Cigar City Jai Alai

Cigar City Jai Alai IPA: A Florida Citrus Bomb

A Taste of Tampa

Cigar City Jai Alai IPA is the flagship beer from the Tampa, Florida-based Cigar City Brewing. This American IPA is celebrated for its bold citrus character and balanced bitterness. It’s named after the fast-paced Basque sport of Jai Alai, reflecting the beer’s own vibrant and energetic flavor profile. Jai Alai IPA helped put Cigar City on the map and is a favorite among hopheads and casual beer drinkers alike.

Brewing Process: Hopped for Boldness

Jai Alai IPA is brewed with a generous blend of six different hop varieties, including Amarillo, Cascade, Centennial, CTZ, Motueka, and Simcoe. This hop combination contributes to the beer’s intense aroma and flavor. The beer has a 7.5% ABV and 70 IBU. The brewing process emphasizes hop aroma and flavor, while maintaining a balanced malt backbone to prevent the beer from being overly bitter.

Flavor Profile: Citrus and Caramel

Jai Alai IPA is known for its prominent citrus notes, often described as tangerine, clementine, and Valencia orange. These flavors are complemented by a subtle caramel sweetness from the malt. The beer pours a copper color and has a medium body. The finish is assertively bitter, but balanced by the initial sweetness and the rich malt character.

Serving Suggestions and Food Pairings

This IPA is best served chilled. Its bold hop character and citrus notes make it a versatile pairing for a variety of foods. It complements spicy dishes, such as Mexican and Thai cuisine, as well as fried foods and grilled meats. The citrus notes also make it a good match for seafood. Some specific pairings include beef empanadas, deviled crabs, and dishes with a spicy kick. The beer’s bitterness can cut through rich or fatty foods, while its citrus notes enhance the flavors of lighter dishes.

“`