Vanished Valley ISO7

The Stats
Style: American IPA
ABV: 7%
Current Ratings...
- Untappd: 4.12/5
- Beer Advocate: 4.23/5
- RateBeer: N/A

"Formally known as XPerimental Batch #7, we knew this popular New England IPA from our XP Series had to be brought into our regular lineup. ISO7 contains a generous amount Ella hops and another one of our all-time favorites, Amarillo! It's soft mouth feel gives way to a variety of citrus and melon notes."

Pours out golden yellow in color with a hazy body and a finger of white head.

The aroma comes forth with acidic grapefruit juice and melon. Spicy black pepper and a little bit of mint are also noticeable. Maybe even some gooseberry and mild doughy malts too.

The nose wasn't particularly bitter, but immediately, on the front of my tongue, a high level of acidic hop oils and juice attack my taste buds. The bitterness is washed away quickly by a flood of pulpy orange and grapefruit juice with some sherbet sweetness and even white grapes. It's amazing how bitter it was initially, but the middle and back end is nothing but juice. Tossed in for good measure are floral notes and even some grass. Moments of a lemon or strawberry Jolly Rancher influence the sweeter moments and the finish has some of the malts from the aroma.

Mouthfeel is soft like a cloud with a full body. Some heavier moments remind you this is 7%, but at other times it can be so refreshing and drinkable.

ISO7 was a soft, juicy, and refreshing IPA. Acidity from both citrus fruits and hop oils combined with a fluffy body to make a complex and drinkable IPA. I don't get the chance to try Vanished Valley often, but I hope to get my hands on some more of their stuff soon.

Rating
8.8/10