Foam Arc of Petals

Arc of Petals is an American IPA from FOAM in Vermont. The listing gives no ABV, IBU or tasting notes, so what follows describes what the style and region usually deliver. It is not a measured profile of this can. American IPAs generally lead with hop aroma: citrus peel, grapefruit, pine and resin from classic American hops, or mango, passion fruit and stone fruit from newer varieties. Vermont brewers are known for soft, fruit-forward hoppy beers. The name hints at a floral, aromatic angle, but check the can for hop and ABV details. In the glass, expect a gold to amber color. The body is medium and carbonation is moderate. Malt is usually restrained in this style, a light biscuit or toasted-grain base that holds up the hops without adding sweetness. Bitterness in an American IPA usually lands in a noticeable but balanced range. Many Vermont-made examples smooth it out with a rounder mouthfeel, so the finish tends to be less sharp than a West Coast-style IPA. Since FOAM's own specifications aren't listed, the can or brewery notes are the reliable source for the exact strength and bitterness. IPAs in this style commonly sit in the mid-6% to 7% ABV range. Serve it cold but not frozen, around 4 to 7°C (40 to 45°F). Straight from the back of a fridge it can taste muted, because heavy chilling suppresses the hop aroma that is the main reason to drink the style. Leaving the can out for five to ten minutes before pouring helps. Hop aroma fades quickly, so drink it fresh and keep it refrigerated. For glassware, a tulip or an IPA-specific glass with a tapered rim concentrates the aroma. A standard shaker pint also works. Pour into the glass instead of drinking from the can, so you get the aroma and can see the color and head. Hop bitterness and citrus character suit rich, spicy and fatty food. Fried chicken, burgers with sharp cheddar, carnitas tacos, Thai or Indian curries and buffalo wings all stand up to it. Carbonation and bitterness cut through grease, and the fruitiness of the hops offsets chili heat. For something lighter, try it with grilled fish tacos or a salad with citrus dressing. Cheese pairings tend to work best with sharp cheddar or a washed-rind cheese. Very sweet desserts tend to clash with the bitterness, although carrot cake is a classic exception.