Little Willow Me Time

Little Willow's Me Time is a New England IPA, a style built around softness rather than bite. Expect a hazy, opaque pour with a full, pillowy body and very low perceived bitterness. The hop character in this style usually comes through as juicy tropical and citrus fruit, such as mango, pineapple, orange and grapefruit pith, sometimes with a touch of stone fruit or resin. Late-addition and dry hopping are used for aroma, so the flavor is mostly fruit and aromatics rather than sharp bittering. The malt backbone tends to be lightly sweet, often with oats or wheat adding to the soft, rounded mouthfeel. Because the hop aroma is the main attraction in a New England IPA, freshness matters more than with most beers. Keep the can or bottle cold and upright, and drink it while the hops are still lively. The volatile oils that give the beer its fruit character fade with time and warmth, and a fresher beer will always taste brighter and juicier than an older one. Serve it well chilled but not ice-cold, around 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F). Colder than that mutes the aroma, while warmer lets the softness turn heavy. A tulip glass or a wide-bowled IPA glass is the best choice, since the narrowing rim concentrates the hop aromatics toward your nose. A standard pint glass works fine too. Pour with a little vigor to build a modest head, and consider leaving the last bit of yeast sediment in the can or bottle if a clearer pour is your preference. At the table, the juicy hop profile and low bitterness suit spicy food better than a bitter West Coast IPA would. Try it with chicken tacos, Thai green curry, jerk chicken or Nashville hot sandwiches, where the soft body and fruit cool the heat. It also works with sharp cheddar, carrot-based dishes, grilled shrimp, and citrus-dressed salads. Avoid very delicate dishes, since the hop aromatics can overpower them.