Grimm Lumen
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Tasting Notes
Lumen is a hazy, soft-bodied IPA that leans into bright tropical and citrus hop character — think ripe mango, tangerine, and a thread of white grape. The bitterness is low and rounded rather than sharp, letting the juicy hop oils do most of the talking. Body is medium-light with a pillowy texture from oat and wheat additions typical of the style. The finish is relatively clean with just enough residual sweetness to keep it cohesive.
About the Brewery
Grimm Artisanal Ales is a Brooklyn-based brewery founded by Joe and Lauren Grimm, who built a reputation as nomadic contract brewers before opening their own production facility and taproom. They're known for technically precise, ingredient-forward beers across a wide range of styles — hazy IPAs, wild ales, lagers, and stouts all get serious attention. Their taproom in Bushwick has been a consistent presence in the New York craft beer scene, and their releases tend to sell through quickly.
Food Pairings
The soft bitterness and tropical fruit character here work well with spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes, where the hop sweetness tempers heat without clashing with lemongrass or fish sauce. A good fish taco with mango salsa echoes the beer's citrus and tropical notes directly. Mild, young cheeses like burrata or fresh mozzarella let the hop aromatics come forward without competition. Grilled shrimp with a citrus marinade is a natural match, reinforcing the beer's brightest flavors.
Style Guide
American IPAs are defined by assertive hopping — typically showcasing American or Southern Hemisphere varieties that contribute citrus, pine, tropical fruit, or dank resinous notes depending on the specific hops used. The style emerged from the West Coast in the 1980s and 1990s and has since split into several sub-styles, with hazy or New England IPAs like this one prioritizing soft bitterness and juicy aroma over the drier, more aggressive bitterness of classic West Coast examples. Body is generally medium, and the style sits in a moderate ABV range that keeps the hop character front and center without the weight of a double IPA.