Harpoon White IPA - Harpoon Brewery

ColForbinBC

New Jersey

3.53/5  rDev -8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

22oz bottle poured into a tulip

A hazy orange body with a foamy two-finger ecru cap. The cap fades slowly, revealing some spider web lacing. The nose is of oranges, wheat, candied grapefruit, and some spicy pepper. On the palate, candied grapefruit and oranges dominate the palate. A clean bed of hay and spicy pepper with some soft apple and grape laying low. Even some sweet vanilla and grassy notes in the finish. Medium body with soft carbonation. The finish is sweet and dry. White IPA's work if they are clean and tight. The candied grapefruit/orange and sweet malt are just too dominant to let the base wit flavors poke through. Decent, but nothing special.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2012 20:45:58 | More by ColForbinBC

Brad007

Vermont

3.55/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a whitish-gold hue with a thin head into my glass. The color is the best part so far.

Spicy notes with with a good dab of citrus in the nose. Clove too. Does not seem overhopped in the nose.

Dry, crisp with spicy yeast and acidic citrus twist. The hops shine through here but do not overwhelm the palate.

Lingering crispy spiciness with a touch of butter at the back. Good balance if a bit bland.

I'll second the bland part. It just doesn't feel "right" but that could easily be carbonation level, etc.

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2012 23:26:28 | More by Brad007

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

3.63/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On-tap 9/2/2012 at Julian’s in Providence, RI, served in a US tumbler pint glass.

A: The beer is a light gold color, with a large white head that fades very slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma contains wheat, citrus, light caramelized malts and a good amount of hops.

T: The taste starts out with a burst of grassy hops. Then some mildly sweet flavors of citrus and caramel come in. Then a thin malt character comes in followed by the return of the hops bitterness providing a decent balance. The after-taste is slightly hoppy and slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and a little smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.

O: Tasty, goes down ok, not too filling, decent kick, good representation of style, it’s a solid beer but there are better choices within the style.

Serving type: on-tap

09-25-2012 00:46:00 | More by TheManiacalOne

Jamesthebrit

Michigan

3.7/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A: Hazy amber color. Lighter like a sunrise or an autumn leaf.

S: Pretty average. Floral. Nothing special for an IPA. On the light side.

T: Big sharp bitterness but also a little more gritty backbone which compliments the brew well. The usual floral notes but also that grassy foresty flavor helps it stand out. Also a little fruit.

M: Carbonation is pretty intense but the flavor development is pretty solid.

Overall what I like about this beer is the backbone of a more foresty pine sort of thing. It goes down smooth and with a lot of flavor. The bitterness is well balanced. Much better than the last 100 barrel series I had.

Serving type: growler

10-31-2012 21:17:18 | More by Jamesthebrit

axeman9182

New Jersey

3.73/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle, part of Amanti Vino's Beer of the Month club. It was poured into my Duvel tulip.

Harpoon's BWhite IPA pours a very cloudy tangerine, with three fingers or so of fluffy white foam rising to the rim of the glass. Head retention is pretty good, and the foam sticks to the side of the glass and leaves lacing pretty well. The nose has a little bit of spice to it, but otherwise just lots of juicy, citrus aromas wafting up from the glass. There's a lightly appreciable wheat graininess right at the open, before a sturdy bitterness makes itself known. The hoppy finish has some orange tinted citrus flavors, but it's not quite as pungent and "in your face" as I would have liked. The body has just a little bit of the chewy quality that I sometimes associate with wheat. The carbonation it's matched with though is just not lively enough. Harpoon's (newest?) entry in the 100 Barrel Series is a good take on the new White IPA trend, but it could stand to be a little bit hoppier.

