Line Creek Brewing Happy Cowboy

“Complex toasted-coconut aroma with clean malt and fermentation character. Flavor consists of a base of corn and layers of toasted coconut that lend a toasted-corn-chip quality. Although not highlighted, the hops balance well.”

Aroma: “Earthy hops character with white-wine notes plus grapefruit and passion fruit. Very clean—no malt or yeast aroma. Bright citrus notes, with fresh zested grapefruit, orange creamsicle, and sweet tangerine.” Flavor: “Initial impression delivers on the aroma, with earthy, winey characteristics. Very faint light malt, and any esters are covered by the hops. Firm bitterness starts nice but then becomes aggressively licorice-like on the back of the tongue in the finish. Tastes like I bit into a freshly picked grapefruit—rind, pulp, juice, and all.” Overall: “The aroma is pleasant and balanced toward the fruity/juicy hops, but the puckering licorice-like bitterness is too forward. Apart from that, this is a nice IPA. The earthy, wine-like hops are interesting, aromatic, and flavorful. But a heavy-handed bitterness dominates the flavor, overwhelming the other flavors.”

“Papaya, banana-led nose. Touch of strawberry as it warms. Light cherry, strawberry-led hop flavors, with touches of melon and pineapple, and a finish of orange candy. Bitterness and sweetness are nicely balanced. A light maltiness and a warming underneath provide some depth.”