I poured the Daredevil Brewing Company Lift Off IPA from this nice looking 16 oz. undated can into my Spiegelau IPA glass. I am a sucker for pint cans and for good IPAs. I think I hit the jackpot with this one. The rich golden body had a little chill haze and the head was pure white. Clumps of lace clung to the glass.
The smell was pine and citrus. Maybe even some powdery aspirin.
The can stated that it is a well-balanced IPA. I respectfully disagree. I think an IPA should be significantly more hoppy than sweet. Let the APAs seek balance. This IPA is a wonderfully unbalanced creation. I am not suggesting that it is not well crafted – it has a great mix of citrusy, spicy hops and enough malty, caramelly sweetness to gently counter the abundant, leafy, drying hops. I never found it to be harsh, but it did have a nice bitter bite. This is just how I prefer my IPAs – beautifully out of balance.
Juicy oranges, grapefruit and pineapple flavors were evident but it finished pretty dry – which always makes me want to sip more, more, more. There was some hint of aspirin – which make me think there are some Amarillo hops as well as the traditional West Coast-style three Cs. (I’m speculating). Lift Off weighs in at 72 IBUs and 7.2% ABV. The alcohol is very well hidden, maybe too well hidden – it was very easy to drink.
The body was smooth and the carbonation level was medium – right on for the style. I would gladly reach for this one again and again.
Daredevil Brewing Company, founded in 2012, is a small brewery in Speedway, IN – just south of Indianapolis. They do not distribute in Kentucky but you can obtain their beers right across the river.
