Our Score: 99/100
Highland Brewing AVL IPA
Take a sip of Highland Brewing’s AVL IPA and let the citrus and tropical fruits explode on your taste buds. With a score of 99/100, this is no ordinary beer; it is once in a lifetime experience with an unforgettable aroma, appearance, flavor, and mouthfeel.
Aroma
The aroma score is comfortably at 12, and for a good reason. The moment you crack open a chilled bottle or can of AVL IPA, a floral combination of peach, orange, and subtle creamy biscuit notes greets your olfactory sense. The smell is intense yet pleasantly inviting, a true masterstroke that appeals to both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Adding another layer of complexity to its aroma profile, there’s the hint of pineapples, mangos, grapefruits, all beautifully blended to create a tropical frenzy.
Appearance
Straight out of the bottle, this brew carries an appearance rating of 3. This American IPA, with its unfiltered look, boasts an attractive hazy golden hue. Its inviting appearance beautifully complements the aromatic notes, making for an impressive first impression while setting the stage for the flavors to come.
Flavor
Rated at a whopping 20, the flavor is undeniably the superstar of this exquisite beer. The ubiquitous citrus flavor, especially lemon, tingles the taste buds, and the underlying lightly toasted bready quality gives it a pleasant, grounding flavor lifting each sip towards a clean, refreshing finish. On the other hand, the presence of Chinook, Citra, and Centennial hops brings a subtly positive and bitter taste perfectly balancing the sweetness of the fruits.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel score stands at 5. Be ready for a dance of flavors and textures as your palate is treated to a unique beer drinking experience. The AVL IPA produces fine bubbles from carbonation, adding to the creamy texture. However, the bitterness that follows the initial creamy sip ensures no single flavor or sensation overpowers the other. Additionally, the medium bitterness with a dash of light mineral note strikes the right balance between the crispness and the intensity of the drink.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Highland Brewing’s AVL IPA is a symphony of bold, tropical, and fresh notes creating a musical palate effervescent with flavors. The beer is a perfect amalgamation of engaging, inviting, and crisp characteristics further enhanced with an appealing appearance and mouthfeel. It sets the bar high for all IPAs and should certainly be on the bucket list of every beer enthusiast. A true mark of craft beer greatness, it promises an experience not to be missed.
Find This Brewery
To immerse yourself in this symphony of flavors and aromas, make a trip to Highland Brewing, where numerous other brews await your discerning palate.
The bottle, AVL IPA pours a golden amber color with a slight haze, hinting at the unfiltered brewing process. The head is thick and creamy, lingering atop the beer like a fluffy cloud. The carbonation is visible, adding a lively and refreshing look to the beer. Overall, it is a visually appealing beer that beckons you to take a sip.
Flavor
At the first sip, AVL IPA reveals its true character. The flavor is bold and assertive, with a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness. Citrus flavors dominate, with strong notes of grapefruit and orange zest. The tropical fruit flavors add a delightful twist, with hints of pineapple and mango dancing on the tongue. The hop profile is expertly crafted, providing a resinous and piney bite that keeps you coming back for more. The malt backbone is subtly present, offering a touch of sweetness that complements the hoppy bitterness. It is a flavor experience unlike any other, leaving you craving for another sip.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of AVL IPA is smooth and creamy, with a medium body that coats the palate in a velvety embrace. The carbonation level is just right, providing a gentle effervescence that lifts the flavors and enhances the overall drinking experience. The finish is crisp and clean, without any lingering bitterness or off-putting aftertaste. It leaves a pleasant, slight dryness that makes you want to take another sip.
In conclusion, Highland Brewing’s AVL IPA is an exceptional beer that deserves its high score of 99/100. From its enticing aroma to its bold flavor and smooth mouthfeel, it offers a sensory journey that will captivate any beer enthusiast. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs or just looking for a unique and memorable drinking experience, AVL IPA is a must-try that will leave you craving for more.
The bottle, AVL IPA pours a rich golden color with a slightly hazy appearance. The frothy white head sits atop the beer, slowly dissipating and leaving behind a lacing that clings to the glass. The carbonation is lively, giving the beer a vibrant and effervescent look. Overall, the appearance is enticing and promises a refreshing and satisfying drinking experience.
Flavor
When it comes to flavor, AVL IPA delivers in spades. The balance between bitterness and sweetness is expertly executed, with the hops taking the forefront and providing a delightful punch of citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Notes of grapefruit, pineapple, and mango dance on the palate, while a subtle malty backbone adds a touch of sweetness and balance. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving a lingering hop bitterness that beckons you to take another sip.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of AVL IPA is smooth and medium-bodied, with a perfect level of carbonation that enhances the overall drinking experience. It coats the tongue with a pleasant resinous texture, allowing the flavors to fully develop and linger. The beer goes down effortlessly, leaving a refreshing and satisfying feeling in its wake.
In conclusion, Highland Brewing’s AVL IPA is a true gem in the world of craft beers. With its exceptional aroma, enticing appearance, delicious flavor, and satisfying mouthfeel, it is no wonder it has garnered a score of 99/100. This is a beer that demands to be savored and appreciated, and if you have the opportunity to try it, seize it without hesitation.