I picked up this 22-ounce bottle at the Beer Army Outpost in New Bern, NC. The brewery is from Roanoke, Va., which is less than 300 miles away.

Roanoke Railhouse IPA

Appearance (15%) –  Pours a headless copper red that’s quite clear. It’s also a decently thick pour, leading you to believe that it’s not going to be weak or watered down. (90% of 15 = 16.7)

Aroma (20%) – First scent is smoky and sweet; quite difficult to find the hops aroma through the maltiness, but you can tell it’s there. (80% of 20 = 16)

Flavor (50%) – Deep grapefruit hoppy bitterness up front, but the finish is balanced with a tobacco-sweet malt that leaves you with a flavor that quite honestly leaves you curious about the next sip. (75% of 50 = 37.5)

Bite (10%) – That flavor is quite unique, but the sweet malt tastes just enough like tobacco chew (that we’re conditioned NOT to swallow) that it almost goes against my instincts to continue to drink. Mouthfeel is phenomenal; love the weight. (60% of 10 = 6)

Bumper (5%) – I don’t want you to think that just because I mentioned tobacco twice means that is the overpowering flavor in this beer. It’s not. It’s really just a hint … but enough of a hint that would either turn you off from this beer (if you don’t like it) or completely draw you in (if you like it).  It’s a unique beer, that’s worth a taste if you’re ever around one. (20% of 5 = 1)

Final Verdict (77.2) – C+ (77-79, Worth a try if one’s handed to you, but no need to hunt it down)

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To see The Man F.A.Q. Beer Review Guide, click here.

Image Credits: Top image (Bugwart, on Untappd), in-text image (Swartzisms, on Untappd)