Serving type: bottle

10-13-2012 01:03:55 | More by axeman9182

Vec2267

Florida

3.85/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

L - cloudy, golden, ample white head that laces wonderfully

S - quite fragrant, citrus hops dominate with hay and pepper notes

T - candied grapefruit/citrus at the fore, rye/pepper in the middle, and a hop bite on the finish

M - quite crisp and light

O - a wonderful hop forward beer, if you like bracingly bitter hops, you will like this, I do

The Wit components were more evident in the appearance and smell than the taste in which the Wit was simply an accent to a bright IPA.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2012 22:29:00 | More by Vec2267

BEERMILER12

Maine

3.86/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Part of the IPA Mixed 12-pack
Enjoy By 05/15/13

A: Pours a cloudy and sediment ridden golden color with 1/2 a fingers worth of head

S: Belgian yeast, very fruity with notes of orange zest and lots of citrus rind. Has a little coriander as well, but not much. Light floral hops come through as well, but I suspect some of the citrus is also coming from the hops and not just the yeast

T: Follows the nose. Starts off with bitter, pithy citrus rinds and a tad of the orange zest. Mellows out into some fruitiness and light malty breadiness. Finishes lightly spicy with coriander. Bitterness also lingers

M: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Slightly chalky from the yeast

O: A nice, refreshing take on the white IPA. Plenty of fruity and citrus goodness with quite a bit of bitterness. Quite easy to drink as well. So far, this is a nice pack of IPAs. Onto the black

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2013 19:34:24 | More by BEERMILER12

micromaniac129

Pennsylvania

3.89/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Appearance is a hazy golden color. The head is white but small. Carbonation appears light and gentile.
Aroma is quite pleasent with scents of Beligum wits and thier corrinder and yeasty spiciness.
Hops are in abundance with a peach and apricot aroma.
Taste leans quite a bit to the wit side, spicy yeast pale malts and corrinder come through nicely. On the other side the hops that were so enticing in the aroma are absent in the taste except for a mild bitterness towards the end. Drinks smooth soft and clean.
I think it's a pretty desent beer and easy drinking. Has summer written all over it.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2013 11:25:04 | More by micromaniac129

oberon

North Carolina

3.9/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a small tulip glass a slightly hazed peach tinged lighter golden with a half finger lacey white head atop.The aromas really don't jump out at ya but the citric hops are there,lemony and orange notes over top of a healthy yeast shot.Lemon oil and grapefruit flavors give a bright and sharp flavor some breadiness underneath,the lemony notes linger nicely.The yeast is held in check well and the hops are bright,a solid BIPA.

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2012 22:24:43 | More by oberon

Digimaika2

Ontario (Canada)

3.93/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

(3.5) A: Hazy golden grapefruit coloured with a decent height of pulp-like foam head. Good retention and similar lacing.

(4.0) S: Pine, fresh pineapple, grapefruit, orange, buttered bread, cloves, and a bit of banana. Very nice general earthy aroma that’s very inviting.

(4.0) T: Dry pine, semi-watery grapefruit, bit of tropical fruit, slight gingery taste and heat, cloves and yeast, and a buttered dinner roll backbone. Very slight sour taste that gives this a refreshing feel. An interesting overall taste that’s quite unique and leans towards hoppy and spice with a good mix of flavours.

(3.5) M: Light-medium bodied with a moderate carbonation. Pleasantly dry with a lingering bitterness.

(4.0) D: This is one of my favourite 100 Barrel Series I’ve tried to date. It’s got a little bit of everything and worthy of a try.

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2012 01:59:03 | More by Digimaika2

tdm168

North Carolina

3.94/5  rDev +1.8%
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.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2013 01:28:54 | More by tdm168

nach0king

Texas

3.95/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Not sure I'd buy this again because of the price (and because it won't be available for long) but I'm glad I tried it. Very tasty.

Poured half into a pintglass, drank it, then poured the rest, including sediment.

A: Rusty, head disappears quickly.

S: There's more citrus on the nose than there is in the taste, and also some fudge. Very pleasant indeed.

T: A lot of sweetness at first, then banana, retreating into mild citrus and herbs by the end. The citrus grows as you work your way through the bottle, making it refreshing despite the very sweet first impression. Closer to a wit than an IPA throughout - the hops are just supporting notes.

M: Lightly carbonated, just thick enough - really pleasant.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2012 13:50:08 | More by nach0king

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Moderate head with some ring lace left behind. Cloudy, naturally. Yellow, gold color.

Excellent fresh hop upfront. Peppery. The malt is hidden.

