New Belgium Brewing Company Slow Ride

**Aroma:** “Pineapple, mango, and orange with little to no malt or yeast character on the nose. A rich wave of tropical fruit hops that evoke mango, pineapple, and a bit of coconut. Solid nose promises a real beer. Light pine and resin.” **Flavor:** “Pineapples, bananas, and mangoes. Long bitterness that’s slightly harsh atop a weaker than expected malt body. As it is, the fruit flavor falls somewhat at compared to the aroma. The assertive bitterness is a bit out of balance because there’s not much malt to balance it. Bitterness dominates the finish—the earthy hops avor sticks around for a little while, but doesn’t have as much staying power.” **Overall:** “A decent attempt at making a sessionable IPA, but the overall impression is thin and one-dimensional. The lovely aroma suggests more than is delivered on the palate.”

**Aroma:** “Oranges, bananas, maybe a little hay. Some toast. Big tangerine notes with coconut and mango. Touch of dank and resinous hops aroma. Strong pine character. Pleasantly assertive hops nose.” **Flavor:** “Flavor is consistent with the aroma. I have to search to find a lot. Tropical fruit and some citrus peel sits on top of a surprisingly sturdy malt foundation. A little bit of caramel in there. The bitterness is delightful, with a long, citrus-like finish. Full fruity hops avor. In contrast to some of the others, hops flavor is what persists into the nish.” **Overall:** “An enjoyable beer, one I would happily quaff at a backyard barbecue. The long citrusy finish is sure to delight many—I’m guessing Citra hops in large amounts. I keep coming back to ‘sweet’ as a descriptor for this beer, but it’s very refreshing and enjoyable. A nicely balanced celebration of hops in session form. Elegantly made.”

**Aroma:** “Straightforward banana aroma with light vegetal notes and a very sub- tle grainy malt. Light floral hops aroma and peach esters. Slight sweetness and phenolic with a touch of alcohol.” **Flavor:** “Sweet malt, coriander, banana, lemon esters, and clove phenolics. Floral, spicy hops character. A Great classic tripel profile that’s ester-driven, light-bodied, and effervescent. Beautiful dry finish is the perfect segue to another sip. Low candy-like sweetness as it starts to warm.” **Overall:** “Nice example of the style with coriander added. Nothing too out of the ordinary, just a good, solid, basic tripel that does what it’s supposed to. Look for a classic pairing such as moules frites or put it next to some chicken fajitas. This can handle it.”