AleSmith IPA
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with resinous pine and citrus peel — grapefruit and orange rind — backed by a firm biscuity malt base that keeps things grounded. On the palate, hop bitterness is assertive but not abrasive, with flavors of pine resin, tropical fruit, and a touch of caramel sweetness that gives the beer some backbone. The body is medium, substantial enough to carry the hops without feeling heavy. The finish is dry and moderately bitter, lingering in the way a well-made West Coast IPA should.
About the Brewery
AleSmith is based in San Diego, California, and has been operating since 1995. They're a cornerstone of the San Diego craft beer scene, which produced some of the most influential West Coast IPAs of the modern era. The brewery is particularly well regarded for Speedway Stout, a high-octane coffee imperial stout that has earned a devoted following, but their hop-forward beers reflect the same technical precision.
Food Pairings
The resinous bitterness here cuts through fat well, making it a natural match for a double cheeseburger where the hops scrub the richness clean between bites. Fish tacos work because the citrus notes in the beer echo lime and fresh salsa without overwhelming the fish. A sharp aged cheddar holds its own against the bitterness and finds common ground with the malt backbone. Spicy Thai noodles pair effectively because the slight sweetness of the malt tempers heat while the carbonation keeps the palate from getting overwhelmed.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by prominent hop character — bitterness, aroma, and flavor — built on a relatively lean malt foundation that supports rather than competes with the hops. The style grew out of British IPA traditions but diverged sharply in the 1980s and 1990s as American craft brewers leaned into domestic and imported hop varieties high in resins and citrus oils. ABV typically runs from around 6% to 7.5%, putting this example squarely in range. It differs from a Double IPA primarily in intensity and body, and from a hazy IPA in its clarity, drier finish, and harder bitterness.