Beer Review: Cellarmaker Bright Intentions West Coast IPA
Cellarmaker Brewing Company has always been known for pushing boundaries while respecting tradition, and their Bright Intentions West Coast IPA is a brilliant example of this philosophy. This 6.8% ABV WC IPA promised a modern take on the style, and it absolutely delivers.
- From the first pour, the beer presents with a clean, inviting clarity, hinting at the crispness to come. The aroma is immediately captivating: a vibrant medley dominated by bright pomelo zest, a sweet, almost candied starfruit, and a subtle, intriguing undertone of tropical kush. It’s complex yet incredibly harmonious, setting high expectations for the taste.
- On the palate, Bright Intentions truly shines. It’s wonderfully clean and incredibly refreshing. The lean malt base provides the perfect stage, allowing the Strata, Mosaic, and Nectaron hops to shine without muddiness. The promised notes of pomelo zest are vivid and punchy, complemented beautifully by the exotic sweetness of fresh starfruit. What truly elevates this beer is the delicate but present tropical kush note, which adds an earthy, slightly dank counterpoint that prevents the fruit from becoming overly sweet, adding a layer of sophisticated complexity.
- The bitterness is spot on – zippy and assertive, as you’d expect from a West Coast IPA, but crucially, it’s impeccably balanced. It cleanses the palate with each sip, encouraging you to reach for another. This is a beer that truly lives up to its “no fluff” description; it’s a clear, focused, and unburdened expression of its hop profile.
Bright Intentions is not just a good IPA; it’s an exceptional one. It captures the essence of a classic West Coast IPA while infusing it with contemporary vibrancy. It’s the kind of beer you could easily enjoy several of, perfect for a warm afternoon or whenever you crave a meticulously crafted, effortlessly drinkable hop-forward experience. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a well-executed, modern West Coast IPA.