HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- The brew review returns this week to feature one of Alabama's newest additions to the budding brew scene, Birmingham's Avondale Brewing Co.

Reviewers decided to sample Avondale's version of an American IPA (India pale ale), dubbed Battlefield IPA, out of the six debut beers. This particular amber-colored, balanced brew exudes citrus and floral notes and would be a great choice for basking in this enjoyable spring weather.

Cheers!

The Brew

ABV: 6.5 percent

Available at: 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern, The Stem & Stein, Liquor Express, The Nook Tavern, James Steakhouse, and at the two Mellow Mushroom locations in Providence and Jones Valley.

The Brewer

What the folks at Avondale Brewing Co. say about the Battlefield IPA:

Our Battlefield IPA is one of our most popular brews. It's a unique American IPA brewed with West Coast hops, American and European malt. The hop aroma is citrusy with some strong notes of grapefruit and orange peel to it. The Battlefield IPA has a sweet, bready malt component that plays a supporting role. The perfect combination of malt and hops deliver a perfect balance of flavor and aroma. The Battlefield IPA is an enjoyable brew for any occasion.

The Reviewers

Jay Kissell, 46, software engineer, craft-beer consumer and

Appearance: Mostly clear honey, yellow-orange with creamy white head.

Smell: Fruity hops; peach, lemons.

Taste: Strong, fresh hops that coat your mouth. The sweet, fruity smell is greatly diminished in the taste – the hop flavor is more earthy. Lemony bitterness is present in the finish.

Mouth-feel: This beer feels thick in the mouth. The bitter hop finish opens up the taste buds.

Overall: When I drank this beer without food, I found the flavors a little strong and unbalanced. But paired with food, I really enjoyed it. I'm happy to see another Alabama beer available in Huntsville.

Thomas Yack, 30, lab tech, mixologist and beer enthusiast.

Appearance: Medium amber with very little bubbling.

Smell: Fresh Meyer lemons.

Taste: Lot of fresh white grapefruit juice.

Mouth-feel: A lingering crispness that coats the mouth.

Overall: This is very sharp and citrusy beer and not for the faint of heart.

Gray Killough, 44, program manager who enjoys craft beers.

Appearance: Amber color; presents with firm foam that dissipates slowly.

Smell: Medium hops (primary) with citrus – papaya – tones following.

Taste: Strongly citrus with lemon as the primary. The citrus overwhelms the hops dry finish without significant bitterness; does not linger.

Mouth-feel: Light with mild carbonation.

Overall: Pair this choice with a cheese tray before dinner, pork or fish as an entree. Not particularly hoppy for an IPA, so this is safe to serve to your friends that are not "hop heads."

Harry L. Barker, 52, Beer Quest chair.

Appearance: Beautiful, deep-golden color; nice solid head. Long-lasting lace on the glass.

Smell: Appealing hops, citrus and apples.

Taste: Quick start, sharp to a good long finish; sweetness adds to it, but fruit is gone.

Mouth-feel: Solid oily feel; satisfying presence with a cool fade.

Overall: Decent IPA, very strong fruit in the aroma; flavors open decently; long finish.

For more information about the brew reviews, such as participation and suggestions, email sarah.cure@htimes.com.