Too Much Haze, Not Enough Craze: A Non-IPA Fan's Take

If you aren't typically a fan of IPAs, your reaction to the Minute Man IPA makes a lot of sense. Even though it is marketed as a "low bitterness" beer, it is still packed with a high concentration of aromatic hops that can be overwhelming for someone who prefers a cleaner or maltier profile.

Here is a breakdown of why this specific beer might have missed the mark for you:

Score: 2.2

Location: Afton, VA

The "Juicy" Trap

The Minute Man IPA is a "Juicy/Hazy" style IPA. While these are designed to have less of the "bite" or bitterness found in traditional West Coast IPAs (it only has 20 IBUs, which is quite low), they use massive amounts of hops like Mosaic, Galaxy, and Idaho 7 to create intense fruit flavors. For a non-IPA fan, these "fruity" notes can often come across as floral, perfumy, or "grassy," which many people still perceive as being too "hoppy."

Alcohol Presence

At 7.0% ABV, this beer is fairly strong. In many IPAs, the higher alcohol content can amplify the hop oils, making the flavors stay on your tongue longer than you might like.

Why It Felt "Very Hoppy"

• Aroma: The "citrus bouquet" aroma is designed to hit you as soon as you open the can. If you don't like the smell of hops, this is an immediate turn-off.

• Mouthfeel: This beer is unfiltered and unclarified. The leftover yeast and hop particles give it a thicker, "silky" texture that can make the hop flavors feel like they are coating your mouth.