Spyglass 5TH Layer

Spyglass 5th Layer is a New England style IPA, a style defined by haze, soft body, and hop character that leans toward juice rather than bitterness. The details supplied for this beer don't list an ABV, IBU or hop bill, so what follows describes what the style usually delivers. Expect a cloudy, pale-gold to orange pour with a low-bitterness, rounded finish. The aroma in this style typically comes from late-addition and dry hops, so look for tropical and stone-fruit notes like mango, pineapple, peach and citrus peel, sometimes with a resinous or grassy edge. On the palate, New England IPAs usually have a pillowy, slightly creamy mouthfeel. That texture comes from oats or wheat in the grist and from yeast that stays in suspension. The malt stays in the background and supports the hops without adding noticeable sweetness. Bitterness is typically restrained for an IPA, so the fruit flavours come through first and the finish is soft with little dryness. Strength in this style often runs from the mid to upper sixes into the eights, so check the label for this beer's exact figure. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, at about 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F). Fridge-cold temperatures mute the hop aroma and make the beer taste thinner. Pour into a tulip, a stemmed IPA glass, or a wide-mouthed tumbler. These shapes hold the aroma and leave room for the head to form. Pour with some force to raise the foam. Leave the last centimetre in the can or bottle if you want a clearer pour, or swirl it in for the full haze. Drink it fresh. Hop aroma in hazy IPAs fades faster than in most other styles, so check the packaging date and keep the beer refrigerated. For food, the fruity hop character and low bitterness suit dishes with some spice or richness. Good matches include fish tacos with lime, Thai green curry, jerk chicken, and burgers with sharp cheddar. Its sweetness and softness also pair well with carrot cake and cheesecake. The beer's juicy fruit flavour offsets chilli heat better than a bitter West Coast IPA does.