Ipswich India Pale Ale (I.P.A.) | Ipswich Ale Brewery
Brewed by:
Ipswich Ale Brewery
Massachusetts, United States | website
Style: American IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.50%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by BeerAdvocate on 07-07-1998
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Reviews: 250 | Ratings: 483
3.65/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
22 ounce bottle - $3.99 at Total Wine & More in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Appearance: Pours out a clouded, dark dirty copper body with an inch of off-white head leaving sticky laceworks on the descent.
Smell: Malt blend presenting notes of bread, toast, and a bit of caramel. Hops throwing off hints of citrus zest and reserved resins.
Taste: Bready, toasty maltiness with a scant sliver of caramel. There's some sweetness, but not too much, really. Grapefruit and bitter orange hop flavors with a medium-plus bitterness. Small hint of earthy resins underneath. Bready yeastiness. Bittersweet finish with a bready flavor and touch of citrus enduring into the aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Medium carbonation.
Overall: Decently drinkable, I thought it was OK. A beer that gets the job done.
★ 795 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
22 ounce bottle - $3.99 at Total Wine & More in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Appearance: Pours out a clouded, dark dirty copper body with an inch of off-white head leaving sticky laceworks on the descent.
Smell: Malt blend presenting notes of bread, toast, and a bit of caramel. Hops throwing off hints of citrus zest and reserved resins.
Taste: Bready, toasty maltiness with a scant sliver of caramel. There's some sweetness, but not too much, really. Grapefruit and bitter orange hop flavors with a medium-plus bitterness. Small hint of earthy resins underneath. Bready yeastiness. Bittersweet finish with a bready flavor and touch of citrus enduring into the aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Medium carbonation.
Overall: Decently drinkable, I thought it was OK. A beer that gets the job done.
★ 795 characters
4.3/5 rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A: 1/4" tan head over amber/brown liquid.
S: Honey, sweet caramel malt as well as citrus and grassy hops.
T: Grapefruit and pine hops with caramel malt and honey flavours.
M: Medium viscosity and a medium level of delicate carbonation. Some drying from the alcohol.
O: Quite drinkable and good value for the money. Picked up a bomber at Total wine for only $3.99
★ 366 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A: 1/4" tan head over amber/brown liquid.
S: Honey, sweet caramel malt as well as citrus and grassy hops.
T: Grapefruit and pine hops with caramel malt and honey flavours.
M: Medium viscosity and a medium level of delicate carbonation. Some drying from the alcohol.
O: Quite drinkable and good value for the money. Picked up a bomber at Total wine for only $3.99
★ 366 characters
3.6/5 rDev -6.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12 oz. bottle poured into pint glass.
A - Pours a dark copper with a small head that dies quickly. Very hazy in color. A speckled lacing is left on the glass. I was surprised at how dark and cloudy this beer was. I prefer a lighter colored IPA.
S - Strange combination of honey, pine, sourdough bread, and floral hops. A bit unbalanced and malty.
T - Tastes much better than it smells. It has a very floral and herbal front and a drying piney finish. The caramel and bready malts are present throughout, but they take a backseat to the bitter hops and pine. Certainly an "east coast" IPA with the malt presence but well balanced and enjoyable.
M - Fuller bodied than the norm for the style, but it works. Well carbonated and smooth.
O - I enjoyed this beer. Some of the characteristics remind me of an English IPA, which is ironic (or not, depending on how you look at it) because the bottle claims Ipswich to be the "original american ale." Very balanced flavor, but the smell was a bit off and the color was atypical. I may get this one again.
★ 1,052 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12 oz. bottle poured into pint glass.
A - Pours a dark copper with a small head that dies quickly. Very hazy in color. A speckled lacing is left on the glass. I was surprised at how dark and cloudy this beer was. I prefer a lighter colored IPA.
S - Strange combination of honey, pine, sourdough bread, and floral hops. A bit unbalanced and malty.
