Beer Review: Caldera IPA

Reviewing the Caldera IPA from the Caldera Brewing Company out of Oregon.
Score: 88

Unknown canning date with can code "1 813 113162A." This can was received as an extra from a friend just a week or two ago. Served in a tulip glass and enjoyed on 08/08/12.

Appearance: Pours a bright honey orange color that is a like a slightly darker "Blind Pig IPA" color with a finger-plus of soapy white head that settles to a film of head atop the beer. Excellent lacing, retention and cling. Just an absolutely beautiful looking IPA, honestly. 5/5

Smell: Orange-y tropical citrus and piney, slightly earthy, hops. A little sweet caramel, a touch of spice, and grapefruit. Really nice IPA aroma. 4/5

Taste: Juicy citrus, peach, spice, and a touch of wood. Nice piney hop bite. Sweet caramel malt backbone. Very smooth and balanced IPA. Not very aggressive at all. 3.75/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-light bodied with a low amount of carbonation that lets the bitterness from the beer sit and layer on the tongue. Oily, almost watery, mouthfeel. Bittersweet finish. 3.5/5

Overall: If I had to guess, I would say this beer is just a touch past its freshness prime. Regardless, this is still a delicious brew that I would definitely order again at a bar if I lived in the pacific northwest.

Recommendation: A nice starter IPA for casual beer drinkers. Give this one a whirl if you see it on tap. This was a nice extra, but it is not a beer worth trading for.

Pairings: Spicy Indian food.

Cost: $9.99 for a six pack.