Westside Big Slide

Westside Big Slide is an IPA from Esplanda in Massachusetts, packaged as a four-pack of cans. No ABV or IBU is listed for it, so judge its strength and bitterness by the style rather than a number. IPAs of this kind generally put hop character first, with citrus, pine, resin or tropical fruit aromatics and a bitterness that finishes dry or lightly sweet, depending on how much malt sits underneath. New England-brewed IPAs often lean softer and juicier, but check the can for the brewer's own description of how hazy or crisp this one runs. Hop-forward beers pair well with food that has its own heat, fat or char. Spicy dishes such as buffalo wings, jerk chicken, Thai green curry and chili-rubbed pork suit the style, since the carbonation and hop bitterness cut through richness and the beer's fruit notes meet the spice. Burgers with sharp cheddar, sausages, fish tacos and aged cheeses also work. Very delicate dishes like plain white fish or mild cream sauces will be overpowered by a beer like this. Serve it cold but not frozen, ideally 40 to 46°F (4 to 8°C). Straight from the back of the fridge, the cold suppresses hop aroma, and a few minutes on the counter lets the fruit and pine character open up. An IPA glass, a tulip, or a standard shaped pint glass concentrates the aromatics better than drinking from the can. Pour it into the glass and let the foam rise, since much of an IPA's appeal is in the nose. Because hop flavors fade with age, drink it reasonably fresh and keep the cans refrigerated until you pour.