Vanished Valley Pomona

Pomona is a New England IPA from Vanished Valley in Massachusetts, a style defined by juicy hop character rather than sharp bitterness. No ABV or IBU is listed for this release, so check the can for both. Beers in this style typically sit in the mid-6% to 7% range, with bitterness kept soft. The name nods to the Roman goddess of orchards, which fits the fruit-forward profile the style usually delivers. Expect a hazy, opaque pour with aromas of tropical and stone fruit, often mango, pineapple, orange peel and peach. These come from late-addition and dry hops rather than from kettle bitterness. On the palate, styles like this usually feel round and soft, with a low-bitterness finish and a fuller, slightly creamy body. That texture comes from oats or wheat in the grist and a yeast strain that leaves some sweetness and fruity esters behind. Check the can for a canned-on date. Hop aromatics in hazy IPAs fade within weeks, so fresher is better, and the beer should be kept cold. Serve it at about 4 to 7°C (40 to 45°F). Colder than that mutes the hop aroma, and warmer lets the sweetness turn heavy. A tulip or a wide-mouthed IPA glass is the best choice, since the curved bowl holds the aromatics and the hazy body shows well. A standard pint glass works fine. Pour with a little vigor to build a short head, and leave the yeast and haze in the glass. For food, the juicy hop character suits spicy dishes. Try Thai green curry, jerk chicken, fish tacos with a citrus slaw, or carnitas with pineapple salsa. It also goes well with a sharp cheddar burger, since the soft bitterness cuts through fat without clashing. For cheese, look to fresh goat cheese or a mild washed-rind, and avoid very sweet desserts, which can flatten the fruit.