Harpoon White IPA | Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
Brewed by:
Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
Massachusetts, United States | website
Style: Belgian IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.20%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
Ken Hermann has taken our exploration of – and adoration for – the IPA style in a completely new direction. With notes of orange peel and coriander, the soft mouthfeel reminiscent of a Belgian wit, and the hop additions of Simcoe, Citra and Cascade, he strikes a delicate balance between two disparate styles while showcasing the characteristics of both. It’s a refreshing take on a new style, and we hope you enjoy it! Cheers.
45 IBU
Added by Jason on 04-24-2012
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 63 | Ratings: 407
4.08/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy gold/amber color. The scent in floral with some hints of orange peel and coriander - not overwhelming, though. A smooth, drinkable flavor follows, with subtle hops and citrus flavors. A passable and drinkable White IPA.
★ 232 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy gold/amber color. The scent in floral with some hints of orange peel and coriander - not overwhelming, though. A smooth, drinkable flavor follows, with subtle hops and citrus flavors. A passable and drinkable White IPA.
★ 232 characters
4.03/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy gold with an excellently poised, creamy white head. I get a spicy orange scent with fruity aroma hop background far from the glass. Smelling closer to the glass I get more of the sweet malt profile with spices holding strong throughout. On the palate I get the strong reminiscence of belgian wit with orange and coriander shining through in the beginning. Grapefruity bittering hops take this one home in the end. This one is light on the palate and not too overbearing with carbonation. Overall this is a nicely balanced spring beer with nothing overpowering on the palate.
★ 587 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy gold with an excellently poised, creamy white head. I get a spicy orange scent with fruity aroma hop background far from the glass. Smelling closer to the glass I get more of the sweet malt profile with spices holding strong throughout. On the palate I get the strong reminiscence of belgian wit with orange and coriander shining through in the beginning. Grapefruity bittering hops take this one home in the end. This one is light on the palate and not too overbearing with carbonation. Overall this is a nicely balanced spring beer with nothing overpowering on the palate.
★ 587 characters
2.92/5 rDev -25.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Truncated impressions:
HEAD: ~3-4 inches wide. White colour. Fair creaminess, thickness, and fullness. Nice complexion and consistency.
Retention is nice - ~5-6 minutes.
BODY: Clear yellow with copper hues. Clean, with no visible yeasty muck.
It's a nice looking IPA, but has no unique or special characteristics.
AROMA: Floral hop character, vague citrus, pale malts, hints of Simcoe-derived onion, coriander, well-attenuated yeast, and clean barley.
It's appealing for what it is, but I'm not finding evidence of much complexity or depth of flavour.
No booze or off-notes are detectable.
TASTE: Floral hops, coriander seed, some grassiness, overripe fruit, some citrus zest. Witbier-esque lemon peel. Maybe a hint of spicy rye malt? Pale malts, pilsner malts, Munich malts. It's rather simple and straightforward, and quickly gets too bitter by the third act. Average duration, intensity, and depth of flavour.
It's a simple build for an IPA (white or otherwise), and isn't gestalt. Has a loose cohesion, and I do like it, but there's no subtlety or intricacy here for the discerning drinker. You've got to bring more to the table with an IPA if you want to stand out.
TEXTURE: Overcarbonated, crisp, smooth, wet, medium-bodied, and somewhat refreshing.
Not oily, gushed, hot, boozy, astringent, harsh, rough, or scratchy.
There's no harmony of texture to taste, and this mouthfeel doesn't elevate the beer as a whole.
Could be softer.
OVERALL: It's a passable IPA from Harpoon, and whether you accept its branding as a white IPA or not, it's still pedestrian and underwhelming. Won't impress the discerning drinker. I won't be picking it up again, but it's drinkable, sure.
C+ (2.92)
★ 1,701 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Truncated impressions:
HEAD: ~3-4 inches wide. White colour. Fair creaminess, thickness, and fullness. Nice complexion and consistency.
Retention is nice - ~5-6 minutes.
BODY: Clear yellow with copper hues. Clean, with no visible yeasty muck.
It's a nice looking IPA, but has no unique or special characteristics.
AROMA: Floral hop character, vague citrus, pale malts, hints of Simcoe-derived onion, coriander, well-attenuated yeast, and clean barley.
It's appealing for what it is, but I'm not finding evidence of much complexity or depth of flavour.
No booze or off-notes are detectable.
TASTE: Floral hops, coriander seed, some grassiness, overripe fruit, some citrus zest. Witbier-esque lemon peel. Maybe a hint of spicy rye malt? Pale malts, pilsner malts, Munich malts. It's rather simple and straightforward, and quickly gets too bitter by the third act. Average duration, intensity, and depth of flavour.
