Background – From New Trail Brewing themselves “Available exclusively in our Hoppy Variety 12pack, our Modern West Coast IPA brings all the hallmarks of West Coast clarity and drinkability, while adding Modern East Coast hop aroma and lowered bitterness.
No. 2 in the series is brewed with Talus and Citra hops for high stone fruit aroma, as well as Crystal and Chinook calling back to classic piney West Coast character.
This beer will constantly evolve as we experiment with the style. Check back in the Hoppy Variety Pack to journey along with us.”
Appearance – The can design is striking with the use of purple and hints of yellow/gold. Like most New Trail Brews the background has a more subtle approach. The can definitely stands out, although you can only get this one in a mixed variety pack. Once poured the beer fairly clear with a substantial amount of foamy head.
Aroma – The smell of pine is strong, with notes hops and a little bit of sweetness that I can’t quite put my finger on. In general it smells like most West Coast IPAs, which can be good or bad depending on how you look at it.
Taste – The flavor is primarily pine with some heavy resin as well. The backend of the flavor tastes of citrus, and a slight sugar apricot. The initial flavor may not knock you back but the beer grows on you as you continue to sip and allow it to warm up.
Drinkability – Personally West Coast IPAs are my least favorite and its due to the bitterness. The Modern West Coast Experimental IPA – No. 2 reminds me of most WC IPAs I have tried and after 1-2 I am done with it.
Overall – Overall there is alot to like here, but the ceiling is low on this style. It is one of the better West Coast IPAs so if you are still able to grab it I would suggest it.
Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Satisfactory available on Steam. This is a unique first person factory building game that allows you to explore with some limited combat. I love when publishers try something different, much like this beer so enjoy these two experiments together.
