Hoponius Union
Jack's Abby Brewing


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- From:
- Jack's Abby Brewing
- Massachusetts, United States
- Style:
- India Pale Lager (IPL)
Ranked #2 - ABV:
- 6.5%
- Score:
- 94
Ranked #2,093 - Avg:
- 4.24 | pDev: 8.49%
- Reviews:
- 441
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Yesterday at 03:21 AM
- Added:
- Aug 07, 2011
- Wants:
- 413
- Gots:
- 645
SCORE
94
Outstanding
94
Outstanding


Notes:
This lager harmoniously combines lager yeast fermentation and west coast IPA hops. Our India style Pale Lager is like a traditional IPA but with a twist - it’s fermented cold and aged for extended periods. A blend of classic American hops creates a huge tropical fruit and citrusy hop aroma. A dry finish accentuates the pleasant bitterness and hop profile. Hoponius Union uses locally grown dehulled spelt from MA.
65 IBU
65 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by milkshakebeersucks from Maryland
4.17/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.17/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Clear, burnished gold appearance with a large off white head and good lacing. Neutral malt backdrop of the aroma allows the hops to be the center of attention. Citrus is there along with some herbal and floral attributes. Dank taste still strongly centered on the hop profile. Tropical fruit is a late comer. Mellow aftertaste that lingers. Dry, decently carbonated, medium-to-full bodied mouthfeel.
Tuesday at 11:53 PMReviewed by jgido759 from New Jersey
3.79/5 rDev -10.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
3.79/5 rDev -10.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured into a Sam Adams perfect pint glass. Nice golden, yellow color with a 2 finger off-white head. Aroma is that of an IPA with a strong citrus and tropical fruit nose. Taste follows the aroma, with a faint bready mix with the hops. Slight carbonated finish. Overall, a good drinking beer but it is too much like an IPA. But, that would not prevent me from drinking this again.
Jun 23, 2022Reviewed by HarlotBronte from District of Columbia
4.06/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.06/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Canned 5/2/2022
L: Pours a transparent deep golden with a 2 finger white head. Head has good retention.
S: Grapefruit and tropical fruits. Smells like an IPA.
T: Taste follows the nose but with added bready pilsner-like characteristics on the back end.
F: Medium bodied with a dry finish
O: This is my first IPL so I don’t have any to compare to. It’s good and definitely leans more IPA than lager.
Jun 16, 2022L: Pours a transparent deep golden with a 2 finger white head. Head has good retention.
S: Grapefruit and tropical fruits. Smells like an IPA.
T: Taste follows the nose but with added bready pilsner-like characteristics on the back end.
F: Medium bodied with a dry finish
O: This is my first IPL so I don’t have any to compare to. It’s good and definitely leans more IPA than lager.
Rated by iguanodon from Utah
3.84/5 rDev -9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.84/5 rDev -9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pounder can. Pours clear gold/copper with a tall white head. Aroma: grainy malt, pilsner hops. Taste: grainy malt, biscuit, lemon.
Jun 04, 2022Reviewed by JayQue from Virginia
4.03/5 rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.03/5 rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
I like this style. Light and crisp lager with a good hops bite!!! Poured from a16 oz can into a pint glass, this beer features an almost fully clear gold/light copper color with a big frothy head. Head retention is good with bands of frothy lacing on the glass. Aroma and taste are fairly hoppy with both citrus and piney notes. The taste is fairly robust and there is a good level of bitterness. Mouthfeel is the best part!!! A light and crisp lager with good hoppy bitterness!!! Good beer, very enjoyable.
May 15, 2022Rated by NCSapiens from Indiana
4.1/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.1/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nice hoppy lemony lager.
May 05, 2022Reviewed by teromous from Virginia
3.5/5 rDev -17.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.5/5 rDev -17.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
There doesn't appear to be a date on the can at all.
Appearance: The body is slightly hazy and a medium shade of gold. It has an oversized head that is frothy and cream colored with just a light hint of yellowing. It has very good retention and some blotches of large camouflage pattern lacing.
Aroma: It has a strong catty aroma with notes of garlic and onion. There is some alcohol on the nose as well. Some grapefruit aroma comes through too.
Taste: Up front there is a sugary peach flavor that tastes sweet. Towards the middle of the palate there is more of that sugary peach flavor but a somewhat stronger grapefruit flavor comes into play. A light hay grass flavor on the middle of the palate gives it a touch of sweetness and also a bit of a grassy note. Towards the back of the palate there is a bit of pith and old ice flavor. The aftertaste is a lingering grassy note.
Mouthfeel: It is very smooth. It has a light body and a wet finish with a slight slickness. There is a mild hop bitterness to the beer. It is very drinkable.