T - Tastes much better than it smells. It has a very floral and herbal front and a drying piney finish. The caramel and bready malts are present throughout, but they take a backseat to the bitter hops and pine. Certainly an "east coast" IPA with the malt presence but well balanced and enjoyable.
M - Fuller bodied than the norm for the style, but it works. Well carbonated and smooth.
O - I enjoyed this beer. Some of the characteristics remind me of an English IPA, which is ironic (or not, depending on how you look at it) because the bottle claims Ipswich to be the "original american ale." Very balanced flavor, but the smell was a bit off and the color was atypical. I may get this one again.
★ 1,052 characters
3.92/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A: rust body, finger white head,
ok lacing
S: herbal/floral nose, toasted grain
almost a British IPA scent
T: herbal/floral front, toasted grain/bready
middle, solid pine/earthy bitter finish
M: med body, mild slick/oily mouth
O: Nice beer, would like to try more
of their offerings. Would recommend.
NICE, WORTH TRYING!
★ 326 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A: rust body, finger white head,
ok lacing
S: herbal/floral nose, toasted grain
almost a British IPA scent
T: herbal/floral front, toasted grain/bready
middle, solid pine/earthy bitter finish
M: med body, mild slick/oily mouth
O: Nice beer, would like to try more
of their offerings. Would recommend.
NICE, WORTH TRYING!
★ 326 characters
4.08/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Poured into a pint, no freshness date.
A: Very cloudy, hazy dark orange amber color. Finger of off white, creamy head which retains to the bottom and leaves webby lace. Darker color than I expected.
S: Grapefruit, sweet bready/toasty malt, a slight earthy/piney herbal quality as well.
T: Grapefruit and subtle pine, caramel and bready malt sweetness, the malts are a bit stronger than the hops here, but its very well balanced and easily drinkable.
M: Medium bodied, smooth carbonation, nice creamy feel. Very enjoyable. Drinks like 4 or 5%
O: Very good, locally brewed IPA, nicely done. If you can find, its worth a try. Definitely recommended.
★ 651 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Poured into a pint, no freshness date.
A: Very cloudy, hazy dark orange amber color. Finger of off white, creamy head which retains to the bottom and leaves webby lace. Darker color than I expected.
S: Grapefruit, sweet bready/toasty malt, a slight earthy/piney herbal quality as well.
T: Grapefruit and subtle pine, caramel and bready malt sweetness, the malts are a bit stronger than the hops here, but its very well balanced and easily drinkable.
M: Medium bodied, smooth carbonation, nice creamy feel. Very enjoyable. Drinks like 4 or 5%
O: Very good, locally brewed IPA, nicely done. If you can find, its worth a try. Definitely recommended.
★ 651 characters
4/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Murky dark orange color, with a creamy off white head.
S:Hops and citrus, pretty standard.
T: A good amount of hops, and a little but of citrus, sticky hop feeling in the back of the mouth.
M: Sticky with right amount of carbonation.
O: A good local new england regional, it has one of the more unique colors to it, balanced taste and very drinkable. I would recommend you try it out.
RXII
★ 402 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Murky dark orange color, with a creamy off white head.
S:Hops and citrus, pretty standard.
T: A good amount of hops, and a little but of citrus, sticky hop feeling in the back of the mouth.
M: Sticky with right amount of carbonation.
O: A good local new england regional, it has one of the more unique colors to it, balanced taste and very drinkable. I would recommend you try it out.
RXII
★ 402 characters
3.05/5 rDev -21%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
12oz single, undated. Bought at a bottle shop in Adams, Mass.
Completely opaque orange-amber. Fluffy head and some lacing.
Smells nutty, earthy and citric.
Flavor has oily floral and earthy hop flavors, some orange-flavored citrus. Some sturdy bread and nutty malt as well. A bit sweet, with an off-putting note I can't put my finger on that reminds me of a homebrew.
Medium mouthfeel. Lightly creamy, adequately carbonated.
