built around hop character. Expect citrus and tropical fruit aromas such as grapefruit, orange peel, pineapple or mango, often with a resinous pine edge. The malt bill is usually pale and restrained, supplying a light bready or lightly sweet backbone that keeps the hops in front. Bitterness is typically firm and clean through the finish, with a dry to medium-dry close. Many beers in this lane sit somewhere around 6 to 7.5 percent ABV, though you should check the label for this product's actual figure. Serve it cold but not frozen, around 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F). Straight from a very cold fridge the hop aromatics are muted, and letting it sit in the glass for a few minutes lets the citrus and pine come through. A tulip or a shaped IPA glass is ideal because the narrowed rim concentrates aroma. A standard pint glass or nonic works well, and pouring with a bit of vigor to build a head helps release the hop volatiles. Drink it fresh, since hop flavors in IPAs fade with time and warmth. For food, the bitterness and carbonation cut through fat and salt, which makes this style a natural match for burgers, barbecue ribs, fried chicken and wings with buffalo or hot sauce. Spicy dishes such as Thai curries, tacos al pastor and jerk chicken work because the citrusy hops contrast with the heat. Sharp cheddar, pepper jack and blue cheese hold up to the hops, and carrot cake is a classic dessert match, where the beer's citrus and spice-like hop notes echo the cinnamon and cream cheese frosting.