Toppling Goliath Lions, Dinos and Bears Oh My!

Toppling Goliath's "Lions, Dinos and Bears Oh My!" is an American IPA from Iowa. The category tells us what to expect, since the label's ABV and IBU aren't listed here. American IPAs in this mold lean on American hop varieties. Expect resinous pine and grapefruit-peel bitterness alongside tropical notes such as mango, passionfruit and stone fruit. Brewers from this part of the Midwest tend toward a soft, fairly full body and a modest malt backbone that holds up the hops without adding much sweetness. The finish is usually dry to off-dry, with the bitterness lingering rather than snapping shut. If you've had other Toppling Goliath hop-forward releases, a juicy, aromatic character is a reasonable thing to anticipate. Check the can for the exact numbers and any packaging date. Hop aroma fades quickly, so freshness matters more with this style than with most. Keep the can cold and drink it soon after buying. Serve it at about 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C), which is cool enough to keep the bitterness crisp but not so cold that it mutes the citrus and tropical aromatics. Straight from a very cold fridge, an IPA can taste thin and flat. Give it a few minutes in the glass to open up. For glassware, a tulip or a shaped IPA glass is the best choice. The flared lip releases hop aroma, and the bulb holds the foam. A standard shaker pint is acceptable, and a wine glass also works well for aroma. Pour with a bit of vigor to build a head, since the foam carries much of the hop scent. At the table, the bitterness and citrus lean toward food with fat, spice or char. Cheeseburgers, carnitas tacos, buffalo wings and jerk chicken are all natural fits, because the hops cut through richness and stand up to heat. Sharp cheddar, aged gouda and blue cheese match the intensity well. Carrot cake and other spiced desserts are a less obvious option, and the hops echo the spice and the fruit in the frosting. Very delicate dishes like plain white fish or light salads would be overwhelmed.