Wasn't too impressed with this beer. Reminded me more of a pale ale. I'd like to try it fresh, but it wasn't a lack of hop flavor that I found most dissapointing about this beer.
★ 608 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
12oz single, undated. Bought at a bottle shop in Adams, Mass.
Completely opaque orange-amber. Fluffy head and some lacing.
Smells nutty, earthy and citric.
Flavor has oily floral and earthy hop flavors, some orange-flavored citrus. Some sturdy bread and nutty malt as well. A bit sweet, with an off-putting note I can't put my finger on that reminds me of a homebrew.
Medium mouthfeel. Lightly creamy, adequately carbonated.
Wasn't too impressed with this beer. Reminded me more of a pale ale. I'd like to try it fresh, but it wasn't a lack of hop flavor that I found most dissapointing about this beer.
★ 608 characters
1.85/5 rDev -52.1%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 1 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5
Hazy, sediment laced burnt orange color. Nose is grapefruit and pine. Nice mouthfeel but so bitter on the back of my tounge that I couldn't finish the bottle (didn't want to). Another reviewer described this taste as "charred vinyl". Now I've never tasted burnt 33 LP's but I'm imagining this is what they taste like. Did I just get a bad batch? I don't get it.
★ 361 characters
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 1 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5
Hazy, sediment laced burnt orange color. Nose is grapefruit and pine. Nice mouthfeel but so bitter on the back of my tounge that I couldn't finish the bottle (didn't want to). Another reviewer described this taste as "charred vinyl". Now I've never tasted burnt 33 LP's but I'm imagining this is what they taste like. Did I just get a bad batch? I don't get it.
★ 361 characters
3.45/5 rDev -10.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a cloudy orange color with a hint of red. Forms a bit of a white head which dissipates fairly fast, leaving some lacing.
The hops really stand out here, it's a bit grassy and floral. It does remind me a bit of being outside on a spring day.
Starts out a bit malty, with a bit of caramel and toffee notes. The hops then kick in, giving it a bit of an earthy taste. There is a bit of a floral character, and finishes with a touch of bitterness.
Maybe a touch more thin than I expected, but still decent.
First off, I am not a fan of IPAs at all, probably my least favorite beer style. That being said, this was probably the best IPA I have had. The hops are very much present, but don't overwhelm. The malt balances it nicely, making it much more drinkable than I expected. Glad I got to try this, it may make me rethink what an IPA can be.
★ 848 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a cloudy orange color with a hint of red. Forms a bit of a white head which dissipates fairly fast, leaving some lacing.
The hops really stand out here, it's a bit grassy and floral. It does remind me a bit of being outside on a spring day.
Starts out a bit malty, with a bit of caramel and toffee notes. The hops then kick in, giving it a bit of an earthy taste. There is a bit of a floral character, and finishes with a touch of bitterness.
Maybe a touch more thin than I expected, but still decent.
First off, I am not a fan of IPAs at all, probably my least favorite beer style. That being said, this was probably the best IPA I have had. The hops are very much present, but don't overwhelm. The malt balances it nicely, making it much more drinkable than I expected. Glad I got to try this, it may make me rethink what an IPA can be.
★ 848 characters
2.8/5 rDev -27.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Served in a Walter Payton shaker pint glass.
Somewhat reluctantly trying another of these Ipswich brews. This one pours a clear sunset bronze topped by a finger of dirty cream-white foam. The nose comprises grapefruit peel, orange zest, buttery caramel, and deep-forest pine (you know the pine...). The taste brings in more of the same, but, yet again, there's that added swipe of charred vinyl near and through the finish. It does not mesh well with the lightly spicy hops, lemme tell ya. I was thinking that bit was a result of "unique" malt-roasting techniques, but now I'm starting to think it's either the yeast or the bottles. I just dunno here... The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a sorta dry finish. Overall, this would be an okay, solid IPA were it not for that damn Ipswich vinyl character. Am I the only one tasting this in these beers?