It's a simple build for an IPA (white or otherwise), and isn't gestalt. Has a loose cohesion, and I do like it, but there's no subtlety or intricacy here for the discerning drinker. You've got to bring more to the table with an IPA if you want to stand out.
TEXTURE: Overcarbonated, crisp, smooth, wet, medium-bodied, and somewhat refreshing.
Not oily, gushed, hot, boozy, astringent, harsh, rough, or scratchy.
There's no harmony of texture to taste, and this mouthfeel doesn't elevate the beer as a whole.
Could be softer.
OVERALL: It's a passable IPA from Harpoon, and whether you accept its branding as a white IPA or not, it's still pedestrian and underwhelming. Won't impress the discerning drinker. I won't be picking it up again, but it's drinkable, sure.
C+ (2.92)
★ 1,701 characters
3.94/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Best white IPA I have reviewed. Gotta love when Harpoon nails it.
A: Lasting head, long lacing over a hazed, golden tarnished body.
S: Too subtle but dank with fruity hop, spicy, yeasty, peppery, coriander and citrus zest.
T: Follows smell, but much bigger and satisfying. Hop fore and aft with lovely and lively coriander, spicy bitterness, tobacco, alcoholic esters, minty, herbal, earthy.
F: Large and good mouth feel, with smooth, semi-slick, medium body, grainy, long finish.
As A Bros wrote "bounces off the Wit side ... but comes back in a different way to compliment and clash at the same time. The most interesting White IPA"
★ 640 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Best white IPA I have reviewed. Gotta love when Harpoon nails it.
A: Lasting head, long lacing over a hazed, golden tarnished body.
S: Too subtle but dank with fruity hop, spicy, yeasty, peppery, coriander and citrus zest.
T: Follows smell, but much bigger and satisfying. Hop fore and aft with lovely and lively coriander, spicy bitterness, tobacco, alcoholic esters, minty, herbal, earthy.
F: Large and good mouth feel, with smooth, semi-slick, medium body, grainy, long finish.
As A Bros wrote "bounces off the Wit side ... but comes back in a different way to compliment and clash at the same time. The most interesting White IPA"
★ 640 characters
5/5 rDev +26.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Just been drinking this beer on draught in a Wetherspoons pub.It was absolutely gorgeous.Looked good and tasted superb.I didnt realise it was so strong as it does not state the ABV on the pumpclip so it made a mess of me.Recommended.
★ 233 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Just been drinking this beer on draught in a Wetherspoons pub.It was absolutely gorgeous.Looked good and tasted superb.I didnt realise it was so strong as it does not state the ABV on the pumpclip so it made a mess of me.Recommended.
★ 233 characters
3.2/5 rDev -18.8%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Appearance: cloudy, pale straw color - almost turbid; mild carbonation; short head that disappeared rather quickly; almost no lacing
Smell: mainly citrus - hints of lemon and grapefruit - with a little bit of pine
Taste: minor hoppiness, less than I would expect from a typical IPA; not much in the way of actual flavor - a little stronger on the pine and a little less on the citrus than what the smell suggested; almost no aftertaste
Mouthfeel: nice tingle of carbonation; dry
Overall: Not that impressive as far as Harpoon offerings go. It's perfectly drinkable, but I think I was expecting something a little more. It's my first White IPA, so maybe this is typical of this style.
★ 690 characters
look: 2.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Appearance: cloudy, pale straw color - almost turbid; mild carbonation; short head that disappeared rather quickly; almost no lacing
Smell: mainly citrus - hints of lemon and grapefruit - with a little bit of pine
Taste: minor hoppiness, less than I would expect from a typical IPA; not much in the way of actual flavor - a little stronger on the pine and a little less on the citrus than what the smell suggested; almost no aftertaste
Mouthfeel: nice tingle of carbonation; dry
Overall: Not that impressive as far as Harpoon offerings go. It's perfectly drinkable, but I think I was expecting something a little more. It's my first White IPA, so maybe this is typical of this style.
★ 690 characters
3.73/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
"I wanted to brew a uniquely American beer that would maintain the signature characteristics of two distinct styles while forging a direction of its own. Simcoe, Cascade, and Citra hops give this beer the citrus and floral notes of an IPA, while the spiciness and soft mouthfeel are more reminiscent of a Belgian Wit. I hope you enjoy this hoppy and refreshing beer. Cheers!" Brewed in the style of a Belgian/White IPA. Entry number 43 in the Harpoon 100 Barrel Series, since released as a year round 6 pack. Available in 22 oz. bottles and on limited draft.
Poured from a 22 oz. bottle to a pint glass. Served above 54º Fahrenheit.
