Border Pass is a vibrant American IPA that showcases a high-intensity hop profile driven by the use of Cryo-Sultana, Azacca, and Galaxy. The sensory experience opens with an explosive bouquet of grilled pineapple, passionfruit, and resinous pine. On the palate, the hop intensity remains dominant, delivering layers of ripe mango and bright citrus zest underpinned by a lean, grainy malt backbone. This beer displays the classic West Coast hallmarks of a crisp, dry finish and a firm, cleansing bitterness. The modern hop combination creates a complex interplay of tropical fruit and forest floor, resulting in a refreshing and aromatically potent ale.
Appearance.Medium gold (approx. 7 SRM) with brilliant clarity. It features a medium-sized, persistent white head with excellent lacing.
Aroma.High intensity hop aroma featuring prominent notes of pineapple, mango, and passionfruit, complemented by a sharp resinous pine and citrus zest. Low, clean, bready maltiness supports the hops. Fermentation is clean with no discernible esters.
Taste.Bold hop-forward flavor mirroring the aroma with tropical fruit and citrus dominance. Malt flavor is low and grainy, providing a neutral platform. Bitterness is medium-high to firm, leading into a very dry, clean finish. The aftertaste is hoppy and bitter with lingering notes of pine and grapefruit.
Mouthfeel.Medium-light body with a smooth, crisp texture. Carbonation is medium-high, contributing to a refreshing mouthfeel. Very light, smooth alcohol warmth is present but well-integrated.