★ 880 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Served in a Walter Payton shaker pint glass.
Somewhat reluctantly trying another of these Ipswich brews. This one pours a clear sunset bronze topped by a finger of dirty cream-white foam. The nose comprises grapefruit peel, orange zest, buttery caramel, and deep-forest pine (you know the pine...). The taste brings in more of the same, but, yet again, there's that added swipe of charred vinyl near and through the finish. It does not mesh well with the lightly spicy hops, lemme tell ya. I was thinking that bit was a result of "unique" malt-roasting techniques, but now I'm starting to think it's either the yeast or the bottles. I just dunno here... The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a sorta dry finish. Overall, this would be an okay, solid IPA were it not for that damn Ipswich vinyl character. Am I the only one tasting this in these beers?
★ 880 characters
3.55/5 rDev -8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle into a SA sensory glass. Thanks to Eric for gifting me with this. This brew pours a burnt copper color with 2 fingers worth of yellowish tan froth. The cap slowly recedes leaving finger-like patterns of lace all over the glass. A light swirl revives a finger's worth of yellowish fluff.
The aroma of this brew has citrus and fruity hops mixed with a fruited alcohol quality and caramel malt sweetness about the nose. There is a spicy alcohol kick across the back which exaggerates the herbal quality of the hops. Some sulfur notes are evident as the brew warms up.
The taste is hoppy with a modest herbal bitterness. Under the bitterness is a caramel malt presence that hardly provides any contrasting sweetness. The grain aspect also carries with it a lightly musty aspect. The hops get a bit grassy as the brew warms up and a light young yeastiness evolves mid-palate.
The alcohol is fairly spicy and warming for 6.5%. It is medium bodied and modestly carbonated. Overall not a bad offering. Thanks for sharing Eric.
★ 1,034 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle into a SA sensory glass. Thanks to Eric for gifting me with this. This brew pours a burnt copper color with 2 fingers worth of yellowish tan froth. The cap slowly recedes leaving finger-like patterns of lace all over the glass. A light swirl revives a finger's worth of yellowish fluff.
The aroma of this brew has citrus and fruity hops mixed with a fruited alcohol quality and caramel malt sweetness about the nose. There is a spicy alcohol kick across the back which exaggerates the herbal quality of the hops. Some sulfur notes are evident as the brew warms up.
The taste is hoppy with a modest herbal bitterness. Under the bitterness is a caramel malt presence that hardly provides any contrasting sweetness. The grain aspect also carries with it a lightly musty aspect. The hops get a bit grassy as the brew warms up and a light young yeastiness evolves mid-palate.
The alcohol is fairly spicy and warming for 6.5%. It is medium bodied and modestly carbonated. Overall not a bad offering. Thanks for sharing Eric.
★ 1,034 characters
4/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
In honor of IPA Day, I'm reviewing a new to me beer. A chilled bottle is poured into a pint glass. A big foam tan head rests atop of a clear light brown liquid. The serving temperature has caused my glass to fog up, but wiping away the condensation reveals some spare rising carbonation. The settling head leaves behind some good lacing.
The beer has a good hop aroma. It's not too strong, but it is unmistakeably bitter. The hops are crisp and forest-like.
The beer has a tasty, solid flavor that is both true to style and very enjoyable. Floral hops mask a slight crystal sugar sweetness. The malts evolve into more of a brown sugar flavor, as the hops become more bitter, slightly oily, and piney. A bitter resin and a touch of alcohol linger on after swallowing.
Medium body and medium carbonation give the body a standard feel. The lack of stickiness and a coat that retains the bitterness well pushes the mouthfeel into the above average category.
I like this IPA a lot. I've had limited experience with Mercury and the Ipswich line, but this beer impressed me. I would certainly drink more of it—I'll go as far to say that I will purchase a 6 pack next time I'm in Massachusetts. If you are able to, you should give this beer a try.
