I finally got my hands on a four-pack of Grimm Wavetable IPA, and honestly, it's exactly what I needed after a long week. If you've spent any time in the craft beer scene, especially around New York, you know that Grimm Artisanal Ales has this sort of legendary status. They started as nomadic brewers, moving from place to place to make their magic, but now they've got that gorgeous taproom in Brooklyn. Wavetable is one of those beers that people keep coming back to, and after a few sips, it's pretty easy to see why it has such a loyal following.
When you crack open a can of grimm wavetable ipa, the first thing that hits you isn't even the taste—it's the aroma. It's like someone just peeled a bunch of oranges and mangos right under your nose. It's bright, it's punchy, and it immediately sets the stage for what's to come. This isn't one of those old-school IPAs that's going to wreck your palate with piney bitterness. No, this is a flag-bearer for the New England style, or the "Hazy IPA" movement, where the focus is all on the tropical, juicy characteristics of the hops rather than just raw bitterness.
What makes it stand out?
So, what is it about this specific beer? I think a lot of it comes down to the hop blend. Grimm uses a mix of Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe. Now, those are three of the most popular hops in the world right now, but it's the way they're balanced here that feels different. Sometimes you get an IPA where one hop just takes over—it's either all catty Mosaic or all citrusy Citra. But with Wavetable, it's more of a harmony. You get that hit of passionfruit and grapefruit, but there's also this underlying earthiness that keeps it from being too "soda-like."
The appearance is another thing. It pours a deep, opaque gold—it looks almost like pineapple juice in a glass. There's a nice, frothy white head that sticks around for a bit, leaving that pretty lacing on the side of the glass as you drink. If you're into the aesthetics of beer (and let's be real, we all kind of are), this one is a 10 out of 10. It just looks thick and soft, which is exactly how it feels when you actually take a gulp.
The texture and mouthfeel
Let's talk about the mouthfeel for a second, because I think that's where the grimm wavetable ipa really wins people over. A lot of cheaper hazy IPAs can feel a bit thin or, conversely, too heavy and "chalky" from too much protein or yeast in suspension. Grimm somehow finds the perfect middle ground. It's got this pillowy, creamy texture that coats your tongue, but it still finishes clean enough that you want to go back for another sip immediately.
I've heard people describe this as "juice-like," and while I get that, I think it's more sophisticated than that. There's a bit of an oat-heavy malt bill here, I suspect, which provides that velvety body. It's around 6.7% ABV, which is the sweet spot for an IPA. It's strong enough to let you know it's there, but not so heavy that you feel like you need a nap after one glass. It's dangerous, honestly, because it's so easy to drink.
Why the name Wavetable?
I've always loved the name. If you're into synthesizers or electronic music, you know that wavetable synthesis is a way of creating complex sounds by cycling through different waveforms. It feels like a subtle nod to how the flavors in this beer work. You aren't just getting one note; you're getting a cycle of flavors that shift as the beer warms up in your glass. When it's ice cold, the citrus is front and center. As it sits for ten minutes, those deeper tropical notes like papaya and maybe even a little bit of dankness start to come out.
Drinking it at the source vs. at home
While I'm currently enjoying this can on my couch, I have to say, if you ever get the chance to visit the Grimm taproom in Brooklyn, do it. There's something about drinking a grimm wavetable ipa right where it was made. The vibes in that place are great—lots of plants, white walls, and a very "art gallery" feel that matches their can designs.
Speaking of the cans, can we just appreciate the art for a second? Grimm has some of the best label designs in the industry. They're always these abstract, colorful, pop-art pieces that look great on a shelf. It makes the whole experience feel a bit more premium. You aren't just buying a six-pack; you're buying a piece of functional art. I've known people who actually save the cans because they like the designs so much.
What should you eat with it?
I usually drink IPAs on their own because I want to taste every little nuance, but Wavetable is actually a pretty versatile food beer. Because it's so fruity and has that soft mouthfeel, it works incredibly well with anything that has a bit of spice. I had it with some spicy fish tacos the other night, and the citrus notes in the beer cut through the heat of the peppers perfectly.
If you aren't into spicy food, it also pairs surprisingly well with a good burger or even some sharp cheddar cheese. The carbonation is just enough to scrub your palate after a greasy bite, leaving you ready for the next one. Just maybe avoid anything too sweet—the beer has enough natural fruity sweetness that a sugary dessert might overwhelm it.
Is it worth the hype?
The craft beer world is full of "hype" beers that don't always live up to the reputation. You see people lining up for hours for some limited release, only to find out it tastes like a glass of onion juice. Luckily, the grimm wavetable ipa isn't one of those. It's a "core" beer for them for a reason. It's consistent. Whether you bought a can six months ago or yesterday, you know what you're getting.
It's not the cheapest beer on the shelf, for sure. You're likely going to pay a bit more for a four-pack of this than you would for a mass-produced IPA from a grocery store. But you're paying for the quality of the ingredients and the expertise of the brewers. To me, it's worth the extra couple of bucks for the experience.
Final thoughts on the pour
At the end of the day, beer is supposed to be fun. It's supposed to be something you enjoy with friends or as a treat for yourself. The grimm wavetable ipa fits that bill perfectly. It's approachable enough for someone who is just getting into craft beer, but complex enough for the "beer geeks" who want to sit there and analyze the hop profile.
If you see it at your local bottle shop, I'd highly recommend picking it up. Just make sure you check the canned-on date on the bottom—hazy IPAs are always best when they're fresh. Since this is one of Grimm's staples, it's usually pretty fresh in the NY area, but it never hurts to check. Pour it into a glass (please, don't drink this one straight from the can!), take a big whiff, and just enjoy the ride. It's a classic for a reason, and I think it'll stay in my regular rotation for a long time to come.