Southern Hops’Pitality IPA

Southern Hops’Pitality IPA is brewed and bottled in Kiln, Mississippi. It comes from Lazy Magnolia Brewing Co. and contains a lethargic 5.5% alcohol, but a lively 60 IBUs. Sold in 12oz bottles, the beer has a hazy golden-orange look, and pours with a loose and thin off-white head that was unexpectedly durable.

Southern Hops’Pitality has a commanding tropical fruit aroma that is packed with mango notes—possibly more mango than any beer I’ve ever sniffed that didn’t use mango purée. The mango scent translates into the flavour, though with a bit less vigour. However, that’s where the the bitterness picks up, making this beer a convincing tasting IPA.

Despite its relatively low percentage (give me 7 or give me death!), this stuff is very flavourful and really quite impressive. The low % costs it a half point (just call it an American Pale Ale!), but the taste is verging on exquisite, and it doesn’t sacrifice bitterness.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.