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Lava Lamp

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
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🌍 United States · New England Double IPA · One of 29 New England Double IPAs in hopIQ

A double hazy IPA hopped entirely with Citra and Nectaron over two-row pale malt, wheat, oats and dextrin malt, which give it an opaque body and a soft, rounded texture. Passion fruit, pineapple and ripe mango lead, followed by orange and grapefruit, and a juicy sweetness carries the strength. Bitterness stays restrained, and the finish is smooth and fruity rather than dry.

ABV
8.2%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter45 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
amber9
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Substantial body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Dry finish.
drysweet
Bitterness
Firm bitter edge.
mildbitter
Texture
Balanced mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

A clean close sets the character — an invitation to the next sip.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another New England Double IPA.
Hop character
citrusy
tropical
juicy
hoppy
Fermentation & yeast
fruity
Distinctive notes
hazy

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Lava Lamp

◎ Appearance

Lava Lamp presents a hazy, opaque golden body that diffuses light rather than transmitting it. The dense, cream-colored head settles into a persistent foam collar that clings to the glass with notable adhesion. Fine carbonation creates an active, soft visual texture characteristic of the New England style.

hazy goldenopaquepersistent head

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with bright stone fruit and tropical notes: passion fruit and ripe mango dominate, layered with fresh pineapple and citrus rind. Beneath the hop-driven fruit sits a soft, grainy maltiness that grounds the profile without imposing dryness. No harsh resinous or grassy character interrupts the rounded, fruity bouquet.

passion fruit, mangopineapple, citrussoft grain base

◐ Taste

The palate enters soft and rounded, with stone fruit and tropical flavors translating cleanly from the nose into a juicy mouthfeel. Mid-palate sweetness remains restrained rather than cloying, supported by wheat and oat adjuncts that add body and a velvety texture. Bitterness registers at a gentle 45 IBU—present but never harsh, allowing the fruity sweetness to carry through.

juicy, soft bodyrestrained sweetnessmild bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish glides smoothly into fruity, slightly sweet aftertaste without drying or astringency. The alcohol warmth (8.2% ABV) remains integrated rather than prominent, allowing the tropical and citrus notes to fade gracefully.

smooth, fruityclean exit
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
83
Taste
81
Appearance
84
Finish
80
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Lava Lamp

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 Lava Lamp

About New England Double IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a New England Double 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 New England Double IPA

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

Other New England Double IPAs in hopIQ

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