(Appearance) Pours a foamy cream head of a pastel white tone over a mildly hazy golden amber body. Fine speckled sediment impedes clarity slightly. Retention is very good, lacing is light and streaked. 4.25
(Smell) Floral, citrusy hop bouquet with a strong perceived bitterness. Biscuity caramel pale malt, soft wheat and spicy rye build up the malt profile. Esters and peppery hop notes round out the remaining aroma. The balance is slightly in preference of the Belgian yeast profile, although there seems to be lots of enjoyable aroma from the malt and hops as well. 3.75
(Taste) The flavor is a bit milder than the aroma suggests. Silky pale malt syrup sweetness with a subtle bready rye are the brunt of the malt flavor, fairly light and accessible. The hop profile is much milder in comparison, with light floral hop notes, citrus rinds and muted pepper. The yeast profile manages a lightness and accessibility, approachable phenols but elevated esters generate a sharpness on the dry finish. Better and worse in parts over the aroma, in the end it breaks even. 3.75
(Mouthfeel) Texture is very smooth, soft, slick. Carbonation is very light, generates a very subtle mouthfeel, almost near flat. Body is shy of medium for the style, medium overall. Balance is slightly in favor of bitterness over sweetness, with a prevailing yeasty dryness. Alcohol presence is moderate, with some mild sharpness around the edges, overall this falls amongst the lighter half of Belgian IPAs in accessibility and yeast sharpness. 3.25
(Overall) Harpoon's White IPA plays rather simple and safe with the flavor and aroma, although not all of the flavors come out to their full potential. I was a bit underwhelmed by the hop profile but the malt and yeast notes tended to play out just right, not too sharp and over-the-top. I think that this beer could really benefit from an increase in bright hop flavors and potency, as the aroma suggested it might. Overall, I would recommend this as a fair introduction to Belgian IPAs, but keep in mind that this beer keeps the flavor relatively tame and accessible. 3.75
Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall's
100 Barrel Series #43: White IPA
3.73/5.00
★ 2,813 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
"I wanted to brew a uniquely American beer that would maintain the signature characteristics of two distinct styles while forging a direction of its own. Simcoe, Cascade, and Citra hops give this beer the citrus and floral notes of an IPA, while the spiciness and soft mouthfeel are more reminiscent of a Belgian Wit. I hope you enjoy this hoppy and refreshing beer. Cheers!" Brewed in the style of a Belgian/White IPA. Entry number 43 in the Harpoon 100 Barrel Series, since released as a year round 6 pack. Available in 22 oz. bottles and on limited draft.
Poured from a 22 oz. bottle to a pint glass. Served above 54º Fahrenheit.
(Appearance) Pours a foamy cream head of a pastel white tone over a mildly hazy golden amber body. Fine speckled sediment impedes clarity slightly. Retention is very good, lacing is light and streaked. 4.25
(Smell) Floral, citrusy hop bouquet with a strong perceived bitterness. Biscuity caramel pale malt, soft wheat and spicy rye build up the malt profile. Esters and peppery hop notes round out the remaining aroma. The balance is slightly in preference of the Belgian yeast profile, although there seems to be lots of enjoyable aroma from the malt and hops as well. 3.75
(Taste) The flavor is a bit milder than the aroma suggests. Silky pale malt syrup sweetness with a subtle bready rye are the brunt of the malt flavor, fairly light and accessible. The hop profile is much milder in comparison, with light floral hop notes, citrus rinds and muted pepper. The yeast profile manages a lightness and accessibility, approachable phenols but elevated esters generate a sharpness on the dry finish. Better and worse in parts over the aroma, in the end it breaks even. 3.75
(Mouthfeel) Texture is very smooth, soft, slick. Carbonation is very light, generates a very subtle mouthfeel, almost near flat. Body is shy of medium for the style, medium overall. Balance is slightly in favor of bitterness over sweetness, with a prevailing yeasty dryness. Alcohol presence is moderate, with some mild sharpness around the edges, overall this falls amongst the lighter half of Belgian IPAs in accessibility and yeast sharpness. 3.25
(Overall) Harpoon's White IPA plays rather simple and safe with the flavor and aroma, although not all of the flavors come out to their full potential. I was a bit underwhelmed by the hop profile but the malt and yeast notes tended to play out just right, not too sharp and over-the-top. I think that this beer could really benefit from an increase in bright hop flavors and potency, as the aroma suggested it might. Overall, I would recommend this as a fair introduction to Belgian IPAs, but keep in mind that this beer keeps the flavor relatively tame and accessible. 3.75
Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall's
100 Barrel Series #43: White IPA
3.73/5.00
★ 2,813 characters
3.75/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Served on tap into chilled pint glass
A: Pale yellow and clear with a 1/4" and minimal lacing
S: Fruit and citrus aroma dominates
T: Crisp with a noted hop taste and hop dominated aftertaste
M: light and smooth bodied
O: A good beer and interesting in that it combines wheat flavor with the hoppy bite normally associated with all malt IPAs. This won't ever be my "go to" beer, but it's worth a try and an occassional 6-pack.
