Pixel, our new crisp and refreshing Cold IPA, is programmed with extra-high hpi (hops per inch) for loads of tropical accents and a clean, focused finish. A bright, bold display for your taste buds, Pixel is one high-res brew. Pixel is a limited release, available on draft and in cans exclusively in the Hop Box Variety Pack. 

The state of AI technology has made some pretty big strides over the past few years, and we decided to switch the review process up a bit and let the machine have a try at writing a review of our latest release! Don’t worry, though—no one’s out of a job; Travis follows up on the AI responses to make sure the info is as crisp and clear as the profile of our all-new Cold IPA! Read on to get the full display on Pixel!

Reviews are done by our Sensory Specialist Travis Houston, a Certified Cicerone and FoBAB judge, and ChatIPA, a brand new beer review-generating AI program. 

Malts: Pilsner, Dextrose

Hops: Centennial, Mosaic, Simcoe, Talus, Cascade

First off, Pixel is available exclusively in the Hop Box 4.0: can you talk a little bit about what the Hop Box is all about, and how Pixel fits in?  

AI Response: “A Hop Box is a box meant specifically for hopping. These boxes are reinforced so that the person doing the hopping will not crush the box when they land on it. These boxes are popular in crossfit gyms, where they are used for hopping, hence the term ‘hop box.’ Usually, they are box shaped.”

That’s… definitely an answer. The Rhinegeist Hop Box isn’t workout equipment, though; it’s a mixed pack that allows us to showcase all the different, interesting ways hops can be utilized in modern brewing. With Cold IPA being the newest innovation in the IPA realm, we felt it was only right to include this new style in the Hop Box. The other beers in the mixed pack are Truth, our flagship IPA, Vision, a West Coast Pale Ale, and Beer For Humans, an Easy Hop Ale.

Pixel is a Cold IPA. What is a Cold IPA?  

AI Response: “A cold IPA can be made with any style of beer, although it will most likely be an India Pale Ale (IPA). An IPA was first brewed in London in 1834 by Charles Hargreaves and was shipped to India as a way of preserving it during the warm, long journey. These IPAs were not cold, as India is very warm, and produces most of the world’s cashews.”

That’s an interesting response, and I do love cashews, but I’d probably answer like this: Created by head brewer Kevin Davey from Wayfinder, Cold IPA is meant to be the “polar opposite of a hazy IPA,” in his own words. The malt bill is the same that would be used for West Coast IPA, utilizing light malt and dextrose to increase alcohol content while minimizing malty character. The hop regimen is also similar to a West Coast IPA, with large amounts going into the boil, followed by heavy-handed dry hopping after fermentation. The main innovation that differentiates Cold IPA is that the beer is kept at a much lower temperature during fermentation, a temperature much closer to that used in lager brewing. Using a yeast that can tolerate this lower temperature is important, with some breweries even using lager specific strains to ferment Cold IPAs. Fermenting at a lower temperature means that the yeast will produce far fewer esters— the fruity compounds that mostly differentiate the flavor profile of ales and lagers. In turn, the hops become the entire focus and dominate the flavor profile completely.

What are the notable characteristics of this beer? 

AI Response: “Pixel is a new generation of mobile device. It has a 5-inch display with plenty of bitterness and a fluffy, white head. The device comes with 16 GB internal memory, all hop derived, and it can be expanded up to 128 GB by adding mosaic to the boil. Keeping the device cold, or warm, may affect battery or shelf life. Do not store device in liquid.”

What are some other Cold IPAs that you dig? 

Ok, looks like the AI isn’t making my job any easier, so I’ll just fully take over from here. With it being such a new style, the options are limited. Cold IPA from Wayfinder literally created and defined the style. Cold Hearted from Bell’s and Knuckle Buster from Rogue are both widely distributed, delicious examples of the new style.

What makes you want to drink this beer? 

If you’re a hop head- which I most certainly am- this beer was brewed for you. Hop derived flavors and aromas fully dominate the profile of Pixel, featuring the classic notes of grapefruit peel and freshly cut grass, along with some of the stone fruit notes brought by the more recently developed varietals.

Appearance: Very light gold with good clarity and fluffy white foam.

Aroma: Hop derived notes of grapefruit peel, juicy peach, and freshly cut grass, with just the slightest hint of cracker-like malt.

Taste: Moderately bitter and dry with intense hop flavors of white grapefruit, resinous pine, and peach.

Mouthfeel: Thin, crisp, and effervescent, with palate cleansing bitterness.

Overall: Pixel delivers massive hop aromas and flavors of grapefruit, peach, and pine. Medium bitterness and very low sweetness enhance the hop character, leading to a finish that’s equal parts crisp and refreshing.

What foods would pair well with Pixel? 

Pixel would go great with some Cincinnati Style chili!!!

Ideal glassware for Pixel? A shaker pint glass.