Plaguewing presents as a quintessential Hazy IPA, defined by its luminous, opaque appearance and a velvety, soft texture. The sensory experience is led by a double dry-hopped explosion of Mosaic and Citra, delivering layered notes of ripe mango, pink grapefruit, and subtle forest berries. A specialized yeast strain complements these hops with pronounced peach esters, deepening the "juicy" profile. The malt base remains supportive and lightly bready, ensuring the focus stays on the vibrant hop saturation. With its restrained bitterness and lush fruit character, this beer exemplifies the modern New England style, finishing smooth and remarkably approachable despite its 6.8% strength.
Appearance.Pale gold to soft orange (4–6 SRM). Opaque, glowing haze without sediment or particulates. Large, meringue-like white head with excellent retention and thick lacing.
Aroma.High intensity. Dominant aromas of tropical mango and papaya from Mosaic, paired with bright lime and grapefruit from Citra. High stone fruit (peach) esters. Background notes of sweet crackers and doughy malt. No detectable alcohol or hop grassiness.
Taste.Immediate impact of tropical fruit nectar and citrus zest. Flavors of peach, blueberry, and tangerine dominate. Malt flavor is low, providing a neutral, wheaty backbone. Bitterness is low to moderate, well-integrated and never harsh. Finishes off-dry with a lingering impression of fruit juice.
Mouthfeel.Medium-full body with a characteristically soft, pillowy texture. Moderate carbonation. Very smooth with just a hint of alcohol warmth. No astringency or hop burn.