Mighty Squirrel Blood Orange Cloud Candy

Blood Orange Cloud Candy is a New England IPA from Mighty Squirrel in the United Kingdom, brewed with blood orange and sold as part of the brewery's Cloud Candy range. The style is defined by its soft, hazy body and a hop character that leans toward juicy fruit rather than sharp bitterness, and the blood orange addition fits that approach. Expect citrus-forward aromatics, with the fruit sitting alongside the tropical and stone-fruit notes that New England hopping typically brings. On the palate, beers in this style usually have a rounded, full mouthfeel from oats or wheat in the grain bill, low perceived bitterness, and a finish that stays on the softer side. Blood orange tends to read as a little more berry-tinged and less sharply acidic than standard orange, so look for a sweet-tart citrus note rather than a pithy, marmalade bitterness. No ABV or IBU figure is supplied for this particular beer, so check the can for the exact strength. Hazy IPAs commonly sit in the mid-single-digit range and keep their IBU numbers modest relative to their aroma. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 6 to 8°C. Fridge temperature straight from the shelf can mute the fruit and hop aromatics, so give it a few minutes out of the fridge if it has been chilling for a long time. A tulip or a stemless IPA glass works well, since the curved bowl gathers the citrus aroma. A wide-mouthed shaker pint is a fine alternative. Pour it with a gentle swirl of the last inch if you want the haze and yeast carried into the glass. For food, the fruit-driven profile pairs naturally with spiced dishes such as Thai green curry, jerk chicken, or fish tacos with a lime slaw, where the softer bitterness will not clash with chilli heat. It also suits fresh, tangy goat's cheese, grilled halloumi, and citrus-dressed salads, and it can work against richer, salty dishes like fried chicken, where the fruit cuts through the fat.