Foam Galaxie 500

Galaxie 500 from FOAM is an imperial IPA, a style defined by a big malt backbone carrying a heavy dose of hops. The details supplied for this beer don't include a stated ABV, IBU, hop varieties or tasting notes, so what follows describes what the style typically delivers. Expect it to sit well above a standard IPA in strength and body, usually in the 7.5 to 10 percent ABV range. In the glass, imperial IPAs generally show a deep gold to amber color. The aroma tends to lead with resinous pine and citrus peel, often alongside tropical notes such as mango, pineapple or grapefruit, depending on the hop bill. Beneath that, expect a supportive base of pale malt with some caramel or bread-crust sweetness. That sweetness is there to balance a firm bitterness, and in the double IPA style the bitterness commonly lands between 60 and 100 IBU. The finish is usually long, with hop resin and a dry or lightly sweet linger. Brewers also often use a lot of dry hopping, so the hop aroma carries more weight than the bitterness alone would suggest. Serve it cool rather than ice cold, at roughly 7 to 10°C (45 to 50°F). Straight from a very cold fridge, the aromatics shut down and the alcohol and bitterness read as harsher. Ten minutes on the counter before pouring is usually enough. A tulip or a snifter-style IPA glass works best because the tapered rim concentrates the hop aroma. A standard shaker pint or a wide-mouthed tumbler will do, but it lets the volatile hop oils escape faster. Pour with a firm stream to build a modest head, then drink it within a few minutes while the aroma is at its peak. For food, the hop bitterness and higher alcohol stand up to bold, fatty or spiced dishes. Good matches include smash burgers with sharp cheddar, spicy chicken wings, carnitas tacos, Thai or Indian curries with moderate heat, and aged hard cheeses. Carrot cake or a cream-cheese frosting also pairs well, since the sweetness mirrors the malt and the fat softens the bitterness. Delicate fish, light salads and subtle dishes are best left for a milder beer, as the hops would overpower them.