Expressive notes of strawberry and banana layered on top of vibrant, bubblegummy pineapple and passionfruit aromas make this Tropical IPA a bright and vivid liquid canvas. Go ahead, taste the art. Read on to get the full perspective on our new Hop Box-exclusive brew!

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

Malts: Pilsner, Dextrin, Acidulated, Flaked Oats, Flaked Wheat

Hops: Enigma, Alora, Citra, Centennial, El Dorado, Dolcita

Expressionism is a Tropical IPA. Tell us a little bit about the style.

Tropical IPA is a sub-category of West Coast IPA, utilizing hops that feature intense, dank tropical fruit notes. As an unofficial style, there is even more room for interpretation by the brewer, allowing for even more creative expression than traditional styles. The range of tropical fruit notes achievable via hops is wide and varied, from fresh, juicy pineapple, to green papaya and guava. 

This is a Hop Box release. Tell us a little bit about the Hop Box hoppy variety pack, and what Expressionism brings to the table. 

The Hop Box is a mixed pack that allows us to showcase all the different, interesting ways hops can be used in modern brewing. The beers in this pack utilize a combination of new hop varietals, novel brewing techniques, and exciting innovations in yeast. Expressionism is brewed with some interesting new hops, namely Alora, Dolcita and Enigma, along with the classics Citra, Centennial, and El Dorado. Along with this amazing hop bill, this beer also has a hop product addition that enhances tropical flavor and aroma. The resulting beer is bursting with a unique tropical fruit bouquet, built on top of a perfectly balanced, already fruit-forward IPA base.

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?

Expressionism is absolutely loaded with tropical aroma and flavor. The rest of the beer is built to support this fruit forward profile, with medium bitterness and just enough malty sweetness providing the base. The addition of oats and wheat to the malt bill adds some body and increases the juice-like quality to levels only achievable by adding the all natural, tropical boosting hop oil to the brew. 

What makes you want to drink Expressionism?

With the recent extreme cold and snow, a warm weather getaway is sounding more and more appealing. Expressionism is the next best thing. With its fresh tropical fruit flavor and restrained abv, you’ll feel like you’re on the beach… even as the snow keeps falling outside. 

If this beer was a painting, what would it be?

Considering the beer’s name, picking a work by an Expressionist artist is the only possible choice. August Macke’s Zoological Garden I not only fits the visual vibe, featuring vibrant colors and tropical birds, but was painted by a German artist, and is currently on display in Munich.

Appearance: Gold color with good clarity and fluffy white foam.

Aroma: Extremely aromatic notes of tropical punch, with hints of berry and citrus.

Taste: Bursting with tropical flavor, from banana to papaya, backed by medium-light bitterness and just a hint of sweetness.

Mouthfeel: Medium, with a slight juice-like quality and medium carbonation.

Overall: Expressionism is bursting with notes of fresh tropical fruit, with hints of berry and citrus, leading to an extremely fruit forward IPA that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful.

What foods would pair well with Expressionism?

This would go great with some shrimp fried rice served in a pineapple, near an ocean.

Ideal glassware for Expressionism? A standard shaker pint.