Industrial Arts Brewing, based in Beacon, NY, is known for blending precision with passion to craft beers that appeal to both hop heads and malt mavens alike. Their lineup showcases a variety of well-balanced brews that often pay homage to the industrial roots of their Hudson Valley home. While their reputation for quality craftsmanship is well-earned, not every brew can hit the bullseye for every drinker—including this particular pour.
This week, we are drinking Safety Glasses IPA from Industrial Arts Brewing. As an IPA, the expectation is for a crisp, hop-forward experience with perhaps a citrusy whisper or a piney punch. The beer pours a clear pale yellow, looking like liquid sunshine filtered through a construction site safety lens. A quick sniff through the scent center reveals malt and hops doing a delicate dance, though there’s a certain mutedness to the aroma that suggests the hops might not take the lead on this one.
The flavor of Safety Glasses IPA from Industrial Arts Brewing follows the nose’s hunch. The hops are certainly present, taking the first swing at the taste buds, but the citrus follows with a surprise uppercut. Unfortunately, the fruit-forward finish ends up feeling more like a lemon-laced party crasher than a welcome guest. The citrus lingers, mingling with a malt backbone that seems just a bit too polite to speak up. The mouthfeel is light and easy, but the overall taste evokes that telltale “beer with the alcohol burned off” vibe—a common challenge in the NA space.
Untappd gives Safety Glasses IPA from Industrial Arts Brewing a 3.5 out of 5, but I’m clocking in at a 2.7. It’s not terrible, but it also doesn’t deliver the hop harmony one might hope for in an IPA. If you’re into citrus-forward beers that lean more on the lighter side, you might find this a pleasant pick. For me, though, I’ll be reaching for my safety goggles and looking elsewhere next time. Cheers!
HAPPY EVERY HOUR – NA BEERS & 90s: Explore the many options of beers and ciders without the side effects of alcohol. With so many de-alcoholized beers on the market, we’ll organize our reviews by style. You’ll also find non-alcoholic or alcohol-free ciders and beverages classified as hop water.
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