Traditional IPA flavor. I can't detect the "Wit" portion of this beer--no wheat in the flavor. This is a dry beer. Also, I don't detect any Belgian styled yeast. Still, this is a good IPA. The body is predictably average, the carbonation slightly elevated.

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2012 00:53:33 | More by smcolw

abraxel

Michigan

3.95/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewed blind as part of Blind BIF 7, courtesy of ShogoKawada. Poured into a large tulip.

A - A nice golden color, almost clear (just a touch of haze), and lots of carbonation. The head is pretty coarse and doesn't last long, and there's not much lacing.

S - Very unusual, in a very familiar-but-can't-quite-place-it sort of way. Definitely something citrusy-sweet, with lots of bitter pith and maybe green peppercorns? I'm probably hallucinating that last bit. Intriguing.

T - Sweeter than the smell led me to expect, with just a hint of that pithy bitterness. It's mostly a very smooth tangerine over a simple base malt background. It's hard to tell if that's hops or actual fruit, but I'm thinking fruit.

M - Medium-thin, smooth mouthfeel. I think all the carbonation got out in the initial pour.

Overall, I'm enjoying this quite a bit. I feel somewhat certain (though I might be totally wrong) it's brewed with a sweet citrus fruit. Tangerines is my best guess.

Non-blind thoughts:
Damn, no fruit? I guess it was just juicy, juicy hops this whole time. Even now, I know there's not fruit in here, but I still taste it! Weird. I enjoyed (and am still enjoying!) it quite a bit.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2012 00:21:36 | More by abraxel

BlurryVisi0n

New York

3.95/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Served in a snifter glass.

Appearance: Cloudy without a doubt, and a Real light amber with a gold tint. Head is thick in frame which rose to about a finger's length coming off white.

Smell: Has floral scent little light.

Taste: The smell and taste is completely magnified. Bitter and piney feel. Very robust and full of flavor.

Mouth: After taking a sip this is hard to put down, not exactly the smoothest but definitely rich after-taste. Sticks to you like glue.

Overall: This is a pretty good brew. I might be a little biased because of the fact I am a huge IPA fan but maybe it works for me in me telling you that there is no failing when making this beer a purchase. Grab a glass and drink, Salud!

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2012 07:23:49 | More by BlurryVisi0n

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

3.95/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bomber from Wegman's Dewitt NY for 6.99$

Appearance - Slightly hazy gold colour with an average size fizzy white coloured head. There is an average amount of carbonation showing and there is some great lacing. The head lasted for around 5 minutes.

Smell - Hops, malts, caramel, apricots, peach

Taste & Mouth - There is an average amount of carbonation and I can taste caramel and malts mixed with hops. There is also some grapefruit mixed with some peach/apricot. It ends with a slightly dry yet fruity and hoppy aftertaste.

Overall – Doesn't really taste like a Belgian IPA (as it's listed as on BA) - but regardless it's a great beer. Reminds me more of a APA with some nice fruity notes. I'd buy a 6 pack of this.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2013 00:36:53 | More by spinrsx

plaid75

New York

3.98/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On draft at the Blind Tiger, NYC.

Poured a medium copper hue with a half finger foamy white head. There was decent retention and lacing.

The smell featured full citrus hops but not too many esters. Strange for a white IPA.

The taste consisted of upfront peppery and citric hops with a round caramel malt and trace esters.

The mouthfeel was toward the fuller side of the style.

Overall a tasty IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2012 20:58:02 | More by plaid75

ppoitras

Massachusetts

3.99/5  rDev +3.1%
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.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 20:54:16 | More by ppoitras

Jason

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz brown bomber w/ a batch number on the label

LOOK: Hazed golden color, great lacing down to the bottom of the glass

SMELL: Mildly dank hop, spicy, fruity, yeast, peppery, coriander faint alcohol, citrus zest

TASTE: Citric bomb, smooth, semi-slick, medium body, grainy, coriander, hop bitterness, tobacco, ruby red grapefruit, spicy, mild alcoholic esters, minty, herbal, earthy, yeast, marmalade, finish spicy and dry and bitter

More complex than I anticipated, a lot going on with the hop profile and as it bounces off the Wit side of the brew it does well but comes back in a different way as it was to compliment and somewhat clash at the same time. The most interesting White IPAs brewed that I have tried, the UFO brand should take this beer on it is that good.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2012 02:44:13 | More by Jason

lordofthewiens

Maine

4/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

In a tulip glass this beer was a hazy orange color with a small white head. There was a little bit of lace.