★ 425 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Served on tap into chilled pint glass
A: Pale yellow and clear with a 1/4" and minimal lacing
S: Fruit and citrus aroma dominates
T: Crisp with a noted hop taste and hop dominated aftertaste
M: light and smooth bodied
O: A good beer and interesting in that it combines wheat flavor with the hoppy bite normally associated with all malt IPAs. This won't ever be my "go to" beer, but it's worth a try and an occassional 6-pack.
★ 425 characters
4.3/5 rDev +9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a pint glass.
A- Pours a hazy straw-yellow color. Leaves about half a finger of head that dissipates quickly. Audible sizzle from carbonation.
S- Piney and resin with surprisingly intense citrusy aroma, primarily pineapple and orange. Slightly floral but just incredibly bright and complex all at the same time.
T- Hop bitterness up front with the pine and resin, finishes with strong pineapple and orange along with a subtle sweetness.
M- Light-bodied, very well-carbonated, and very refreshing. Everything you would want on a humid summer day.
O- Incredibly refreshing, bright, and drinkable. I am not a hop head and being only 45 IBUs this IPA is very approachable. If you aren't big on more hop-forward IPAs you have to give this one a try. Honestly, I don't understand why it's not rated even higher. Just a great beer.
★ 846 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a pint glass.
A- Pours a hazy straw-yellow color. Leaves about half a finger of head that dissipates quickly. Audible sizzle from carbonation.
S- Piney and resin with surprisingly intense citrusy aroma, primarily pineapple and orange. Slightly floral but just incredibly bright and complex all at the same time.
T- Hop bitterness up front with the pine and resin, finishes with strong pineapple and orange along with a subtle sweetness.
M- Light-bodied, very well-carbonated, and very refreshing. Everything you would want on a humid summer day.
O- Incredibly refreshing, bright, and drinkable. I am not a hop head and being only 45 IBUs this IPA is very approachable. If you aren't big on more hop-forward IPAs you have to give this one a try. Honestly, I don't understand why it's not rated even higher. Just a great beer.
★ 846 characters
3.6/5 rDev -8.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
this was from the barrel series #43 bomber
eyes...
audible sizzle from a soapy white foam cap, paler than straw but not an albino, a sparse assortment of carbonation lightly populates the interior, lacing is ok, a nice enough looking brew
nose...
mild nose, some light dough notes and some faint hops, pretty subdued
taste etc...
one of the strangest carbonation signatures I have had in some time... in a good way, it is prickly and light but definitely makes itself known, a fresh flavor of mild citrus tempered with mild sugar, mild bitterness and just a clean over all finish
verdict?
my review does not seem to do this beer justice, while I would not call it great it would be a great go to when out dining or at the bar, easy drinking, has a pleasant character all the way around, damn smooth drinking brew, if you see it out on tap, grab some, I think this will be a nice addition to my summer brew lineup as a change of pace, nicely made.
★ 950 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
this was from the barrel series #43 bomber
eyes...
audible sizzle from a soapy white foam cap, paler than straw but not an albino, a sparse assortment of carbonation lightly populates the interior, lacing is ok, a nice enough looking brew
nose...
mild nose, some light dough notes and some faint hops, pretty subdued
taste etc...
one of the strangest carbonation signatures I have had in some time... in a good way, it is prickly and light but definitely makes itself known, a fresh flavor of mild citrus tempered with mild sugar, mild bitterness and just a clean over all finish
verdict?
my review does not seem to do this beer justice, while I would not call it great it would be a great go to when out dining or at the bar, easy drinking, has a pleasant character all the way around, damn smooth drinking brew, if you see it out on tap, grab some, I think this will be a nice addition to my summer brew lineup as a change of pace, nicely made.
★ 950 characters
4.17/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from the bottle into a Dogfish Head IPA Spiegelau glass. The Long Thaw IPA written on the bottle.
A slightly hazy but mostly very clear and bright brass dark lemon and light grass green body. Lots of fine fast rising carbonation, that creates a good big four finger head, very bright white and shampoo soapy retention.
Interesting nose. Kind of floral and earthy, quite green with some hinting faint citrus pith like bitterness in the back. Big woody cedar notes on this which really comes out of nowhere. Kind of unexpected, very different, quite fun. Solid and enjoyable.
