Friendship Brewing Bignose IPA Review

As someone who enjoys a good old-school American IPA, I appreciate beers that aren’t afraid to embrace bitterness and hop character. Friendship Brewing Company’s Bignose IPA is exactly that kind of beer. Rather than chasing juicy haze trends, it leans into the classic formula of citrus hops, pine resin, and a sturdy malt backbone, creating a satisfying IPA that feels right at home for traditional hop heads.

Beer Stats

• Brewery: Friendship Brewing Company (Wentzville, Missouri)
• Style: American IPA
• ABV: 7.0%
• IBU: 60
• BeerAdvocate Score: 3.86/5.00 (5 Ratings)
• Untappd Score: 3.76/5.00 (1567 Ratings)

Appearance

Bignose pours a deep golden to light amber color with a fluffy off-white head. The beer shows moderate clarity and leaves a nice layer of lacing on the glass. It looks exactly how a classic American IPA should look.

Aroma

The name “Bignose” is appropriate. The aroma leads with bright citrus hops, supported by pine and floral notes. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find a caramel malt character that adds sweetness and depth without overwhelming the hop profile. The combination is inviting and distinctly old-school.

Taste

The flavor follows through on the promise of the aroma. Grapefruit, orange peel, and pine dominate upfront before giving way to a caramel malt backbone. The bitterness is assertive but balanced, carrying through to a lingering finish that hop lovers will appreciate. The slight sweetness from the malt keeps the beer from becoming abrasive while allowing the hops to remain the star of the show.

Mouthfeel

Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation. The texture is smooth without becoming heavy, and the crisp finish encourages another sip. The balance between bitterness and malt sweetness makes it an easy beer to enjoy over the course of a full pint.

Overall

What stands out most about Bignose IPA is its commitment to traditional IPA characteristics. The citrus and pine hop profile, combined with a noticeable caramel malt foundation, creates a beer that feels like a tribute to the IPAs that helped fuel the American craft beer movement. It doesn’t rely on excessive fruit additions, lactose, or haze. It simply focuses on delivering a flavorful, hop-forward drinking experience.

For Missouri craft beer fans, Bignose remains one of Friendship Brewing Company’s signature offerings and a solid choice when you’re in the mood for a classic IPA with plenty of personality.

Final Score

4.1 / 5: A well-crafted, traditional American IPA featuring citrusy hops, pine bitterness, and a rich caramel malt backbone. Bignose may not follow modern IPA trends, but its confident execution of the classic style makes it a beer worth revisiting.