Nice aroma: floral, citrus, and spice. I thought the aroma worked well, with complimentary but not competing aromas.

Taste of orange, lemon, and grapefruit. A bit of clove. Again, everything complimented each other.

Pretty mellow, maybe more of a wit than an IPA. Very enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2012 19:18:20 | More by lordofthewiens

kangarooAdam59

Maine

4/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Best by Decemeber 19, 2012:

In a chalice:

A: hazy golden body yields a foamy, one finger white head. No carbonation is seen rising. Some nice light foamy lacing speckles the sides of the chalice.

S: hops, citrus with some light peppery notes, slightly subdued Belgian yeast

T: crisp rye/pepperiness mixed well into the citrusy/hops.

M: medium with a crisp yet somewhat wet feel. I would say this is fairly drinkable.

O: I'm impressed, I'm not sure if this is really a witbier as some say, but stands up to Harpoon's "Belgian IPA" more so as it is labeled under. I would definitely come back to this.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 17:55:07 | More by kangarooAdam59

thagr81us

South Carolina

4/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served from growler into a sampler shaker. Poured a slightly hazy golden yellow with a one finger white head that subsided to a half finger slowly. Maintained nice lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, coriander, spice, citrus, and citrus hop. The flavor was of sweet malt, wheat, citrus, earth, fruit, and coriander. It had a light feel on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this was a good brew. I really like what I found on this brew if I am honest. There was a nice touch of complexity and balance going on in both the aroma and the flavor. The coriander note I got was a really nice touch for the style, but the citrus notes were what made the beer for me. It added just the right amount of sweetness to the brew to keep me smelling and tasting it as long as my sample lasted. Could easily crush a pint of this and maybe a few more while I was at it. I suggest you take a chance on this one as well.

Serving type: on-tap

11-21-2012 12:09:21 | More by thagr81us

Treyliff

West Virginia

4.03/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A- pours a hazy golden-yellow color with some wheat particles floating around, small white fizzy head with good retention and just a bit of lace.

S- bright floral and citrus hops, with notes of fresh tropical fruits including papaya and pineapple. Al aromas are pronounced and pleasant, impressive.

T- tangerine flavor from citrus hops, notes of pine, slightly spicy, slightly grassy, slick and malty wheat finish with more citrus hop on the palate at the finish.

M- light body, low carbonation, foamy mouthfeel with a chalky wheat finish on the palate.

O- great pronounced citrus and tropical aromas with a well balanced flavor profile, very refreshing and one of the best I've had from the 100 barrell series.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2012 23:31:37 | More by Treyliff

Goldopelgt

Ohio

4.04/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

A: Poured from a 12oz bottle...golden, honey color with a crisp white head...some lacing left on the glass

S: Sort of a yeasty dankness up front with some spicy and citrusy hop notes as well...coriander, pepper, lemon zest...a lot going on here...

T: Citrus (grapefruit?) and yeast up front...mild hoppy bitterness throughout...the two distinct styles are definitely there but neither is overpowering...

M: Crisp, clean with a slight tartness that sorta works...not overly carbonated...smooth

D: Very complex brew, and I have to say its pretty damn good...Both the Wit and IPA styles are so distinct that it almost clashes at times, but is still so interesting that you can't put the glass down... Definitely worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2013 23:16:20 | More by Goldopelgt

shand

Florida

4.04/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Harpoon White IPA pours out a hazy orange color with a tiny head that laces well. The aroma is big on citrus hops that are very well rounded by the Belgian yeast. The taste follows with a very nice hop character for the style that actually works with the yeast as opposed to against it, as tends to happen with Belgian IPAs. The mouthfeel is light and crisp, and the drinkability goes. As far as Belgian IPAs go, I actually like this one. It's basically a solid IPA with just a little bit of Belgian character.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2013 17:38:15 | More by shand