Widow Maker 52 Fatal Strikes

52 Fatal Strikes is a New England IPA from Widow Maker. No ABV or IBU is listed here, so the notes below describe what the style usually delivers and are not measurements of this particular beer. The style is built around hop aroma and a soft texture instead of bitterness. Expect a hazy, opaque pour in pale gold to orange, with a juicy nose of citrus, stone fruit and tropical notes such as orange, mango, peach or pineapple. These come from late-addition and dry-hopped American hops, and some pine or resin often sits underneath. On the palate, New England IPAs typically feel full and rounded, helped by oats or wheat in the grist and a yeast strain that leaves some fruity esters. Bitterness is usually low to moderate and tucked behind the fruit. The finish is generally soft and fairly dry, with little caramel sweetness. These beers tend to run in the mid-to-upper range of IPA strength, which is worth remembering when you plan the rest of the evening. Serve it cold but not frozen, around 6 to 9°C (43 to 48°F). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics are muted and the body can seem thin. A short rest on the counter lets the fruit come forward. A tulip or a stemmed IPA glass is the best choice, because the tapered rim concentrates the aroma. A wide-mouthed tumbler or a shaker pint also works. Pour most of the beer and swirl the last bit if you want the settled yeast and hop haze in the glass. Drink it fresh, since hop character in this style fades within weeks. For food, the fruit-forward hops suit spice and fat. Try it with tacos al pastor, Thai green curry, chicken wings with a hot sauce, or a burger with sharp cheddar. The beer's juicy sweetness also takes the edge off chili heat. It handles carrot cake or a citrus tart, and a soft-rinded cheese like a young Brie works too.