Aroma Coma

Drake’s Brewing Co.

San Leandro, CA

Style: IPA

ABV: 6.7%

Clever name. I like rhymes. I also like this beer. Because it showcases the very best of hop aroma without being too dank, or punchy, or over-the-top lupulin crazy. It’s not a knock out, but it’s a sneaky shot to the nose, with orange, lemon, even a bit of lime peel dancing around with grapefruit and some floral notes. This is the kind of IPA the current American beer scene was built upon, because the malt base isn’t lost in the hop-forward character. The geeks and the newcomers will appreciate it and the brewers deserve a pat on the back and a round at the bar.