Beer Review: Shred Sticky Sap West Coast IPA
Shred Sticky Sap is a 6.7% ABV West Coast IPA brewed to capture the resinous, dank, and clear character of the style. The hop combination of Mosaic, Mosaic Cryo, Riwaka, and Superdelic suggests a modern profile that blends classic pine and citrus with New World tropical and white grape notes.
Appearance – Pours a brilliant, polished gold—exactly what a West Coast IPA should look like. It has excellent clarity with no haze whatsoever. A sturdy, off-white head forms upon pouring and holds well, eventually dissipating to a persistent ring and leaving behind beautiful, sticky lacing on the glass.
Aroma – The nose is immediately potent and expressive. It hits with a powerful mix of dankness and fresh pine sap, backed by layers of bright, clean fruit. I detected clear notes of grapefruit zest, lime peel, and a subtle white grape/gooseberry character, likely contributed by the Riwaka and Superdelic. The Mosaic hops provide a signature layer of blueberry and underlying cannabis. It’s complex, sharp, and highly inviting.
Flavor – The flavor delivers fully on the aromatic promise. The initial sip is a rush of resinous pine and bitter orange marmalade, quickly followed by a cleaner, almost mineral-like fruit profile. The unique hops add a layer of sophistication: white wine spritz and kiwi/passionfruit. Crucially, the bitterness is assertive and balanced—it’s punchy enough to remind you it’s a West Coast IPA, but clean enough not to linger aggressively. The transition from a fruit-forward, up-front profile to a dry, resinous finish is seamless.
Mouthfeel – This is where the beer truly excels. It is crisp, medium-light-bodied, and exceptionally clean. The carbonation is lively, creating a sharp snap that scrubs the palate. It finishes bone-dry, compelling you to take another sip immediately. The “sticky sap” element in the name refers to the resinous flavor, not the texture, which is fantastically light and highly drinkable.
Shred Sticky Sap is an exceptional example of a contemporary West Coast IPA. It masterfully uses modern, aromatic hops (especially the Cryo and New Zealand varieties) while upholding the core principles of clarity, dryness, and firm bitterness. It’s a beer for purists who appreciate dankness and clarity, but also for those seeking complex, layered hop flavor. Highly recommended.
Available at SF Tequila Shop