Shred Orange Bloom DDH Hazy IPA
I’m always on the lookout for a beer that truly delivers on its promise. Shred’s Orange Bloom DDH Hazy IPA is a beer that’s built for flavor, and the “DDH” (double dry-hopped) and “hazy” descriptors set some clear expectations. Let’s see if it lives up to the name.
Appearance
This beer pours a beautiful, dense, and opaque straw-gold. The haze is thick and uniform, resembling a glass of fresh-squeezed juice more than a typical beer. It builds a creamy, pillowy white head that persists well, leaving a nice, foamy lacing on the glass as it recedes. This is exactly what you want from a modern hazy IPA—it’s visually appealing and looks soft and inviting.
Aroma
The nose on this one is a true “orange bloom.” The first scent is an explosion of citrus, dominated by juicy tangerine and a sweet, ripe orange character. There’s a wonderful complexity behind the initial citrus hit, with hints of passion fruit and perhaps a touch of stone fruit like apricot. The “bloom” part of the name is evident in a subtle, delicate floral note, reminiscent of fresh spring blossoms, that adds a layer of elegance to the robust fruitiness. The aroma is clean and free of any dank or grassy notes, highlighting the fruit-forward nature of the hops.
Flavor
The flavor profile is a fantastic follow-up to the aroma. The initial sip is a burst of juicy citrus, with the tangerine and orange flavors taking the lead. The double dry-hopping makes its presence known, providing a full-on hop character without a heavy, biting bitterness. Instead, there’s a soft, fruity bitterness that supports the juicy flavors and keeps the beer from being overly sweet. The Golden Promise malt provides a smooth, bready foundation that adds a hint of sweetness and a velvety texture, but it stays in the background, allowing the Citra and Amarillo hops to shine. The finish is clean and slightly dry, with the fruity and floral notes lingering pleasantly on the palate.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is a standout feature of this beer. It’s incredibly soft and pillowy, with a medium body that feels substantial without being heavy. The carbonation is gentle and fine, contributing to the beer’s overall smoothness. It’s a textbook example of the soft, creamy mouthfeel that defines the best New England-style IPAs.
Overall Impression
Shred Orange Bloom DDH Hazy IPA is a resounding success. It’s a beautifully crafted beer that perfectly balances intense, juicy hop flavor with a soft, drinkable body. The use of Citra and Amarillo hops is a classic and effective combination, and the double dry-hopping technique is applied masterfully to maximize aroma and flavor without overpowering bitterness. This is a beer that delivers on every front: appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. It’s a must-try for any fan of hazy IPAs.