Sky Island IPA is an American IPA brewed by Thunder Canyon Brewstillery, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in an IPA glass from a 16 oz. can.

Appearance

The IPA pours a tanned golden-orange hue that’s topped by a tall stack of loose and soapy off-white foam. The head shows fair retention and leaves behind a smattering of residue along the sides and a frothy collar around the glass.

Aroma

The aroma is initially pungent with dank resin. As the beer warms, a scent of pine and tropical fruit emerges.

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Flavor

The palate begins with a taste of toasted bread and a mild hopping of pine. A burst of bright citrus follows that lingers through the finish. The tasting is rounded out with mellow, sweet, and juicy tropical fruit. Resin appears in the finish as the beer warms and there’s a hint of earthiness that’s picked up on the swallow.

Mouthfeel

Its feel is smooth with a medium body and matching carbonation. Finishes somewhat dryly with a mild astringency and warmth.

Overall

Its head retention could be better and the beer’s description claims to have “the haze of a Northeast style IPA”. While it certainly is quite cloudy, it’s not fully opaque as expected of a New England-style brew. If that’s important to you, so be it. The aroma is pleasant and persistent. The feel is in line with expectations and lends itself to be easily quaffed. Thankfully, the palate is the real winner here. It’s nicely balanced with so much juicy flavor and it’s that which really makes the Sky Island IPA an enjoyable brew.