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Craft Beer Times | Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold IPA: A West Coast IPA Review

Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold IPA: A West Coast IPA Review

Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold IPA: A West Coast IPA Review

Our Score: 98/100

Impressively Sophisticated – A Review of Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold West Coast IPA

With the never-ending proliferation of brewing styles, it’s encouraging to come across something as remarkable as the Retro Gold West Coast IPA from Wayfinder Beer. With an impressive composite score of 98/100, this IPA incorporates a blend of exciting aromas, enticing flavors, and resonating mouthfeel. You’ll find the alcohol content delivering the right punch without overwhelming your senses, and enjoying this beer’s indulgent richness will leave you yearning for more.

Aroma: Engaging and Evocative

When it comes to aroma, the Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold West Coast IPA impresses with a score of 11 out of 12. On a thorough whiff, the nostrils are first hit with a delightful and intense hop-forward nose, majorly characterized by refreshing notes of orange and pineapple with hints of pine. A closer smell will reveal subtle hints of light stone-fruit tones that will certainly pique your intrigue. Underpinning these citrusy tones is a comforting medium-low bready malt aroma providing balance. The richness of the aromas renders this beer as much a delight to smell as it is to sip.

Appearance: Clean and Clear

Simplicity and clarity are the hallmarks of the Retro Gold West Coast IPA’s appearance, scoring a solid 3 out of 3. It presents a lean and clear look that underscores the artful balance of its ingredients – a testament to Wayfinder Beer’s brewing finesse. Even before the first sip, this inviting appearance makes a proclamation that your palate is in for a joyous ride.

Flavor: Complex and Invigorating

Managing to secure 20 out of 20 points in flavor, the Retro Gold West Coast IPA is truly distinctive in its taste palette. The beer delivers a wonderful melody of contrasting flavors, offering a moderate pineapple note that harmoniously blends with a medium juniper note. It lends the beer a unique character that is both sophisticated and refreshing. The end note introduces a mild, naturally sweet apricot tone, culminating in a flavor profile that will absolutely enthrall you.

Mouthfeel: Smooth and Satisfying

Scoring a modest 5 in mouthfeel, this beer, without a doubt, offers an enjoyable drinking experience. The Retro Gold West Coast IPA exhibits a light mix of tropical funk and dank notes that captivates your palate. Additionally, the sip begins with a gentle, underplayed bitterness that crescendos stealthily into an assertive finish, leaving a lasting impression on your palate, making this beer an absolute delight to savor.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Retro Gold West Coast IPA from Wayfinder Beer is a splendid craft beer that is expertly balanced and impressively layered. It skillfully integrates a wide array of aromas, from the bright notes of tropical fruits to the earthy undertones of the bready malt. And with its flavors offering an unexpected but welcome counterpoint to its aroma, it delivers a comprehensive and truly rewarding sensory experience. This is a beer for the discerning drinker, one who values complexity intricately entwined with subtlety.

More on Wayfinder Beer

Looking to experience this delight in person? Check out Wayfinder Beer to explore their brewery and range of expertly crafted beers. Their expansive range has something for every palate, offering novel experiences to both connoisseurs and new explorers in the world of craft beers.

Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold IPA: A West Coast IPA Review
Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold IPA: A West Coast IPA Review

Style: IPA (American)

ABV: 6.8

Reader Rating5978 Votes
99
99

Dustin

Dustin is a writer about craft beer and a professional brewer in the city of Chicago. He has written for several magazines and has over a decade of experience in the beer industry. He is currently working on a book about the history of beer in Chicago.

3 thoughts on “Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold IPA: A West Coast IPA Review”

  1. Sip, the beer’s golden hue catches the eye, making it an enticing choice for any beer lover.

    Flavor: Bold and Balanced

    When it comes to flavor, this IPA does not disappoint, earning a perfect score of 25 out of 25. The first sip reveals a vibrant burst of citrusy hop flavors, dominated by grapefruit and orange, with a welcoming bitterness that is not overpowering. As the layers of flavor unfold, the malt backbone becomes apparent, providing a subtly sweet and caramel-like balance. The hop bitterness lingers pleasantly on the palate, inviting another sip to savor the well-rounded complexity of this beer.

