Beer Review: Pile of Kittens Hazy IPA
Brewery: Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse (Sacramento, CA)
Format: 16oz Tallboy Can
Style: New England / Hazy IPA
ABV: 7.3%
The Vibe
Urban Roots has a reputation for being one of the most versatile breweries in California, equally adept at smoked meats, crispy lagers, and pillowy hazies. Pile of Kittens is their take on the “soft and fuzzy” side of the IPA spectrum. The name isn’t just marketing; it’s a direct reference to the mouthfeel. This beer aims for maximum “plushness” without the cloying sweetness that sometimes plagues the style.
Appearance
It pours a dense, opaque pale orange, resembling a glass of fresh-squeezed pineapple juice. A thick, persistent head of tiny bubbles sits on top, looking remarkably like sea foam.
Aroma
The dry-hop bill here is a powerhouse trio: Strata, Riwaka, and Citra.
The High Notes: Massive hits of pink guava and passionfruit.
The Depth: There’s a distinct “dank” undertone (likely from the Strata) that smells like fresh cannabis and ruby red grapefruit zest.
Tasting Notes
The Lead: Tropical fruit punch. You get a lot of mango and ripe peach right up front.
The Body: This is where the beer earns its name. The heavy use of oats in the grain bill creates a soft, “fluffy” texture that feels incredibly light on the tongue despite the 7.3% ABV.
The Finish: Low bitterness. It finishes with a clean, citrusy zip that keeps it from feeling heavy or syrupy.
The Verdict
If you’re a fan of the “Juice Bomb” style, this is a top-tier contender. It manages to be intensely flavorful and aromatic while maintaining a high level of “drinkability.” It’s a sunshine-in-a-can kind of beer that pairs perfectly with a spicy rack of ribs from their smokehouse.
Final Thought: It’s rare to find a Hazy this loud that still feels this balanced. It’s comforting, soft, and hits all the right tropical notes.
Available at SF Tequila Shop