Beer Review: Trapdoor Exit
Brewery: Grimm Artisanal Ales (Brooklyn, NY)
Style: Hazy Pale Ale
ABV: 5.0%
Trapdoor Exit is a vibrant, exotic escape into the world of New Zealand hops. This hazy pale ale is specifically designed to showcase the unique tropical and citrus characteristics of Southern Hemisphere hop varieties.
Appearance
- Color: It pours a glowing, pale straw to light gold color.
- Clarity: True to the style, it is significantly hazy with a soft, opaque glow.
- Head: Features a fluffy, bright white head with excellent lacing that clings to the glass as you drink.
Aroma
- The nose is immediately hit with high-intensity tropical aromatics.
- Dominant notes include ripe passionfruit, zesty lime, and a touch of sweet papaya.
- A delicate, dank underlying resinous quality provides a classic “New Zealand hop” signature.
Flavor Profile
- Hop Character: Brewed with a curated selection of New Zealand hops, this beer delivers a burst of tropical juice.
- Primary Notes: Expect a medley of gooseberry, white grape, and tangerine.
- Bitterness: The bitterness is kept very low and soft, allowing the fruit-forward hop oils to take center stage without being harsh.
- Malt Base: A simple, pillowy malt bill provides a clean canvas that lets the hops shine while adding a hint of crackery sweetness.
Mouthfeel
- Body: Light to medium-bodied, with a smooth, velvety texture.
- Carbonation: Moderate, helping lift aromatic oils and keeping the beer refreshing.
- Finish: Extremely clean and dry, with a lingering tropical citrus aftertaste that encourages the next sip.
Grimm continues their mastery of the hazy style with Trapdoor Exit. It manages to be incredibly flavorful and aromatic while maintaining a highly sessionable 5.0% ABV. It is an ideal choice for those who want the complexity of a New Zealand IPA in a more approachable and crushable pale ale format.