Beer Review: Highland Park – Hello, LA
Brewery: Highland Park Brewery (Los Angeles, CA)
Style: West Coast IPA | ABV: 6.8%
Hello, LA is a world-class example of the modern West Coast IPA, as evidenced by its Gold medal win at the 2022 World Beer Cup. It serves as a love letter to Los Angeles, focusing on a clean fermentation and a heavy-hitting hop profile that defines the current standard of the style.
The Breakdown
Appearance: This IPA pours a beautiful, crystal-clear gold. It maintains a solid, fluffy white head that stays with the beer through the last sip.
Aroma: The bouquet is complex and high-intensity. You are immediately greeted by ripe mango and tangerine, which then open up into the “dank” blueberry and tropical fruit notes characteristic of its Mosaic and Citra hop bill.
Palate: The mouthfeel is surprisingly crisp and lean for its 6.8% ABV. It features bright flavors of passion fruit and clementine. A crackery, light malt backbone provides structure without adding unnecessary sweetness or weight.
Finish: The finish is where the West Coast character truly shines, delivering a firm, resinous bitterness. It is exceptionally dry and refreshing, leaving a clean trail of grapefruit rind and pine on the tongue.
Hello, LA is a masterclass in balance and hop expression. It manages to be aggressively aromatic and bitter while remaining remarkably easy to drink. It is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the “clear and bitter” philosophy of the West Coast.
Best Enjoyed: Fresh from the brewery, paired with spicy fish tacos or a sunset over the Los Angeles skyline.