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Route 99

Polly's Brew Co.
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🌍 United Kingdom · West Coast IPA · One of 40 West Coast IPAs in hopIQ

Route 99 is a West Coast IPA bathed in sunlight—clean fermentation lets the hop character speak without strain. Fresh-cut grass and pine needles open the profile, followed by a bright grapefruit edge that sharpens on the mid-palate. The body is lean and approachable, built for maximum drinkability rather than heaviness. At 6%, it lands as an afternoon beer, refreshing enough to reach for again without the alcohol weight that can flatten lighter ales. Serve at cool cellar temperature to keep the citrus notes sharp.

ABV
6%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
golden7
See all West Coast IPA alternatives →
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Taste structure· The backbone of the beer, regardless of style.
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
hopIQ take

Assertively bitter and dry.

The malt sets the frame and lets the hops carry the flavour.

Wider bands mean we're less certain about the exact position.
Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another West Coast IPA.
Hop character
citrusy
piney
grassy
hoppy
resinous
Fermentation & yeast
clean
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FEATURED IN

Featured inThe Best British IPAs

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Route 99

Appearance

A bright pale golden hue catches the light with crystalline clarity. The head forms with modest volume and fine, tight bubbles that maintain a delicate Schaumkleiden around the glass walls. Carbonation is evident and well-integrated, supporting the beer's clean, inviting presentation.

pale goldcrystal clearfine carbonationpersistent lacing

Aroma

The nose opens with fresh-cut grass and herbaceous green notes, followed immediately by sharp pine needle character. Bright citrus—predominantly grapefruit zest—rises above a clean, neutral malt backdrop. The yeast performs quietly, allowing the hop aromatics to dominate without any solvent or ester distraction.

grassypine resingrapefruit zestclean fermentation

Taste

Entry is crisp and lean, with citric sharpness taking the lead across the front palate. Mid-palate develops resinous hop bitterness and herbaceous piney notes that build steadily without harshness. The body remains light and dry throughout, with minimal malt sweetness—this is a hop-forward beer engineered for maximum clarity and refresh rather than fullness.

citrus-forwardpiney resinlean bodydry finish

Finish

The finish is short to medium, fading cleanly into a dry, slightly bitter aftertaste. The grapefruit edge lingers briefly before dissolving, leaving the palate ready for the next sip.

drycitrus echocrisp departure
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
80
Appearance
78
Finish
72
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Route 99

Serve at 8–11°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Tulip glass
Recommended for this style

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

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Route 99

About West Coast IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a West Coast 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 West Coast IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same clean, piney, citrusy character as Route 99 will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other West Coast IPAs in hopIQ

Explore all West Coast IPA beers in hopIQ →New to West Coast IPA? Read our guide →Browse United Kingdom beers →

WHERE TO BUY

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