★ 1,245 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
In honor of IPA Day, I'm reviewing a new to me beer. A chilled bottle is poured into a pint glass. A big foam tan head rests atop of a clear light brown liquid. The serving temperature has caused my glass to fog up, but wiping away the condensation reveals some spare rising carbonation. The settling head leaves behind some good lacing.
The beer has a good hop aroma. It's not too strong, but it is unmistakeably bitter. The hops are crisp and forest-like.
The beer has a tasty, solid flavor that is both true to style and very enjoyable. Floral hops mask a slight crystal sugar sweetness. The malts evolve into more of a brown sugar flavor, as the hops become more bitter, slightly oily, and piney. A bitter resin and a touch of alcohol linger on after swallowing.
Medium body and medium carbonation give the body a standard feel. The lack of stickiness and a coat that retains the bitterness well pushes the mouthfeel into the above average category.
I like this IPA a lot. I've had limited experience with Mercury and the Ipswich line, but this beer impressed me. I would certainly drink more of it—I'll go as far to say that I will purchase a 6 pack next time I'm in Massachusetts. If you are able to, you should give this beer a try.
★ 1,245 characters
3.81/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Appearance: A much darker A IPA than I'm used to, with a very slightly cloudy color that is what comes to mind when I think 'dark amber' Pours with a fluffy dirty-white two finger head. Thick clouds of lacing are left down the glass.
Smell: Little malt character. Mostly grapefruit and astringency, and slightly grassy.
Taste: A bitter hop punch in the face up front, that soon mellows out. Unlike some IPAs I've had, it doesn't leave sticky malt sweetness on the lips, which can be slightly sickening sometimes. I had always thought that was a characteristic of the style. Aftertaste is bitter as well, though slightly peppery.
Feel: Very smooth and thick. Seems to feel similarly to some stouts I've had.
Overall: This is a good beer for New England hop heads. Not quite enough malt character for me, but overall a good example of the style.
★ 847 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Appearance: A much darker A IPA than I'm used to, with a very slightly cloudy color that is what comes to mind when I think 'dark amber' Pours with a fluffy dirty-white two finger head. Thick clouds of lacing are left down the glass.
Smell: Little malt character. Mostly grapefruit and astringency, and slightly grassy.
Taste: A bitter hop punch in the face up front, that soon mellows out. Unlike some IPAs I've had, it doesn't leave sticky malt sweetness on the lips, which can be slightly sickening sometimes. I had always thought that was a characteristic of the style. Aftertaste is bitter as well, though slightly peppery.
Feel: Very smooth and thick. Seems to feel similarly to some stouts I've had.
Overall: This is a good beer for New England hop heads. Not quite enough malt character for me, but overall a good example of the style.
★ 847 characters
4.83/5 rDev +25.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
This is not a beer your girlfriend will like. But if she does, marry her!
A couple times a year, I head to an island in New England, and have to choose which beer to bring. Invariably, it comes down to Ipswich IPA versus Smuttynose IPA, "Finestkind." These are readily available in 12-packs, at reasonable prices.
If anyone has another suggestion, let me know!
★ 362 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
This is not a beer your girlfriend will like. But if she does, marry her!
A couple times a year, I head to an island in New England, and have to choose which beer to bring. Invariably, it comes down to Ipswich IPA versus Smuttynose IPA, "Finestkind." These are readily available in 12-packs, at reasonable prices.
If anyone has another suggestion, let me know!
★ 362 characters
4.5/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A: pours a light amber color with a strong inch of head and lots of lace
S: dry hoppiness, very piney and a slight malt sweetness
T: Strong dry bitter and slightly sweet with a lingering hop finish
M: medium body and carbonation
O: A great take on the IPA, a must have
★ 272 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A: pours a light amber color with a strong inch of head and lots of lace
S: dry hoppiness, very piney and a slight malt sweetness
T: Strong dry bitter and slightly sweet with a lingering hop finish
M: medium body and carbonation
O: A great take on the IPA, a must have
★ 272 characters
4/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz brown bottle with no freshness date.
