Why We Chose It: While we are IPA lovers, we know not everyone is. However, a session IPA can be a nice bridge for those dreading the hoppiness and bitterness. We've also including Flying Fish several times over the years.
What Flying Fish Says About It: This refreshing session IPA starts with a base Pilsner and Vienna Malt and then showcases the multiple additions of Warrior, Azacca and Citra hops, yielding tropical aromatics with hints of mango and grapefruit. Low in alcohol, BIG in flavor.
ABV: 4.9
IBU: 50
Food Pairings: Anything at the Ball Park, Crab Fries, Dollar Dogs
Fun Facts: Flying Fish Brewing Company is located in Somerdale, New Jersey. In a state that once boasted 50 breweries, it is the first microbrewery in Southern New Jersey and the first new brewery built in that part of the state in more than half a century. From its opening in late 1996, Flying Fish has tripled its capacity and become the largest of the approximately 45 craft breweries in the state.
Nothing like a light, crisp IPA on a sunny, 40 degree day. OK, this is more of a summer beer, but that doesn't make it less delicious. I definitely pick up the flavorful mix of different hops, and only some slight bitterness in the finish... but that melts away quickly. I will add to the list of good things to come out of Jersey. Also, I hope at least one person here pairs this with crab fries. Rating: I give it 3.5 out of 5 Gaslight Anthems (a highly recommended Jersey band).
ReplyDeleteNice! To echo Scott's comment, there's nothing like a crisp IPA on a hot Christmas morning! I really like this beer. And I normally don't like session IPAs, they are usually too hollow in the middle and the hop aroma and bitterness usually don't have enough malt flavor to support. But this one is really well balanced. It's super enjoyable, and makes me want to come back for more. I give it a 4!
ReplyDeleteOkay, just to address the elephant in the room - it should be Daylight SAVING (no “s” at the end).
ReplyDeleteSorry, I get pedantic after a beer or two.
I also like this one, but I would like it better if it was a little less bitter and a little more citrusy. Still, it’s tasty enough that I might want to revisit it when the weather is warmer. Or the first Sunday in March.
Meh. Definitely had better session IPAs (like the founders one) but it's drinkable.
ReplyDeleteGood prep for 1,2,3 family events tomorrow. Steady drinking!
So I first had this at a BBQ in August. Which was much more appropriate. This is a solid, citrusy session IPA but it's no All Day IPA (as Jeremy mentioned, the gold standard of session IPAs). This falls for the trap of overhopping to hide the lack of booze. I've had worse, but it's still overhopped. And I like hops. But definitely a tasty beer which I would have. And as Scott mentioned, "No Retreat, No Regrets, No Retreat, No Regrets!" 3.5 out of 5 Brian Fallons and I am not referring to Hillary's press secretary.
ReplyDeleteI always have viewed sessions as IPA's less wanted cousin. I can understand why this is much better spring or summer beer though with the citrus flavors. This is good for those who like weak ABV but high hops. 3.5 out of 5.
ReplyDeleteWould indeed be refreshing in the summer. I like IPAs, and I also like session IPAs - because the party lasts longer. I liked this but the balance was slightly off - just a tad over on the hops as they hit, and then the flavor dropoff was quicker than I like. Actually it went down really very well with Mary's Chilli. I could certainly enjoy this with the ballpark food or at the beach. But it would not be my first choice. 3.1
ReplyDeleteJust like I'd like to see Daylight Savings last all year long, I feel the same about this one - in short, I am a fan. I really liked the bouquet, and thought it has a fresh and smooth quality, great taste and just enough hoppiness to be respectable, but not like tasting one of those IPA's that make you feel like you are walking down the street, only turn a corner and walk right into a walking 8 foot hop. (If such a thing were to happen, I would imagine the hop would shove me and say something like "yo! respect!") So 3.95 out of 5, and a bit of grade deflation as it's still early and don't want to go crazy.
ReplyDeleteSide note: As a South NJ guy, I need to figure out where Somerdale is. If you are ever looking for beer in South NJ, I'd also recommend Double Nickel and Cape May Brewing Co.