Widmer Brothers Rotator IPA Series – Shaddock IPA

From Widmer Brothers – People sometimes describe the aromas and flavors of hoppy IPAs as “grapefruit.” Hell, why not use some then? Widmer’s brewing team used a simple IPA recipe and added a generous amount of dried grapefruit peel to the end of the boil. The aroma is a melody of citrus, with a slight spice undertone, accentuated by the use of Citra hops. The flavor is that of nice hop forward IPA with the bitterness of grapefruit.

Widmer Brothers Brewing – Widmer Brothers Rotator IPA Series – Shaddock IPA – 12 oz. bottle poured into a pint glass. 7% abv.

Appearance:  Pours a clear amber gold with an off white pinestripe.

Aroma: Grapefruit oil, tropical fruit and  light sweetness.

Taste: Pungent earthy hops, pale malt, grapefruit bitterness. Finishes earthy bitter and dry.

Mouthfeel:  Astringent medium bodied with rough carbonation.

Overall:  It’s hard to tell where the hops end and the grapefruit peel begins with this beer.  It’s well crafted (the malt base is solid), but a bit too astringent for me to want to have a second one.