Decent sizable head, clarity is thrown out due the sediment being loose ... I tried, still two fingers of beer left in the bottle that I will most certainly drink. Hazed rusty amber color. Pungent orangey herbal hop nose, rustic with yeast and toasted grain that follows. Just as smooth as it is crisp, bity mouth feel ... you know this beer is in the raw. Hop bitterness blankets the palate and the toasted maltiness rises just below it. Quick suggestion of alcohol through warmth and a light hit of estery fruitiness. Nutty yeast in the semi-dry bitter finish.
Still one of the favorites when I can find it fresh.
★ 659 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz brown bottle with no freshness date.
Decent sizable head, clarity is thrown out due the sediment being loose ... I tried, still two fingers of beer left in the bottle that I will most certainly drink. Hazed rusty amber color. Pungent orangey herbal hop nose, rustic with yeast and toasted grain that follows. Just as smooth as it is crisp, bity mouth feel ... you know this beer is in the raw. Hop bitterness blankets the palate and the toasted maltiness rises just below it. Quick suggestion of alcohol through warmth and a light hit of estery fruitiness. Nutty yeast in the semi-dry bitter finish.
Still one of the favorites when I can find it fresh.
★ 659 characters
2.36/5 rDev -38.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
pours hazy dark copper orange with an off white head that had good retention and faded to a small film that left lacing down the glass
smells of spicy grassy earthy hops and a little caramel malt
taste has quite a bit of grapefruit mixed in with the earthy spicy hops - i do not pick up on any malts
mouthfeel - medium body low carbonation - rather boring
overall - this beer might have been reasonably priced but the flavor is not there and i will not be buying this again
★ 478 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
pours hazy dark copper orange with an off white head that had good retention and faded to a small film that left lacing down the glass
smells of spicy grassy earthy hops and a little caramel malt
taste has quite a bit of grapefruit mixed in with the earthy spicy hops - i do not pick up on any malts
mouthfeel - medium body low carbonation - rather boring
overall - this beer might have been reasonably priced but the flavor is not there and i will not be buying this again
★ 478 characters
3.68/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks Hockeybeard Ben™ for this one!
Dark copper orange body, a fingers width of foam on top with a pocked surface after the larger bubbles dissipate. Spotty frothy lacing, the foam fades to a broken skim after a few minutes.
Green and grassy herbal hop aroma, some pine resin. Mild and seemingly crafted in the British-style, malty with some signature east coast dry bitterness in the finish. Caramel and toasted breadiness. Lingering leafy green pine resin bitterness. It could use a little citrus for added complexity. Full bodied, balanced, easy drinking. Worth a try, easy to have a couple at a time if so inclined.
★ 625 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks Hockeybeard Ben™ for this one!
Dark copper orange body, a fingers width of foam on top with a pocked surface after the larger bubbles dissipate. Spotty frothy lacing, the foam fades to a broken skim after a few minutes.
Green and grassy herbal hop aroma, some pine resin. Mild and seemingly crafted in the British-style, malty with some signature east coast dry bitterness in the finish. Caramel and toasted breadiness. Lingering leafy green pine resin bitterness. It could use a little citrus for added complexity. Full bodied, balanced, easy drinking. Worth a try, easy to have a couple at a time if so inclined.
★ 625 characters
4.13/5 rDev +7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 12oz bottle into a nonic.
This one pours a hazy deep amber with a huge head that retains excellently. Lacing is full and chunky. Aroma is floral hops and a bit of citrus over caramel malts. Taste comes on with the floral hops taking the spotlight at first, then some citrus comes in to fade over the finishing caramel malts. The mouthfeel is nice, it's fairly light and has a good level of carbonation. The drinkability is very good. Overall, I really enjoyed this IPA. A great, drinkable brew that showcases some nice floral hops.
★ 546 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 12oz bottle into a nonic.
