Reviews are done by Jim Matt, our Chief Science Officer, who is also a veteran FoBAB judge, GABF judge, and BJCP Master judge.

We teamed up with our fellow lupulin lovers at the GABF medal-winning Melvin Brewing in Alpine, WY, to brew Experimental J-Hole (7.0% | 62 IBU), a hop-happy Red IPA.

Aroma: High hop aroma with upfront stone fruit, candied cherry, hints of citrus (blood orange). Medium-high supporting piney and resiny notes. Light "dank," undertones. Malt aroma is medium-low with a hint of bread and graininess. Low fruity esters.

Appearance: Light copper with ruby highlights. Medium persistent off-white head. Slightly hazy. Medium carbonation.

Flavor: Medium-high hop flavor, very complex with upfront cherry-lifesaver candy, stone fruit (peach), resin, pine, light lime. Some other light fruit notes complement (currant). Medium-low malt flavor, slightly grainy. Dry finish with a hint of lingering bitterness without being coarse.

Mouthfeel: Medium-light body. Medium carbonation. Low alcohol warmth. A touch of lingering astringency that does not detract from the overall qualities of the beer.

Overall: a very complex Red IPA that is atypical from the standpoint that there is no cloying caramel flavors to get in the way of the hops. The El Dorado hops play first chair here with candied cherry notes; the Simcoe hops add bass notes of resin, pine and blood orange; and the Centennial hops tie everything together with medium notes of citrus.

What foods would pair well with Experimental J-Hole?

Lamb Sheperd's Pie or Chicken Tikka Masala

Ideal glassware for Experimental J-Hole?

Standard pint glass works!