by Untitled Art
Packaging
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Look
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Smell
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Mouthfeel
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Taste
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Overall Score: 3.50
★★★★★
West Coast Style IPA by Untitled Art is a surprisingly solid entry in the nonalcoholic scene that manages to deliver a great hop experience without most of the usual pitfalls.
Packaging
While I appreciate the nod to modern art, the design doesn’t quite grab me in the way it might for others.
Look
This one checks all the right West Coast boxes: a clear, rich golden brown color topped with a decent head that leaves some nice lacing on the glass.
Smell
Upon first whiff, you’re met with an overwhelming scent of raw wort. It’s a bit off-putting, to be honest, but you know what they say: don’t judge a beer (solely) by its aroma.
Mouthfeel
True to style, it leans heavily on the hops, which is expected. However, there’s a fair amount of raw wort here, too.
Taste
Here’s where it shines: the aggressive hop flavor hits you first, followed by a solid malt backbone, leading to a long, satisfying bitter finish. It’s tough to nail a hop-heavy style in an NA, but this one pulls it off.
Final Verdict
Overall, this is one of the better West Coast IPAs I’ve tasted. The smell definitely detracts from the experience, but stick with it: the flavor ultimately pays off.