Overall: The can states to "Cut through the haze with this crisp, clear India Pale Lager - harmoniously hopped with Citra & Centennial." It definitely doesn't appear clear, and it feels more slick and wet than crisp. The beer seems to be missing the brewer's intent. The sweet, sugary, peach flavors were nice but it also tastes pretty grassy. I would still buy it again from time to time and it's worth picking up because it does have some nice flavors, but it isn't something I would pick up often.
Apr 16, 2022Appearance: The body is slightly hazy and a medium shade of gold. It has an oversized head that is frothy and cream colored with just a light hint of yellowing. It has very good retention and some blotches of large camouflage pattern lacing.
Aroma: It has a strong catty aroma with notes of garlic and onion. There is some alcohol on the nose as well. Some grapefruit aroma comes through too.
Taste: Up front there is a sugary peach flavor that tastes sweet. Towards the middle of the palate there is more of that sugary peach flavor but a somewhat stronger grapefruit flavor comes into play. A light hay grass flavor on the middle of the palate gives it a touch of sweetness and also a bit of a grassy note. Towards the back of the palate there is a bit of pith and old ice flavor. The aftertaste is a lingering grassy note.
Mouthfeel: It is very smooth. It has a light body and a wet finish with a slight slickness. There is a mild hop bitterness to the beer. It is very drinkable.
Overall: The can states to "Cut through the haze with this crisp, clear India Pale Lager - harmoniously hopped with Citra & Centennial." It definitely doesn't appear clear, and it feels more slick and wet than crisp. The beer seems to be missing the brewer's intent. The sweet, sugary, peach flavors were nice but it also tastes pretty grassy. I would still buy it again from time to time and it's worth picking up because it does have some nice flavors, but it isn't something I would pick up often.
Rated by mvogt from Massachusetts
4.28/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
4.28/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Lovely tall head and clear golden body. Hints at NEIPA with creamy overtones but comes in with bracing bitterness.
Apr 04, 2022Reviewed by Chickenhawk9932 from Pennsylvania
4.16/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.16/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a rich golden amber with a full bubbly off white head.
In the nose is floral, citrus, pine, and malt.
Taste follows nose delicious crisp clear and refreshing. Finishes with a dry pine nut note.
Apr 03, 2022In the nose is floral, citrus, pine, and malt.
Taste follows nose delicious crisp clear and refreshing. Finishes with a dry pine nut note.
Reviewed by Pivopijak from Washington
4.15/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.15/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
draught
Light amber appearance. Sweet herbal spiced aroma, with some medium toasted malt. Good, upfront hops with them being the floral type, with a bit of lemon peel, to the taste.
Nov 12, 2021Light amber appearance. Sweet herbal spiced aroma, with some medium toasted malt. Good, upfront hops with them being the floral type, with a bit of lemon peel, to the taste.
Reviewed by HardWied
4.1/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
4.1/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Like this one a lot. It reminds me of a really good west coast IPA like Stone but with like minus 25% of the hoppy syrupy pine factor. You can tell it's a lager and the malt comes through a bit more but its pleasant. The malt cuts it a bit but in nice proportion. A big IPA has that 5th gear of hoppiness but this doesn't quite get there, which I think actually makes it a bit more drinkable. IPL is a unique style I wish there were more out there. Lots of IPAs claim to be sessionable but this beer is what those aspire to be. Now some BA with 10,000 reviews come and cut me to pieces. You are supposed to write this when a little buzzed right?
Oct 16, 2021Reviewed by hman43 from North Carolina
4.06/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.06/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Look: It pours golden and clear with a white head. Head retention is very good.
Smell: There are aromas of grapefruit, citrus, orange, and tropical fruits. There is a bit of papaya and pineapple.
Taste: The flavors are more tropical fruit forward with papaya and pineapple. There are low grapefruit notes with orange. There are some floral elements as well.
Feel: It has a medium body with a strong bitterness that lacks the sharp bit that many others have.
Overall, a complex blend of hops that carries in both the aroma and flavor and strong, pleasant bitterness.
Jun 05, 2021Smell: There are aromas of grapefruit, citrus, orange, and tropical fruits. There is a bit of papaya and pineapple.
Taste: The flavors are more tropical fruit forward with papaya and pineapple. There are low grapefruit notes with orange. There are some floral elements as well.
Feel: It has a medium body with a strong bitterness that lacks the sharp bit that many others have.
Overall, a complex blend of hops that carries in both the aroma and flavor and strong, pleasant bitterness.
Reviewed by harrypowers from Massachusetts
4.19/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.19/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a lightly hazy golden color with a foamy head that dissipates to lacing.
Smells of piney hops. Tastes of sweet malt and citrus with a mildly bitter hop finish.
Medium light body with light carbonation. Clean, crisp, dry mouthfeel.