    Mouthfeel: Rich and Resonating

    A well-crafted mouthfeel completes the experience of this Retro Gold West Coast IPA, earning a score of 9 out of 10. The beer glides smoothly over the tongue, delivering a full-bodied sensation that is both satisfying and indulgent. The carbonation is perfectly balanced, providing a lively effervescence that enhances the overall drinking experience. The lingering finish leaves a pleasant, hoppy bitterness that entices you to take another sip.

    Overall, the Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold West Coast IPA is an impressive and sophisticated brew that deserves its exceptional score of 98/100. From its engaging aroma to its bold flavors and resonating mouthfeel, every aspect of this beer has been meticulously crafted to provide a truly exceptional drinking experience. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs or simply appreciate high-quality beer, this brew is sure to impress.

  2. Sip, the sight of this beer in your glass is enough to captivate and excite your taste buds.

    Flavor: A Symphony of Tastes

    As you take your first sip of Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold West Coast IPA, you’ll find yourself immersed in a symphony of flavors that warrant its perfect score of 25 out of 25. The initial taste is a burst of citrusy hop bitterness, dominated by grapefruit and orange zest. This is expertly balanced by a solid malt backbone that brings a subtle sweetness and bread-like character to the palate. The bitterness continues to evolve, with notes of resinous pine and a just-right level of floral essence. The finish is clean, leaving a pleasant lingering bitterness that beckons you to take another sip.

    Mouthfeel: Smooth and Satisfying

    A beer can have fantastic aromas and flavors, but without the right mouthfeel, it may fall short. However, the Retro Gold West Coast IPA delivers in every aspect, achieving a perfect score of 20 out of 20. The body is medium to medium-full, with a smooth and creamy texture that coats the tongue. The carbonation is just enough to provide a crispness that enhances the overall drinking experience. The balance between the body and carbonation creates a satisfying sensation that lasts from the first sip to the last drop.

    Overall: A Masterpiece in the Craft Beer World

    Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold West Coast IPA is a beer lover’s dream come true. With its impressive composite score of 98/100, it showcases the artistry and precision that goes into crafting a truly exceptional IPA. From the engaging aroma to the symphony of flavors and the satisfying mouthfeel, every aspect of this beer is a masterclass in brewing. If you’re searching for a sophisticated and unforgettable IPA, look no further than Wayfinder Beer Retro Gold West Coast IPA.

  3. Sip, the beer’s golden hue, topped with a persistent white foamy head, hints at the quality that lies within.

    Flavor: Bold and Balanced

    The flavor profile of the Retro Gold West Coast IPA is one that will leave beer enthusiasts satisfied, scoring an impressive 36 out of 40. The initial taste brings forth a burst of hop bitterness that lingers on the palate, creating a satisfying and robust experience. The citrusy notes detected in the aroma follow through in the flavor, with orange and pineapple taking center stage. The malt backbone is present but doesn’t overshadow the hops, creating a well-balanced combination of flavors. The beer finishes clean and dry, leaving you with a lingering desire for another sip.

    Mouthfeel: Smooth and Satisfying

    The mouthfeel of this IPA is a testament to Wayfinder Beer’s commitment to excellence, earning a near-perfect score of 48 out of 50. The carbonation is perfectly balanced, with a medium body that coats the mouth without being heavy. The beer has a smooth and creamy texture that enhances the overall drinking experience. It’s neither too thin nor too thick, striking a perfect balance that complements the flavors and aromas throughout each sip.

    In conclusion, Wayfinder Beer’s Retro Gold West Coast IPA truly stands out as an impressively sophisticated brew. With an outstanding composite score of 98/100, this beer delivers on all fronts – from its engaging aroma and clean appearance to its bold flavor and satisfying mouthfeel. If you’re a fan of well-crafted IPAs, this one is definitely worth seeking out.

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Final Score