Spyglass Wavelength

Wavelength from Spyglass is a New England IPA, a style built around juicy hop character rather than bitterness. The producer's ABV and IBU aren't listed here, so treat the following as what the style usually delivers. NEIPAs of this kind tend to pour hazy and golden to pale orange, with a soft, full body and a smooth, almost pillowy texture that comes from oats or wheat in the grain bill and a yeast strain that leaves some fruity esters behind. Expect the aroma to lead with tropical and stone-fruit notes such as mango, pineapple, orange, peach and passionfruit. Late and dry-hop additions typically add a resinous, citrus-pith or light pine edge. Bitterness in the style is usually restrained and rounded, with a low-to-moderate IBU. The malt backbone stays in the background, offering a touch of bready sweetness that supports the fruit. The finish is generally soft and moderately dry, with hop flavor that lingers longer than bitterness does. Hop-forward beers like this are at their best when fresh, so drink it sooner rather than later and keep it cold until you pour. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F). Colder than that mutes the fruit aromatics and exaggerates any lingering astringency, while a few degrees of warmth lets the tropical notes open up. A tulip or tumbler-style IPA glass, or a standard shaped pint glass, works well. The tapered rim concentrates the hop aroma, and a gentle pour with a little swirl at the end releases it. Pouring the whole can, yeast and all, is common practice with hazy styles and adds to the texture. At the table, the citrus and tropical hop character suits spicy food, so try it with Thai green curry, jerk chicken, fish tacos with lime or chili-rubbed wings, where the soft body cools the heat without competing. It also pairs well with fresh goat cheese, sharp cheddar, grilled shrimp and carrot-based dishes. For dessert, the fruity profile fits carrot cake or a light citrus tart better than anything heavy with chocolate.