This one pours a hazy deep amber with a huge head that retains excellently. Lacing is full and chunky. Aroma is floral hops and a bit of citrus over caramel malts. Taste comes on with the floral hops taking the spotlight at first, then some citrus comes in to fade over the finishing caramel malts. The mouthfeel is nice, it's fairly light and has a good level of carbonation. The drinkability is very good. Overall, I really enjoyed this IPA. A great, drinkable brew that showcases some nice floral hops.
★ 546 characters
4.33/5 rDev +12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a tulip glass.
A - Different from a lot of IPAs I've seen. Bronze and very hazy and unfiltered. A toasted-marshmallow colored head of about two fingers that dissipates to one and leaves a great lacing. I love the way this beer looks.
S - Hops and flowers with a sweet malt smell.
T - Hops in the front and middle, a nice medium bitterness with good flowery taste. Sweet too, like cookies. Grapefruit presence.
M - Not too much carbonation, but it is crisp in the mouth. Leaves a strong aftertaste that sticks with you. Very nice.
D - I like this beer a lot. The look of it is so different from the other IPAs that Im used to, which are usually filtered and much lighter in color. Probably my favorite example of the style with a great malt-hop balance.
Cheers!
★ 798 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a tulip glass.
A - Different from a lot of IPAs I've seen. Bronze and very hazy and unfiltered. A toasted-marshmallow colored head of about two fingers that dissipates to one and leaves a great lacing. I love the way this beer looks.
S - Hops and flowers with a sweet malt smell.
T - Hops in the front and middle, a nice medium bitterness with good flowery taste. Sweet too, like cookies. Grapefruit presence.
M - Not too much carbonation, but it is crisp in the mouth. Leaves a strong aftertaste that sticks with you. Very nice.
D - I like this beer a lot. The look of it is so different from the other IPAs that Im used to, which are usually filtered and much lighter in color. Probably my favorite example of the style with a great malt-hop balance.
Cheers!
★ 798 characters
3.62/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle poured into a pint glass
Appearance- a hazy, copper color thats very nice to look at with a very thick head that leaves beautiful lacework.
Smell- Apart from the immediate floral hoppiness that hits you right off the bat (it is an IPA for God's sake) there is something distinctly sweet behind it. A very nice aroma.
Taste- Very Nice. Maltier than the smell would leave you to believe. I didnt really get that bready smell, but the toasted breadiness is there in the taste, also just a hint of fruitiness in the middle makes this a well-balanced IPA.
Overall- Super Easy to drink. The maltiness brings that lovely balance to this IPA. I read that it came in around 60 IBUs.
★ 689 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle poured into a pint glass
Appearance- a hazy, copper color thats very nice to look at with a very thick head that leaves beautiful lacework.
Smell- Apart from the immediate floral hoppiness that hits you right off the bat (it is an IPA for God's sake) there is something distinctly sweet behind it. A very nice aroma.
Taste- Very Nice. Maltier than the smell would leave you to believe. I didnt really get that bready smell, but the toasted breadiness is there in the taste, also just a hint of fruitiness in the middle makes this a well-balanced IPA.
Overall- Super Easy to drink. The maltiness brings that lovely balance to this IPA. I read that it came in around 60 IBUs.
★ 689 characters
3.4/5 rDev -11.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Served in a half pint glass.
Hazy golden orange body with no lacing but tons of fizzy carbonation. A lot of floaties noticeable near the bottom of the glass which turns me off.
The smell could be better. Earthy hops with a little spice and fruit. I'm actually getting more yeast esters than hops.
Palate is stone fruits like apricot and pear with some orange pith and red grapefruit rind bitterness. Malt character muddle with the hops. Unfortunately, it isn't too appealing. At first taste, there is a nice bitterness, but after awhile it becomes a chore to drink since that bitterness harshly lingers.
As is, there's nothing complex or outstanding about this IPA. It has weak aromatic character, the taste need more complexity and it's not that attractive. Though with some recipe tweaking, this could be a solid East Coast IPA.
