Beer Review: Original Pattern – Citra Shenanigans Wet Hop IPA
Style: Wet Hop IPA / Fresh Hop IPA
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: Not listed (likely moderate to high, as expected for IPA)
Brewery: Original Pattern Brewing Co. (Oakland, CA)
Hops: Citra (Wet/Fresh Hops)
Appearance: Pours a clear, bright golden-amber color, with a slight haze that might be attributable to the fresh hop cones. A fluffy, off-white head forms generously, settling into a nice cap and leaving substantial lacing down the glass. It looks incredibly inviting and fresh.
Aroma: The aroma is where “Wet Hop” beers truly shine, and “Citra Shenanigans” is no exception. It bursts with an incredibly vibrant, “green” hop character that you only get from fresh cones. Dominant notes of bright, zesty citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit) are upfront, characteristic of Citra. However, it’s layered with a unique herbal, grassy, and almost spicy freshness, like rubbing hop cones between your hands. There’s a subtle undertone of tropical fruit and a hint of sweet malt to provide a backdrop, but the fresh hop aroma is the undeniable star – intense and exhilarating.
Taste: The flavor follows the aroma’s lead, delivering a fantastic expression of fresh Citra hops. It starts with a juicy burst of citrus, leaning towards candied lemon peel and zesty grapefruit. This quickly transitions into a pronounced, yet smooth, bitterness that is characteristic of an IPA, but with a unique “softness” that fresh hops often impart. The green, earthy, and slightly dank notes from the fresh hops are beautifully integrated, giving the beer a complex, herbaceous quality that sets it apart from a dry-hopped Citra IPA. The malt backbone is clean and light, allowing the hops to truly shine. The finish is crisp, dry, and pleasantly bitter with a lingering fresh hop character.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with crisp and effervescent carbonation, making it incredibly refreshing. It has a slightly softer, almost velvety texture compared to some drier IPAs, which can be attributed to the wet hops. It finishes very clean, leaving the palate wanting another sip of that fresh hop goodness.
Original Pattern’s “Citra Shenanigans” is a stellar example of a Wet Hop IPA. It perfectly captures the ephemeral magic of freshly harvested hops, delivering an incredibly vibrant and aromatic experience that canned IPAs rarely achieve. The Citra hops are showcased in all their glory, with their classic citrus and tropical notes amplified by the unique green, herbaceous qualities of being used wet. This is a seasonal treat that every hophead should seek out when fresh hop season rolls around. It’s refreshing, complex, and a true celebration of the hop harvest. Don’t miss it!