Alpha Squid, an Imperial Hazy IPA, debuted on draft in the spring of 2018. Primary hopped for aromatic accentuation, Alpha Squid is hazy, full-bodied, and orange forward, jazzing the palate with a wave of juicy deliciousness.

Reviews are done by our Sensory Specialist Travis Houston, a Certified Cicerone and FoBAB judge.

Malts: 2-Row, Pilsner, Flaked Wheat, Carafoam, Acidulated, Naked Oats

Hops: Exp. 06277, Chinook, Sabro, Vic Secret

Alpha Squid is our latest 16oz hazy release! Talk about the territory Rhinegeist is exploring in the Hazy IPA space.
Hazy IPAs originated in New England and exploded in popularity over the last few years. Traditionally dry hopped beers, including IPAs, are made by allowing fermentation to finish before adding a massive dose of hops. By adding hops during fermentation, the time that yeast is actively converting sugars from malt into alcohol, chemical changes to the hop oils create intense fruity flavors. Hops are also withheld from the boil or whirlpool, meaning the beer has little residual bitterness. Additions of other grains such as wheat or oats create a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel. Add all these factors together and you’re left with a low bitterness, incredibly fruity, juice-like IPA, with haze as a by-product of this process.

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?
Low bitterness, a full, smooth body, massive juicy orange notes, and plenty of haze.

What makes you want to drink this beer?
The lack of lingering bitterness makes this brew very refreshing and thirst quenching. Achieving this level of juice flavor without any actual fruit additions is what made this style explode in popularity, and Alpha Squid is a perfect example.

Appearance: Gold and hazy with a thick, fluffy white head.

Aroma: Almost identical to the aroma of fresh orange juice, with some minor tropical fruit hints.

Taste: Massive flavors of orange juice, papaya, and mango, with low bitterness and full body.

Mouthfeel: Full, smooth and rounded.

Overall: This Hazy IPA is loaded with aromas and flavors of orange juice, complemented by a low bitterness and full, smooth mouthfeel.

What foods would pair well with Alpha Squid?
Grilled salmon with lemon.

Ideal glassware for Alpha Squid?
Anything with an inward lip at the rim to capture all those juicy aromas. I prefer a tulip.