Palate is real different. Light and very bright tasting. Bright light juiced quality of citrus orange, lots of tropical kiwi and bright sharp fruit skin. Good oily light finish, with some juicy character but much airy and softer texture, with a hint of tight carbonation. Lots of citrus mid palate play, with tropical punch fruits and lime and kiwi. Good controlled bitterness a well.
Overall I am really not sure what to think of this so called "white IPA" beer style of late, but this one is very unique compared to others I have had.
★ 1,121 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from the bottle into a Dogfish Head IPA Spiegelau glass. The Long Thaw IPA written on the bottle.
A slightly hazy but mostly very clear and bright brass dark lemon and light grass green body. Lots of fine fast rising carbonation, that creates a good big four finger head, very bright white and shampoo soapy retention.
Interesting nose. Kind of floral and earthy, quite green with some hinting faint citrus pith like bitterness in the back. Big woody cedar notes on this which really comes out of nowhere. Kind of unexpected, very different, quite fun. Solid and enjoyable.
Palate is real different. Light and very bright tasting. Bright light juiced quality of citrus orange, lots of tropical kiwi and bright sharp fruit skin. Good oily light finish, with some juicy character but much airy and softer texture, with a hint of tight carbonation. Lots of citrus mid palate play, with tropical punch fruits and lime and kiwi. Good controlled bitterness a well.
Overall I am really not sure what to think of this so called "white IPA" beer style of late, but this one is very unique compared to others I have had.
★ 1,121 characters
3.75/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a bottle in to Sam Adams Perfect Pint glass courtesy of Sam Adams!
Anyway... We had singles of it, so I figured I'd give it a shot to be able to tell customers how it is. The appearance is hazy yellow, 1 finger white head, plenty of carbonation rising from the bottom of the glass, all nice aspects of a White IPA except points off for zero lacing. Aroma seemed very faint to me with hints of orange and pineapples in there somewhere if you searched for them. The flavor outweighed the scent by a long shot -- nice burst of tropical fruits and a firm but not overwhelming hop bitterness, lemons or limes in the aftertaste. I feel like there's a sort of tartness or sour flavor that lasts on the tongue but since no one else said that I feel kind of crazy. Pleasantly surprised by this offering from Harpoon, I could see myself buying a six pack when the weather starts getting a bit warmer. Cheers.
★ 911 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a bottle in to Sam Adams Perfect Pint glass courtesy of Sam Adams!
Anyway... We had singles of it, so I figured I'd give it a shot to be able to tell customers how it is. The appearance is hazy yellow, 1 finger white head, plenty of carbonation rising from the bottom of the glass, all nice aspects of a White IPA except points off for zero lacing. Aroma seemed very faint to me with hints of orange and pineapples in there somewhere if you searched for them. The flavor outweighed the scent by a long shot -- nice burst of tropical fruits and a firm but not overwhelming hop bitterness, lemons or limes in the aftertaste. I feel like there's a sort of tartness or sour flavor that lasts on the tongue but since no one else said that I feel kind of crazy. Pleasantly surprised by this offering from Harpoon, I could see myself buying a six pack when the weather starts getting a bit warmer. Cheers.
★ 911 characters
4.09/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Poured an off orange color and has a two finger head.
S - Citrus and a bit tropical, yeast.
T - The taste is similar to the smell, noticing pine, orange peel, spices and fruit.
M - Medium body with a finish on the dry side.
O - Its an easy going IPA with nice flavors.
★ 276 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Poured an off orange color and has a two finger head.
S - Citrus and a bit tropical, yeast.
T - The taste is similar to the smell, noticing pine, orange peel, spices and fruit.
M - Medium body with a finish on the dry side.
O - Its an easy going IPA with nice flavors.
★ 276 characters
3.84/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
12 ounce bottle. Enjoy By dating of 04-15-14
Pours lighter near golden amber, under a slight lite khaki head, that does leave behind a fine film, thin collar and some low strands of lace. Final pour is heavily clouded with yeasty sedimentation.
Nose is perfumey with some dull tropical fruit also chiming in.
More citrus on the palate, with limes and pineapple coming into the party. Piney hops softly add to the finish.
Respectable and easily approachable white/Belgian styled IPA. Worth a try
★ 499 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
12 ounce bottle. Enjoy By dating of 04-15-14
Pours lighter near golden amber, under a slight lite khaki head, that does leave behind a fine film, thin collar and some low strands of lace. Final pour is heavily clouded with yeasty sedimentation.
Nose is perfumey with some dull tropical fruit also chiming in.
More citrus on the palate, with limes and pineapple coming into the party. Piney hops softly add to the finish.
