Soundboard Session IPA is a Session IPA brewed by DESTIHL Brewery, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in an IPA glass from a can.
Appearance
The IPA pours a slightly cloudy pale gold and is topped by a thick cap of rocky white foam that shows fine retention. The head’s reduction leaves behind patches of sticky lace and residue along the sides. Streams of fine bubbles continuously rise in the glass.
Aroma
The aroma is fragrant with a scent of fresh pine and sweet tropical fruit.
Flavor
The hop-forward palate begins with a taste of citrus that mellows slightly with cracker malt and a hint of tropical fruit. A sharp bitterness follows imparting a hoppiness that’s lemony, mildly spicy, and slightly earthy. Soft notes of pineapple and bready malt round out the finish.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is smooth with a crisp, dry finish. Its body is medium with matching carbonation. The finishing astringency is a shade over moderate.
Overall
Its appearance is solid and its aroma is strong and pleasant. With little by way of malt in the balance, the mouthfeel’s astringency is typical of the style. In fact, it’s often worse. And the palate is the real winner here. There’s plenty of bite for the hopheads but just enough malt to keep its bitterness from overwhelming the taste. This brew is quite easy to tilt back and enjoy. The Soundboard Session IPA is an excellent representation of the style and an all-around great session beer.