There has been a shift over the course of the last few years regarding the flavor profile that is most desired when it comes to an India Pale Ale. In the late nineties and into the oughts, the dominant flavors one could taste included piney and citrus elements, with enough in the way of bitter to act as a refresher. In the course of the last few years, breweries have increasingly amped up the “juicy” side of the style. While a number of beer writers have hammered home the idea of a Northeast-style IPA as amenable, I feel that Full Sail’s latest effort, Ipapaya, is able to keep up with the juicy side of things while still having enough bitter to make for a dense and delectable experience each time someone cracks open a bottle.
The beer pours with a light yellow coloration and a fair amount of off-white head; there is a bit of lacing in this beer. One is immediately hit with the sweeter elements of the papaya the first time that they take a sip. The overall mouth feel changes over the course of this initial pull; bits of hay and straw act as an intermediary before the more assertive side of the hops come out. I like how consistent the flavor profile of Ipapaya is; where some of the sharpness of an IPA disappears when it warms, Full Sail’s brew is able to keep its overall flavor profile in focus from the beginning to the end of each beer.
Over the last few years, we have reviewed a number of Full Sail’s offerings including their ESB, Session Cream Ale, Bock, IPA, Wassail and Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. For more information about the year-round, seasonal, and special offerings that Full Sail releases, check out their website and social media profiles.
Ipapaya (Full Sail Brewing) / 6.2% ABV / 58 ABV / Seasonal / http://www.fullsailbrewing.com/ / https://www.facebook.com/Full-Sail-Brewing-Company-60072986984/ / https://twitter.com/FullSailBrewing