Hess Brewing Habitus

This is an 8.0% ABV rye India Pale Ale from Hess Brewing of San Diego, California. It uses Sterling and Chinook hops along with some rye in the malt bill.

The beer pours copper and apricot in color.  There is a short head of white foam. The aroma is citrusy, particularly orange and tangerine, with a bit of passion fruit. There is a light spicy malt note from the rye. The taste follows the aromas, adding in a touch of floral and a piney note on the end. The finish is a bit spicy, dry, and quite bitter. The beer drinks very smooth. It drinks much lighter than its 8.0% ABV would lead you to believe. Solid.