Deschutes Red Chair NWPA

LOC: Bend, Oregon ABV: 6.2% | IBUS: 60 | SRM: N/A

What the brewer says

“The citrus punch of a big IPA, minus the one-dimensional hops sledgehammer. Several select European and domestic malts round out the edges for a complex, copper-colored brew. Like its namesake ski lift, it’s an insider’s ride to fresh thrills.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Melon, mint, orange, pine, light caramel, some sherry notes, and some herbal notes. Malty, dark fruit. Comes across a bit heavy-handed.” Flavor: “Strong caramel malt sweetness pairs well with the West Coast– pine and citrus hops character. The hops have a dry, grassy edge on the finish that comes across a bit rough. Full-bodied, balanced bitterness keeps the sweetness in check.” Overall: “Creative take on the style. An Old School pale ale—rich caramel malt body with citrus and pine hops that accentuate an underlying fruity quality. The finish is a bit sweet and heavy, and the grassy hops character adds a paper dryness that distracts from the cleaner bitter character.”

AROMA: 11 APPEARANCE: 3 FLAVOR: 18 MOUTHFEEL: 3 OVERALL: 9 89