Respectable and easily approachable white/Belgian styled IPA. Worth a try
★ 499 characters
3.94/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into my Sam Adams perfect pint glass, best by 5/15/14. Pours a dark yellow, with a two inch fluffy white head that leaves behind some webs of lace. Smell is clove, mango, oranges, fresh cut grass, and some hints of banana. Taste is all of that, a nice pucker of grapefruit that hangs on the tongue a while. Body is not quite medium, great amount of life, a little dry, and easy drinking for sure. This is a solid beer, I love so many of the cross breed's. Toss extra hops in any beer and I like it.
★ 505 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into my Sam Adams perfect pint glass, best by 5/15/14. Pours a dark yellow, with a two inch fluffy white head that leaves behind some webs of lace. Smell is clove, mango, oranges, fresh cut grass, and some hints of banana. Taste is all of that, a nice pucker of grapefruit that hangs on the tongue a while. Body is not quite medium, great amount of life, a little dry, and easy drinking for sure. This is a solid beer, I love so many of the cross breed's. Toss extra hops in any beer and I like it.
★ 505 characters
3.5/5 rDev -11.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Harpoon The Long Thaw White IPA has a thick, off white head, a hazy, yellow-gold appearance, with lots of brown, powdery grit suspended throughout, and a some splotchy lacing left behind. The aroma is of sweet, tart, citrus, white bread, and hop oil. Taste is the same, with some nice, mellow, copacetic bitterness. Mouthfeel is light and watery, and Harpoon The Long Thaw White IPA finishes mellow, wet, and highly drinkable. No alcohol shows up. Overall, I think for the the price, $1.59 for a single, it’s a beer not to be passed up.
RJT
★ 544 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Harpoon The Long Thaw White IPA has a thick, off white head, a hazy, yellow-gold appearance, with lots of brown, powdery grit suspended throughout, and a some splotchy lacing left behind. The aroma is of sweet, tart, citrus, white bread, and hop oil. Taste is the same, with some nice, mellow, copacetic bitterness. Mouthfeel is light and watery, and Harpoon The Long Thaw White IPA finishes mellow, wet, and highly drinkable. No alcohol shows up. Overall, I think for the the price, $1.59 for a single, it’s a beer not to be passed up.
RJT
★ 544 characters
3.8/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
just poured into a glass.
serving type. glass, with wide rim to allow appreciation of the aroma.
appearance; thick head slowly settles to a fair amount pretty even lacing, carbonation isn't very visible, a little cloudy. color is tan/orange, but I'm not great with colors.
aroma; wonderful. the smell is definatly not just vague citrus but an obvious orange with a sour tang.
taste. nice, i haven't had many IPA's yet, and this beer kind of reminds me of several other pale ales i have had. the initial taste is a bitter citrusy hoppines that ends in a slightly fruity, dry finish, with a touch of spice. a lot of people mentioned coriander but I'm getting cloves. i would have liked a bit more fruitiness like the aroma suggested but still a pleasant IPA.
mouthfeel. i personally like the carbonation to last on my tongue for a little longer but the dryness is nicely balanced with the smoothness of the beer upon swallowing.
overall. a solid, refreshing beer that also has body , and might serve as good training wheels for somebody looking to venture into IPA's.
★ 1,073 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
just poured into a glass.
serving type. glass, with wide rim to allow appreciation of the aroma.
appearance; thick head slowly settles to a fair amount pretty even lacing, carbonation isn't very visible, a little cloudy. color is tan/orange, but I'm not great with colors.
aroma; wonderful. the smell is definatly not just vague citrus but an obvious orange with a sour tang.
taste. nice, i haven't had many IPA's yet, and this beer kind of reminds me of several other pale ales i have had. the initial taste is a bitter citrusy hoppines that ends in a slightly fruity, dry finish, with a touch of spice. a lot of people mentioned coriander but I'm getting cloves. i would have liked a bit more fruitiness like the aroma suggested but still a pleasant IPA.
mouthfeel. i personally like the carbonation to last on my tongue for a little longer but the dryness is nicely balanced with the smoothness of the beer upon swallowing.
overall. a solid, refreshing beer that also has body , and might serve as good training wheels for somebody looking to venture into IPA's.
★ 1,073 characters
4.01/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
12 oz. brown bottle. has Freshness Date.
A: Pours a hazy golden orange. Large white head with good retention. Lacing is
moderate and slightly sticky.
S: Wet hops, yeast, spices, fruits and citrus. Great overall aroma.
T/M: Heavy citruses and bitter hops. Smooth, medium bodied feel. Yeast and
spices come in and complement the hops. The finish is bitter and dry.
O: Harpoon has created a very complex and satisfying Belgian IPA.
Cheers!!!
