Foothills Hoppyum IPA
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Tasting Notes
Hoppyum leads with a burst of citrus and pine on the nose, with some light tropical undertones underneath. On the palate, it delivers a firm but not aggressive bitterness balanced by a solid malt backbone that keeps things from going thin. The body sits squarely in the middle — not watery, not heavy — and the finish is clean with a lingering resinous bite. It's a well-constructed example of the American IPA format, staying true to the style without chasing trends.
About the Brewery
Foothills Brewing is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and has been a cornerstone of the state's craft beer scene since the early 2000s. They're known for balancing hop-forward beers with solid foundational lagers and ales, and their Sexual Chocolate imperial stout has earned something of a cult following with annual release lines. They operate a brewpub alongside broader regional distribution across the Southeast.
Food Pairings
Burgers with sharp cheddar work well here because the resinous bitterness cuts through the fat and amplifies the beef's savory depth. Spicy chicken dishes, like Nashville hot or buffalo-style, find a counterweight in the malt backbone without the hops competing awkwardly with the heat. A sharp aged cheese board — cheddar, Manchego, or a firm gouda — plays off the citrus and pine character nicely. Fish tacos with a lime-forward slaw echo the citrusy hop profile and keep the pairing feeling light without losing contrast.
Style Guide
The American IPA is defined by assertive hop character — typically citrus, pine, and tropical fruit — layered over a supportive but secondary malt base. It originated from the English India Pale Ale tradition but diverged sharply in the late 20th century as American craft brewers leaned hard into West Coast hop varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Simcoe. ABVs typically land between 6 and 7.5 percent. Compared to a West Coast IPA, which tends toward drier, more aggressively bitter profiles, the broader American IPA category allows for slightly more malt presence and a touch more body.