★ 835 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Served in a half pint glass.
Hazy golden orange body with no lacing but tons of fizzy carbonation. A lot of floaties noticeable near the bottom of the glass which turns me off.
The smell could be better. Earthy hops with a little spice and fruit. I'm actually getting more yeast esters than hops.
Palate is stone fruits like apricot and pear with some orange pith and red grapefruit rind bitterness. Malt character muddle with the hops. Unfortunately, it isn't too appealing. At first taste, there is a nice bitterness, but after awhile it becomes a chore to drink since that bitterness harshly lingers.
As is, there's nothing complex or outstanding about this IPA. It has weak aromatic character, the taste need more complexity and it's not that attractive. Though with some recipe tweaking, this could be a solid East Coast IPA.
★ 835 characters
4.08/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A- sitting light red amberish in my glass with lots o carbonation bubbling up from the bottom. Head is minimal ans not much lacing.
S- sweetness upfont thats a combination of citrus and malt. lighter pine notes pick up the tail end.
T- Nice bitterness upfront that gets me to pucker up a little bit. obvious piney and citrus notes with some malt to round it out toward the middle. It finishes smooth with a bitterness that stays on your tongue.
M- nicely carbonated and feels crisp. Goes down nicely.
O- This was a nice surprise. One from my dads mix packs, but he doesnt like IPA's so a win for me. I'm a fan of the more unbalanced IPA's and this is one.
★ 662 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A- sitting light red amberish in my glass with lots o carbonation bubbling up from the bottom. Head is minimal ans not much lacing.
S- sweetness upfont thats a combination of citrus and malt. lighter pine notes pick up the tail end.
T- Nice bitterness upfront that gets me to pucker up a little bit. obvious piney and citrus notes with some malt to round it out toward the middle. It finishes smooth with a bitterness that stays on your tongue.
M- nicely carbonated and feels crisp. Goes down nicely.
O- This was a nice surprise. One from my dads mix packs, but he doesnt like IPA's so a win for me. I'm a fan of the more unbalanced IPA's and this is one.
★ 662 characters
4.07/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours hazy orange amber with 2 finger head cream colored head
Malts/hops blend in the smell. Theres a crisp fruity smell to it. Apples, peach, orange combination i guess.
BItter citrus/ pine American hops up front. Speaks American IPA to me. The orange lingers more than the pine.
Light to medium mouthfeel. More watery than carbonated.
Overall good example of American IPA. And always give credit to the Mass brewers. Definitely would include in my MA 6 pack.
★ 466 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours hazy orange amber with 2 finger head cream colored head
Malts/hops blend in the smell. Theres a crisp fruity smell to it. Apples, peach, orange combination i guess.
BItter citrus/ pine American hops up front. Speaks American IPA to me. The orange lingers more than the pine.
Light to medium mouthfeel. More watery than carbonated.
Overall good example of American IPA. And always give credit to the Mass brewers. Definitely would include in my MA 6 pack.
★ 466 characters
Ipswich India Pale Ale (I.P.A.) from Ipswich Ale Brewery
3.86
out of 5
based on 483 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Appearance: Slightly hazy copper color with one finger of white head that fades slowly with a curtain of lace.
Aroma: A mix of floral and citrus hop notes over a somewhat pronounced toasted malt aroma with a hint of yeast and some dishrag.
Taste: A lot of toasted malt flavor right off the bat, with the body on the heavy side of medium. Oily hop flavor starts to build in the middle and overtakes the malt base, leading to a pretty harsh bitter back end that thins out quite a bit.
The Rest: Not the best IPA I've had. It's lacking a bit in the aroma department - just a general hop aroma without any real pronounced characteristics - and then a pretty harsh finish. It's like the bitterness of dry hopping without any of the associated flavor. It looks like I'm in the minority on this one, but this beer reminds me of something you get at a mediocre brewpub.
★ 864 characters