★ 446 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
12 oz. brown bottle. has Freshness Date.
A: Pours a hazy golden orange. Large white head with good retention. Lacing is
moderate and slightly sticky.
S: Wet hops, yeast, spices, fruits and citrus. Great overall aroma.
T/M: Heavy citruses and bitter hops. Smooth, medium bodied feel. Yeast and
spices come in and complement the hops. The finish is bitter and dry.
O: Harpoon has created a very complex and satisfying Belgian IPA.
Cheers!!!
★ 446 characters
3.83/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Just got this into the store this week. Opened the bottle to a great smell of hops mixed with citrus. Poured into a chilled pint glass and the smell got even better. Small white head and a cloudy, orange/ copper color to the body. Taste of hops hit first, then the citrus and spices take over. Finishes nicely tangy and tart at the end. Very refreshing IPA.
★ 357 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Just got this into the store this week. Opened the bottle to a great smell of hops mixed with citrus. Poured into a chilled pint glass and the smell got even better. Small white head and a cloudy, orange/ copper color to the body. Taste of hops hit first, then the citrus and spices take over. Finishes nicely tangy and tart at the end. Very refreshing IPA.
★ 357 characters
3.92/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A - cloudy, hazy orangish yellow with some sediment floating around; huge, soft, foamy, white head that has great retention
S - straw, faint clove; very faint aromas
T - orange peel, citrus, pine, herbal, straw, peppery
M - medium bodied, well carbonated
This is a nice White IPA. This has an intense citrus character similar to their UFO beers, but this has a nice, herbal, piny hop character that rounds out the flavor nicely. There is good balance and drinkability here. This is definitely worth a try.
★ 509 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A - cloudy, hazy orangish yellow with some sediment floating around; huge, soft, foamy, white head that has great retention
S - straw, faint clove; very faint aromas
T - orange peel, citrus, pine, herbal, straw, peppery
M - medium bodied, well carbonated
This is a nice White IPA. This has an intense citrus character similar to their UFO beers, but this has a nice, herbal, piny hop character that rounds out the flavor nicely. There is good balance and drinkability here. This is definitely worth a try.
★ 509 characters
4.18/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
So today is my birthday and we ran by our local Costco to get some beer to bring to a friend's house. Bought a case of Harpoon and tried to share. They were drinking PBR and would not partake. Enjoying my third beer of the evening and really enjoy the white IPA. I can taste the orange described on the front page of the beer but cannot taste the coriander. Come to think of it I don't know what coriander tastes like. The beer is a little "hoppy" but I tend to like that. I will definitely drink this beer again. Inexpensive but good.
★ 535 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
So today is my birthday and we ran by our local Costco to get some beer to bring to a friend's house. Bought a case of Harpoon and tried to share. They were drinking PBR and would not partake. Enjoying my third beer of the evening and really enjoy the white IPA. I can taste the orange described on the front page of the beer but cannot taste the coriander. Come to think of it I don't know what coriander tastes like. The beer is a little "hoppy" but I tend to like that. I will definitely drink this beer again. Inexpensive but good.
★ 535 characters
4.1/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Big thanks to Slatetank for gifting me with a bottle of this. Poured into a spiegelau IPA glass, the brew pours a clouded pale golden color with a rich 2+ finger cap that is slightly off-white. The cap fades leaving a webbing of stringy lacework on the glass. A swirl effortlessly revives a finger of yellowish stained cap back to the surface. Perhaps I misunderstood the meaning behind the "white" aspect of this brew as I let the sediment creep into the glass and it is evident with chunks stuck in suspension that come to rest in the bottom of the glass.
The smell of this brew is citrus-like with notes of fruity rinds like lemon moreso than the advertised orange peel. Some herbal hop component leads the way after the citrus and mild fruity tones fade away. Overall the composition of the aromatics is quite nice blending back and forth between fruity and herbal with a mild grainy quality providing a supporting role throughout. As it warms up, the nose on this gets a bit weedy to grassy, not bad.
Tasting this brew provides a bitterness front and center that is mildly rindy and zesty with the flavoring of grapefruit, oranges and lemon that blends into more of an earthen to herbal flavor of hoppy bitterness. Again a mild grain presence is felt faintly suggesting wheaty sweetness to contrast the oily bitterness of this brew. It has a solid balance and plenty of character to take in. The blending of white ale citrus character into this IPA was done very well.
This is a light bodied brew with a moderate amount of carbonation. The feel is lively, uplifting and very easy drinking. The IPA portion of this "blended style" is much more focused than the white aspect. Having never had a "white IPA" before, I was not really sure what to expect. I think this was done pretty well and would not mind trying other examples of this if given the chance. Thanks again Matt!
