New Belgium Slow Ride

Many people view New Belgium's Ranger IPA as the IPA gold standard, the India Pale Ale against which all others are measured, the IPA which breaks beer neophytes against its hoppy walls. Slow Ride Session IPA does not have the rough astringency that Ranger does, but it's plenty hoppy for a lightweight. It pours a clear golden hue with a tall white head and might be mistaken for a lager...until you get close and the hops crawl up your nostrils and announce their presence. Pine notes, balanced by a citrus haze, mostly lemon peel. Very light and refreshing; while I usually stick with the stouts and porters this time of year, this was a nice change of pace.