Beer Review: Cellarmaker Juice Kiosk – Hazy IPA
ABV: 6.8%
Brewery: Cellarmaker Brewing Co. – San Francisco, CA
As a beer expert with a soft spot for hazy IPAs, Cellarmaker’s Juice Kiosk is a standout example of West Coast haze done right, aromatic, expressive, and deceptively smooth.
- Appearance: In the glass, Juice Kiosk pours a glowing, opaque orange-gold with a rich, pillowy head that lingers and laces nicely. It’s got that luscious “juice bomb” look you expect from a top-tier hazy.
- Aroma: The nose is bursting with overripe mango, orange peel, pineapple gummies, and a touch of dank pine. There’s an almost fruit smoothie-like quality that’s typical of Cellarmaker’s juice-forward lineup. You can tell this is dry-hopped aggressively and with precision, likely featuring heavy doses of Citra, Mosaic, and possibly some Galaxy or Motueka.
- Taste: Up front, you’re hit with bright tropical fruit, mango nectar, lychee, and peach skin, layered over a soft, oat-forward malt body. Mid-palate, there’s a flash of tangy citrus and sweet melon, before finishing with a clean, slightly resinous bitterness that dries things out just enough to keep it from feeling cloying. What’s most impressive here is the balance. It’s juicy without being sugary, expressive without being overwhelming, and soft without being flabby.
- Mouthfeel: Creamy and full-bodied, yet still effervescent. Cellarmaker consistently nails that soft carbonation that makes hazy IPAs so crushable.
Overall Impression:
Juice Kiosk is a prime example of why Cellarmaker remains a heavy hitter in California’s IPA scene. It’s a fruit-forward, aromatic haze with real depth, avoiding the common pitfalls of one-dimensional sweetness or over-hopping. If you’re a fan of hazies that straddle the line between East Coast juiciness and West Coast structure, this one should be at the top of your list.
Best paired with: Spicy Thai curry, grilled fish tacos, or just a warm sunset and good company.