Flying Fish HopFish IPA
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with citrus peel and pine resin, typical of a well-built East Coast American IPA that leans into classic hop character without veering into haze territory. On the palate, expect a moderately assertive bitterness balanced by a solid malt backbone — enough bread and caramel to keep things grounded. The body sits in the medium range, and the finish is dry with lingering hop oils rather than sweetness. It's a straightforward, honest representation of the style without gimmicks.
About the Brewery
Flying Fish is based in Somerdale, New Jersey, and is one of the Garden State's pioneering craft breweries, having launched in the mid-1990s. They were notable early on for being one of the first craft breweries to establish a significant web presence before even opening their doors. Their lineup is rooted in approachable, well-made interpretations of classic styles, and they've maintained a consistent presence in the mid-Atlantic regional craft scene for decades.
Food Pairings
The moderate bitterness and citrus-forward hop profile make this a natural match for fish tacos, where the brightness cuts through fried batter and complements lime crema. A chargrilled burger works well because the malt backbone holds up to beef fat while the hops scrub the palate clean between bites. Spicy dishes like buffalo wings or jalapeño-spiked nachos pair nicely since hop bitterness amplifies rather than fights moderate heat in an interesting way. Aged cheddar or a sharp white cheddar on a charcuterie board plays off the resinous, slightly bitter finish with its own pronounced savory edge.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by assertive hop bitterness and aroma derived from American hop varieties — primarily Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, and their relatives — which contribute citrus, pine, and sometimes tropical or resinous notes. The style emerged from the West Coast in the 1980s and '90s as American craft brewers pushed bitterness levels well beyond their British IPA counterparts, though the malt bill typically stays lean enough not to compete. ABV generally falls between 6% and 7.5%, distinguishing it from the lighter Session IPA and the more intensely bitter Double IPA. It sits in a different lane than the hazy New England IPA, which sacrifices bitterness for soft, juicy fruitiness.