★ 1,881 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Big thanks to Slatetank for gifting me with a bottle of this. Poured into a spiegelau IPA glass, the brew pours a clouded pale golden color with a rich 2+ finger cap that is slightly off-white. The cap fades leaving a webbing of stringy lacework on the glass. A swirl effortlessly revives a finger of yellowish stained cap back to the surface. Perhaps I misunderstood the meaning behind the "white" aspect of this brew as I let the sediment creep into the glass and it is evident with chunks stuck in suspension that come to rest in the bottom of the glass.
The smell of this brew is citrus-like with notes of fruity rinds like lemon moreso than the advertised orange peel. Some herbal hop component leads the way after the citrus and mild fruity tones fade away. Overall the composition of the aromatics is quite nice blending back and forth between fruity and herbal with a mild grainy quality providing a supporting role throughout. As it warms up, the nose on this gets a bit weedy to grassy, not bad.
Tasting this brew provides a bitterness front and center that is mildly rindy and zesty with the flavoring of grapefruit, oranges and lemon that blends into more of an earthen to herbal flavor of hoppy bitterness. Again a mild grain presence is felt faintly suggesting wheaty sweetness to contrast the oily bitterness of this brew. It has a solid balance and plenty of character to take in. The blending of white ale citrus character into this IPA was done very well.
This is a light bodied brew with a moderate amount of carbonation. The feel is lively, uplifting and very easy drinking. The IPA portion of this "blended style" is much more focused than the white aspect. Having never had a "white IPA" before, I was not really sure what to expect. I think this was done pretty well and would not mind trying other examples of this if given the chance. Thanks again Matt!
★ 1,881 characters
4.26/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
I had this from the IPA Discovery sampler case, poured chilled in a cervoise.
The color is peach nectar with hazed wheat beer look and thick tan cream with fine bead and good retention. The smell is great a mix of orange and tropical fruit with light spice ester from the yeast and mild hint of tangerine zest with a light floral accent. The feel is great smooth resins in the hop texture combine with light peppery spice and smooth wheat adds a light body with moderately high carbonation and moderate bitterness with semi-dry finish.
The flavor is great it has the orange zest and slight tangy citrus from the hops with a mild pine accent and slight tropical taste with yeast adding a light peppery phenolic element and wheat giving a gentle tanginess which adds to the citrus from the hops. Overall I loved this all the best elements of an IPA combined with the belgian Wit style a very nice hybrid from Harpoon!
★ 921 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
I had this from the IPA Discovery sampler case, poured chilled in a cervoise.
The color is peach nectar with hazed wheat beer look and thick tan cream with fine bead and good retention. The smell is great a mix of orange and tropical fruit with light spice ester from the yeast and mild hint of tangerine zest with a light floral accent. The feel is great smooth resins in the hop texture combine with light peppery spice and smooth wheat adds a light body with moderately high carbonation and moderate bitterness with semi-dry finish.
The flavor is great it has the orange zest and slight tangy citrus from the hops with a mild pine accent and slight tropical taste with yeast adding a light peppery phenolic element and wheat giving a gentle tanginess which adds to the citrus from the hops. Overall I loved this all the best elements of an IPA combined with the belgian Wit style a very nice hybrid from Harpoon!
★ 921 characters
3.99/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle bought at Yankee Spirits, Sturbridge, MA as part of a mixed 12-pack.
Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 1/2" bright white head over the cloudy golden amber brew. Head deflates rather quickly down to an even skim, with leggy lacing. Aroma is earthy yeast and citrus hops.
Taste starts with sweet pale, citrus in the middle, and sedate pine hops character feathers into the close. Mouthfeel is smooth, and drinkability is good. Nice brew, too bad label says it is limited.
★ 495 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle bought at Yankee Spirits, Sturbridge, MA as part of a mixed 12-pack.
Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 1/2" bright white head over the cloudy golden amber brew. Head deflates rather quickly down to an even skim, with leggy lacing. Aroma is earthy yeast and citrus hops.
Taste starts with sweet pale, citrus in the middle, and sedate pine hops character feathers into the close. Mouthfeel is smooth, and drinkability is good. Nice brew, too bad label says it is limited.
★ 495 characters
Harpoon White IPA from Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
3.94
out of 5
based on 407 ratings.
look: 2.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
Pale yellowish color but nice, not a turn off by any means. Surprisingly sweet and leafy smell compared to many IPA's the hops don't overwhelm the smell. Taste is hoppy at the end but balanced. I like a bitter finish when im drinking an IPA. it just makes sense. feel is smooth, doesn't have the bite youre used to seeing in IPA's. Overall a fun and tasty beer, a nice alternative to IPA's.
★ 390 characters