Hornet

◎ Appearance

Hornet presents a bright golden-amber hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent head that leaves distinct lacing on the glass. The carbonation is brisk and well-integrated, creating a lively visual presence in the glass. The body reads full and substantial despite the modest ABV, suggesting the malt bill's contribution to density.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with stone fruit and citrus peel—predominantly grapefruit and apricot—layered over a subtle resinous edge from the hop blend of Dr Rudi, Cascade, Citra and Idaho 7. Beneath the hop-forward character, caramel and toffee notes emerge from the Caramel Pils, Crystal and Caramel Munich malts, providing a rounded sweetness that prevents the aroma from becoming one-dimensional.

◐ Taste

The palate opens with bready sweetness and light caramel toffee character, which builds into a full-bodied malt presence that anchors the beer's structure. The hop bitterness arrives mid-palate with firm, drying intensity, introducing further citrus and stone fruit notes alongside a subtle herbal-resinous quality. The interplay between malt sweetness and hop bitterness creates a well-balanced progression rather than domination by either pole.

◑ Finish

The finish is decidedly dry, with the hop bitterness lingering cleanly and assertively without harshness. The aftertaste carries grapefruit and resinous notes that gradually fade, leaving a crisp, slightly peppery dryness on the palate.

Serve well-chilled. Session IPAs are at their best cold — the lower ABV means less warmth to balance the hops.

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.