Mast Landing Sanctuary

Sanctuary is a New England IPA from Mast Landing in Maine. The ABV and IBU aren't listed, so what follows describes the style in general terms and is not a measured profile of this beer. Beers in this style are usually brewed with a heavy dose of late-boil and dry-hop additions and a restrained bittering charge. Expect a hazy, juice-like appearance and an aroma led by tropical and stone fruit, such as mango, pineapple, peach or citrus pith, with sometimes a faint resinous or grassy edge from the hops. On the palate, NEIPAs tend to have a soft, full body. Oats or wheat in the grain bill and a yeast-driven haze create a pillowy texture, and a low perceived bitterness lets the hop flavor come through without a sharp, lingering bite. Malt stays in the background, adding a gentle bready sweetness that supports the fruit. The finish is generally smooth and slightly sweet-leaning. Hop aroma is the main attraction here, and it fades faster than most other qualities in beer, so this is a style to drink fresh. Check the packaging for a canned-on or best-by date, and keep the bottles or cans cold and out of light until you open them. Serve it cold but not near freezing, around 42 to 48°F (6 to 9°C). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics are muted, and letting it sit in the glass for a few minutes opens them up. A tulip, a shaker pint or a wide-mouthed IPA glass works well, since the curved or tapered shape concentrates the fruity aroma toward the nose. Pour it with a gentle swirl of the last inch of the can or bottle if you want the yeast and hop haze in the glass, as most drinkers of the style do. For food, the juicy hop character and soft bitterness suit dishes with some heat or richness. Fish tacos with a lime crema, Thai or Indian curries, spicy chicken wings, carnitas and a sharp cheddar burger all fit well. Fruity hops also work against creamy cheeses such as young goat cheese or a mild washed-rind variety. Very delicate dishes can get overwhelmed by the hop intensity, so lean toward bold flavors.