Royal Marine IPA
Front Street Ale House / San Juan Brewing

This would-be IPA, named for the British forces that once occupied the north end of San Juan Island, was served spoiled from lack of effective sanitary technique. Part of its spoilage issues conveyed the sharp, peppery aspects of a Belgian golden ale. Ahtanum and Kent Goldings hops added further spice. But these tart, piquant qualities seemed uninvited. And the hop aroma and flavor one might expect from an IPA never materialized. The big soapy lather that clung resolutely to the glass suggested a substantial measure of hops. But they couldn't protect this ale from spoilage. Neither could the unusually low alcohol content.

It's too bad this beer failed to make the grade. Its maritime status as the only IPA in the state brewed on an unbridged island lends itself to the historic maritime aspects of the style, as does the nearby British military legacy.