Lawsons Cosmic Shift

Cosmic Shift is a New England IPA from Lawsons in Vermont. That regional label points to the hazy, juicy, low-bitterness side of the IPA family. Beers in this style are typically unfiltered and cloudy, with a soft, pillowy body and a hop character that leans toward ripe citrus, stone fruit and tropical notes rather than resin or pine. Expect bitterness to sit well back from the aroma, with a smooth, rounded finish. No ABV or IBU is listed for this product, so check the can for the exact numbers. Most beers of this type fall into the mid-to-high ABV range for an IPA, and they hide it well behind the fruit. Freshness matters more here than with almost any other style. The hop oils that give a New England IPA its juicy aroma fade within weeks, so drink it soon after purchase and look for a packaged-on or best-by date on the can. Keep it refrigerated until you pour it. For serving, aim for roughly 4 to 7°C (about 40 to 45°F). Straight from a very cold fridge, the aroma tends to stay muted, and a few minutes in the glass lets the fruit open up. A tulip or a shaped IPA glass is the best choice, because the narrowing rim concentrates the hop aroma. A standard pint glass or a wide tumbler also works well. Pour it with a gentle swirl near the end if you want some of the haze and yeast to carry over, as many drinkers prefer in this style. At the table, the soft bitterness and fruity profile suit food with some heat or richness. Tacos with grilled fish or pork, chicken wings with a buffalo or jerk glaze, green curry and spiced pad thai are all good matches. A sharp cheddar or a washed-rind cheese also works, and so do burgers and fried chicken. Because the bitterness is gentle, the beer won't overpower lighter dishes like ceviche or a citrus-dressed salad.