Broad Reach Nor'Easter IPA
Stonehooker Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

473 mL can from the LCBO; can't read the date stamp. Served barely chilled.

Pours turbid and pale golden-yellow in colour, with more than an inch of puffy, soapy white head situated atop. Within the next few minutes it has largely wilted away, reduced to a sudsy collar and a messy coat of lovely lace; looks downright elegant. Not particularly fragrant, though - there's white grapefruit, orange and indeterminate tropical fruit, with shades of earthy, resiny hops and chalk.

A serviceable NEIPA - wasn't sure after the first sip, but it grew on me a little. I'm getting orange juice up front, followed by grapefruit, nectarine and mango. Hints of passion fruit towards the finish, followed by a resiny, pithy, slightly bitter conclusion that dissipates into a tropical fruit/O.J. aftertaste. Medium in body, with moderate carbonation that prickles the tongue, providing a little bit of a bite to its otherwise soft, fluffy texture. I finished my can quickly enough, but I wouldn't call it sessionable.

Final Grade: 3.76, a B+. Stonehooker's Broad Reach Nor'Easter IPA ain't half bad, but it might be just a little more bitter than I'd prefer from the style. That may or may not be an issue for you - hopefully not, because as an IPA in general there's not really anything inherently wrong with it. Not all that memorable, either, but I'd say give it a try and decide for yourself.

Slightly hazed golden brew under an impressive head that delivers equally impressive lace. Quite a handsome brew. But, an understated nose and undistinguished flavour. Average stuff. Gentle sweetness from malt on both counts, a whiff of hops and a touch of bitterness to finish.

1,950th review! 473 ml can served cold into a pint glass. LCBO purchase for$3.55 CDN.

Appearance - Rather hazy light golden color with whitish hues due to haziness. SMall amounts of sediment in the glass. Big two fingers of white head that stay for nearly an eternity.

Smell - Tropical, grapefruit and mango leading the way, not the most aromatic brew out there, but serviceable.

Taste - Grapefruit and mango again, thinner tasting than other NEIPA's (what I'm calling it given the haze factor), middling bitterness that becomes more assertive after the sip.

Mouthfeel - Medium bodied, similar to other beers in the style although tend to pack a bit more flavor. Carbonation is assertive and prickly and finish is off-dry.

Overall - Decent little brew from this new brewery in Ontario. Can't make enough of it, so would certainly try other offerings, although this IPA is merely above average.

Oct 14 2025