NoDa Hop Drop 'N Roll IPA
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Tasting Notes
Hop Drop 'N Roll leads with a solid wave of citrus and tropical fruit on the nose — think grapefruit peel, mango, and a touch of pine resin. The flavor follows through with assertive hop bitterness balanced by a moderate malt backbone that keeps it from going too lean or thin. The body sits in the middle range, not watery but not chewy, with a clean fermentation character underneath. The finish is dry and bitter, with the citrus notes lingering a bit longer than the malt.
About the Brewery
NoDa Brewing is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, named for the NoDa arts district where it got its start. Founded in 2011, the brewery built a strong regional following quickly and is particularly well-regarded for its hop-forward beers, with Hop Drop 'N Roll becoming something of a flagship and a consistent medal winner at national competitions. They've expanded their footprint significantly within the Carolinas while maintaining solid quality across their core lineup.
Food Pairings
Spicy chicken wings work well here because the hop bitterness cuts through the fat while complementing the heat without amplifying it. A well-seasoned beef burger with sharp cheddar plays off the malt backbone and gives the citrus hops something to contrast against. Fish tacos with a lime crema echo the citrus character in the beer and keep both the food and the beer tasting bright. Aged gouda, with its caramel and salt notes, provides a rich counterpoint to the dry, bitter finish. Grilled sausage or bratwurst holds up to the bitterness and brings out the fruitier hop notes by contrast.
Style Guide
The American IPA is defined by pronounced hop character — bitterness, aroma, and flavor — built on a relatively clean, neutral malt base that supports rather than competes with the hops. ABVs typically run from about 6% to 7.5%, putting this beer squarely in the middle of the range. The style developed as American craft brewers in the 1980s and 90s began using high-alpha and aromatic domestic hop varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Citra, distinguishing it from its British IPA ancestor, which tends toward earthier, more restrained hop character and a more prominent malt presence.