Ailefroide

NEIPA — 6.7% ABV — 16 IBU — Citra Hops

Soft, hazy, and unapologetically juicy. Citra carries the whole show here, single-handedly — grapefruit, mango, passionfruit, a touch of lime zest, all stacked on top of each other with no other hop competing for space. The low bitterness lets that fruit character ride out clean to the finish, while a soft, pillowy mouthfeel — classic NEIPA territory — makes the whole thing feel more like drinking juice than beer. Easygoing, low resistance, dangerously drinkable for something just under 7%.

The name means "cold alp," a nod to how little sun reaches the valley floor in winter. But come summer, Ailefroide turns into one of France's premier climbing destinations — granite walls, hundreds of routes, and a hamlet buzzing with life under towering peaks. Cold in name, vivid in character. Much like this beer: deceptively gentle on first sip, full of warmth in flavor.