The Alpha Effect is an American IPA brewed in the New England Style by Heavy Seas Beer, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in an IPA glass from a bottle.

Appearance

The ale pours a cloudy—but not opaque—burnt orange that is topped by a thick cap of dense, puffy ivory white foam. The head shows fine retention and leaves behind patches of residue along the glass.

Aroma

The aroma is quite hoppy and strongly wafts the nose with tropical fruit and pine. A hint of booze is detected as the beer warms.

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Flavor

The palate begins with a taste of hoppy pine mixed with wheat bread that transitions to a bite of grapefruit, orange, and finally bottoms out with sweet tangerine.

Mouthfeel

Its feel is relatively smooth on the draw and picks up a light grain on the backend. Medium body and matching carbonation. Finishes dryly with a mild astringency.

Overall

Presents fairly well and its aroma is strong and really quite pleasant. The palate is well-balanced with some nice juicy hop flavor. Yes, the Alpha Effect is a nice brew. Perhaps not as nice as top-of-the-line New England-style IPAs, but as far as IPAs go, it’s nice.