Expectations is a quintessential Hazy IPA that captures a lush, tropical landscape through its precise hop blend. The interplay of Citra, Mosaic, and Strata hops delivers a saturated bouquet of ripe mango, passionfruit, and sweet strawberry, underscored by a subtle, dank resinous edge. It pours with a characteristic soft glow and a pillowy head, inviting a sip that reveals a velvety texture. On the palate, the fruit intensity remains high, balancing a bready, wheaty malt base with a restrained bitterness that ensures a smooth, juicy finish. This medium-bodied ale exemplifies the modern focus on hop aromatics and approachable drinkability.
Appearance.Straw to light orange in color (SRM 3–6) with a distinctive opaque haze that provides a luminous shine. It is topped by a dense, rocky, meringue-like white head with exceptional retention and thick lacing.
Aroma.High intensity hop aroma featuring notes of mango, passionfruit, and lime from the Citra and Strata, alongside berry and tropical papaya from the Mosaic. Background malt is clean and bready; no caramel or toast is present. Fermentation is clean with supportive fruity esters.
Taste.High fruity hop flavor mirroring the tropical and citrus aroma. Low, grainy, bready malt flavor provides a soft foundation. Bitterness is medium-low and well-integrated, lacking any harshness or grassy character. The finish is off-dry and smooth with a lingering, juicy fruit aftertaste.
Mouthfeel.Medium-full body with a smooth, soft, and velvety texture. Carbonation is moderate. Contains a very light alcohol warmth consistent with its strength, but lacks any astringency or acidic twang.