Solace Sun’s Out Hops Out
After the debacle that was their Manhunt Stout, I had to give Solace Brewing another opportunity for a solid “first” impression. And what better way to do that than with an IPA? I’m not going to describe this 4.7% ABV brew as sessionable like the label would want me to do — I’m of the opinion that no IPA should be clumped in that realm of beers. So, what does Sun’s Out Hops Out have to offer then?
First and foremost, there is a ton of tropical fruitiness to be found within the lightly hazy IPA. Tangerine, grapefruit and pine lead the way for a leafy and natural hop profile that I personally enjoy. As stated, there’s a decent amount of lively hop bitterness to awaken the tastebuds and refresh nicely. I found the body on the beer to be a nice change of pace for lower-alcohol IPAs. Most tend to be on the watery side — Sun’s Out Hops Out, however, retains more heft than most which works in its favor.
I’m not a fan of the marketing speak that is the “session IPA,” especially with a beer like this from Solace. There’s just too much bitterness present which ultimately results in palate fatigue. The tastebuds may love that biting bitterness initially, but eventually they grow weary. Instead, Sun’s Out Hops Out is a solid IPA (period) that refreshes nicely and should suite nicely for whenever the warm weather of Spring and Summer ever decide to show up in 2018.