Raven Christmas IPA

◎ Appearance

Pale golden with a slight haze, reflecting the wheat component of the grist. The head arrives dense and white, settling to a thin collar with persistent lacing around the glass. Carbonation is brisk and visible throughout, maintaining a lively bead.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with bright citrus and pine resin from the five-hop blend—Simcoe, Nugget, Chinook, Comet, and Ahtanum contribute in equal measure. Beneath lies a soft wheaten base with hints of dry grain and a touch of herbal spice. The overall impression is fresh and inviting, without any sharp alcohol notes.

◐ Taste

Entry is full and juicy, with the wheat malt lending a soft, rounded sweetness before the hop bitterness emerges cleanly across the mid-palate. Resinous and slightly piney notes build gradually, balanced by a subtle malty foundation that prevents the beer from becoming one-dimensional. The 70 IBU integration is restrained but present, fading to a dry finish.

◑ Finish

The aftertaste is dry and lingering, with residual hop bitterness and a faint pine character persisting on the palate. The 6.8% ABV remains well-hidden, allowing the finish to feel crisp rather than warming.