New Realm Brewing Hoplandia
What the brewers say
“Developed by New Realm’s legendary Brewmaster Mitch Steele, Hoplandia is hoppy with a classic piney, resiny, and citrusy hops profile and a mild malt character in both nose and taste. Bitterness is smooth but substantial, and it finishes dry but with a balanced body. Mitch says, ‘It’s everything I want in an IPA. It’s pleasantly bitter yet drinks smoothly and has a wonderful blend of hops flavors dominating the aroma, taste, and finish.’ ”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Soft but complex fruity hops character. Light citrus and floral, some grassy notes with cherry and tropical fruit in the background.”
Flavor: “A nice balance of grainy sweetness with a hint of caramel and tropical-fruit hops flavors. There’s also a pleasant grapefruit hops flavor with a bit of pine to back it. Obvious bitterness, but not too harsh. Bitter aftertaste suggests another sip is a good idea.”
Overall: “A bit in between the Old School American Centennial–hops IPAs and the modern tropical variants, this has nice complexity throughout with great structure and balance.”
