Wondrous / Shred Cool Headed Cold IPA:
The Cold IPA style has quickly evolved from a niche experiment to a respected modern craft category, and Wondrous Brewing’s collaboration with Shred Beer Company, Cool Headed, is a prime example of why. Brewed with a clean lager yeast and hopped like a West Coast IPA, this beer promises a crisp, snappy drinking experience without sacrificing bold hop character. But does it deliver the best of both worlds? Let’s find out.
Appearance
Cool Headed pours a pale golden straw color with a slight haze, topped with a dense, white head that lingers nicely and leaves light, sticky lacing. The visual cues are clean and crisp, reminiscent of a West Coast-style IPA but with a slight lagered clarity.
Aroma
The nose opens with a burst of bright, tropical, and citrusy hop aromatics—think pineapple, passionfruit, and tangerine—balanced by a subtle herbal edge. There’s a touch of white grape and melon (likely from newer hop varietals) with a faintly crackery malt backbone that suggests the use of a pilsner-like base malt.
Flavor
The first sip brings a snappy bitterness, sharper than hazy IPAs but more refined than a traditional West Coast. The hop profile delivers a punch of juicy citrus, gooseberry, and light resin, followed by delicate notes of fresh-cut grass and stone fruit. The malt stays out of the way, offering a crisp, grainy sweetness that lets the hops shine.
Mouthfeel
Light-bodied but with a smooth, lager-like crispness, thanks to the cold-fermented yeast profile. Carbonation is moderately high, maintaining a bright and effervescent finish. It’s extremely clean on the palate, allowing hop flavor to linger without cloying sweetness.
Cool-Headed nails the Cold IPA style, bridging the hop-forward aggression of an IPA with the clean, crisp fermentation of a lager. It’s crushable yet complex, appealing to IPA lovers who crave bold hop character and drinkability without the haze or heavy malt sweetness.
Score: 4.25 / 5
Best for: Hop enthusiasts seeking a clean, snappy IPA with a modern edge, ideal for warm weather or paired with spicy food and grilled dishes.