Very drinkable. A nice alternative to the IPA ales I often have.
Jun 02, 2021Smells of piney hops. Tastes of sweet malt and citrus with a mildly bitter hop finish.
Medium light body with light carbonation. Clean, crisp, dry mouthfeel.
Very drinkable. A nice alternative to the IPA ales I often have.
Reviewed by Reef from South Carolina
4.34/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.34/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Craft&Draft
Golden clarity, one finger fine white head, full lacing curtains and cap.
Pine, light orange, light bread aromas
Citrus bops and cracker malt and yeast. Sweetish aftertaste. Delicious combination.
Light Smooth feel, dry finish. Inviting and enjoyable. Hope Jacks Abby is in our area to stay.
Apr 08, 2021Golden clarity, one finger fine white head, full lacing curtains and cap.
Pine, light orange, light bread aromas
Citrus bops and cracker malt and yeast. Sweetish aftertaste. Delicious combination.
Light Smooth feel, dry finish. Inviting and enjoyable. Hope Jacks Abby is in our area to stay.
Reviewed by mercurialhog18 from Massachusetts
3.93/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.93/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
It's easy to guess what the beer would smell or taste like from the name of the beer. Clean pour with a nice head.
Smells and tastes very hoppy which gives it a slight IPA like taste on the spectrum.
Jan 12, 2021Smells and tastes very hoppy which gives it a slight IPA like taste on the spectrum.
Reviewed by Jeez from Massachusetts
4.24/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.24/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I had a few of these from a variety pack from Jack's Abby. This was the last one I tried and it's my favorite of the pack. It pours a clear gold with a medium head. The smell is of inviting citrusy hops and bready malt. The taste follows the nose: something you can't always expect from an IPX. Citrus dominates the taste with a moderately bitter aftertaste. Crisp and smooth, but that it what you should expect from a lager from Jack's.
Jan 02, 2021Reviewed by DavetotheB from Pennsylvania
4.13/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.13/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
From a 16oz can dated 11/3/20 into what I would classify as a weizen glass.
Pours an almost translucent brownish golden color with about three fingers of fluffy white head. Excellent retention and lacing. A lot of tiny carbonation bubbles rising to the top.
Smell is a little muted but definitely picking up some pineapple, pine, saltine cracker and orange.
Taste is a decent balance between lager and pale ale. Bitter hops but also a bready character. Also a distinct sweet malt taste shining through.
Full-bodied, sticky mouthfeel. Bitter after taste. Low to medium carbonation.
Overall, this is a great beer and probably a top in this style. Wish it was more available locally.
Dec 31, 2020Pours an almost translucent brownish golden color with about three fingers of fluffy white head. Excellent retention and lacing. A lot of tiny carbonation bubbles rising to the top.
Smell is a little muted but definitely picking up some pineapple, pine, saltine cracker and orange.
Taste is a decent balance between lager and pale ale. Bitter hops but also a bready character. Also a distinct sweet malt taste shining through.
Full-bodied, sticky mouthfeel. Bitter after taste. Low to medium carbonation.
Overall, this is a great beer and probably a top in this style. Wish it was more available locally.
Reviewed by Siriusfisherman from Vermont
4.24/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.24/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
L: Clear Golden with a modest white head and some big bubbled lacing.
S: Pungent citrus zest, grapefruit, pine, and mango. A touch of bready malt and an ultra clean fermentation profile.
T: Big zesty citrus flavors, mango, and pine. Firm bitterness and a light, bready malt sweetness on a clean finish.
F: Very dry, clean and crisp.
Overall: A truly delicious hoppy lager, definitely among the best I have had.
Nov 30, 2020S: Pungent citrus zest, grapefruit, pine, and mango. A touch of bready malt and an ultra clean fermentation profile.
T: Big zesty citrus flavors, mango, and pine. Firm bitterness and a light, bready malt sweetness on a clean finish.
F: Very dry, clean and crisp.
Overall: A truly delicious hoppy lager, definitely among the best I have had.
Rated by RRB328 from Massachusetts
4.06/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.06/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Enjoyed with Chris, 11/25/20
Nov 26, 2020Reviewed by FrMatthewLC from Canada (NS)
4.03/5 rDev -5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.03/5 rDev -5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Clear straw color with medium head. Strong hop smell & flavor with a clean finish. Goes down smooth. The hop flavor is strong but a good mix of varieties & not overwhelming.
Nov 09, 2020Rated by hoppy4me from Massachusetts
3.45/5 rDev -18.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
3.45/5 rDev -18.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Nice light smell at first. Then dissipates. Too malty for me. Not enough citrus or hoppy juiciness.
Oct 17, 2020
Hoponius Union from Jack's Abby Brewing
Beer rating:
94 out of
100 with
2885 ratings
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