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Spectator Sport

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A collaboration with Cannonball Creek Brewing, born from the tradition of brewers gathering while onlookers offer very important advice. This IPA reads as resinous pine and grapefruit with bitter orange peel, and the bitterness lingers on the tongue. 7.2% ABV, 90 IBU, a seasonal on the tap list at La Cumbre in Albuquerque.

ABV
7.2%
Bitterness
Very bitter90 IBU
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceTwo or Three
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
resinouspineycitrusy
resinous
piney
citrusy
orange
hoppy
clean
Aroma
The nose opens with pronounced resinous pine character, immediately signaling classic American hop aromatics.
also:tropical
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Spectator Sport

◎ Appearance

Spectator Sport presents a pale golden hue with excellent clarity and bright transparency. The head forms quickly and clings to the glass with fine, persistent lacing. Carbonation is lively and well-integrated, creating a dynamic visual presence in the glass.

pale goldenclear, brightpersistent headlively carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced resinous pine character, immediately signaling classic American hop aromatics. Beneath this lies a distinct bitter orange peel note, with underlying grapefruit zest adding brightness and complexity. Subtle herbal edges frame the profile without competing with the dominant citrus and conifer notes.

resinous pinebitter orange peelgrapefruit zestherbal hop character

◐ Taste

The palate enters with punchy citrus and pine, developing into a sustained resinous bitterness that coats the tongue. Mid-palate maintains good balance between the hop-driven bitterness (90 IBU) and a clean malt backbone that prevents harshness. The 7.2% ABV sits comfortably, providing body without heat, and the finish delivers a lingering bitter orange character that persists without becoming astringent.

assertive bitternessresinous, pineyclean malt baselingering citrus bite

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and lengthy, with the bitter orange and resinous pine notes holding firm on the palate. Bitterness lingers pleasantly, inviting another sip rather than fatiguing the palate.

dry, sustained finishlingering bitterness
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
84
Appearance
88
Finish
78
Serve at 8–11°C

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

Tulip glass

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

Drink fresh. Session IPAs are brewed to be consumed young — the hops are at their best now.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Spectator Sport

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About IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same resinous, piney, bitter character as Spectator Sport will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all IPA beers in hopIQ →New to IPA? Read our guide →Browse United States beers →