Opa Opa IPA - OPA-OPA Steakhouse & Brewery

UncleJimbo

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Sampled from cask at the brewpub July 2005.

This IPA poured a hazy, amber color with sudsy, white foam that settled. The smell was floral, mildly fruity hops with a touch of sweetness and a note of biscuity malt. The taste was lightly sweet, floral hops with a nice base of crystal malt beneath, and a mild hop bitterness. This IPA was very fragrant and seemed more in the style of an English IPA than an American. The mouthfeel was very smooth with medium body and very low carbonation. The aftertaste left a modest but pleasant hoppiness on the palate. This was an excellent IPA from cask, and I will look forward to sampling it on-tap next time.

Serving type: cask

10-14-2005 02:58:11 | More by UncleJimbo

bajshearer

Massachusetts

4.13/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I'm a Cask-Conditioned fan, and this was quite good. Albeit served just a hair warm for my taste (hard-core Cask-Conditioned drinkers will likely appreciate it). The Buckwheat IPA meets the Amarican IPA style well - so watch out for those hops!

An excellent brew to complement the Western style of this restaurant.

Serving type: cask

07-23-2005 14:07:15 | More by bajshearer

TangTKE402

New York

3.39/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Poured from a 12oz. bottle into an Opa Opa IPA holiday pint glass (beer and glass were both Christmas gifts!) Mostly clear, with a pale-straw coloring, a thin white head with a slight froth left on the glass. A touch of haze and effervescence.

S: Bready, with a slight hop finish. Some banana, a little wheat germ, and grass all appear on the nose.

T: This beer has a stronger look than one might outwardly judge. A good malt-forward character, with a hop finish that focuses more on dryness than on flavor. Some notes of metal, booze, raisins, whole grains, rye, and citrus rind appear in the character of the beer. Bitter and bready are the words I would describe this beer.

M: Watery and metallic, this has a tinny, hollow feel to it overall. It does expand a bit in the mouth, but the fore and back are empty. Middling at best.

O: Not a bad beer, and certainly not one I'd turn down if offered, however I wouldn't go out of my way to get one. A perfectly serviceable IPA.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 22:40:13 | More by TangTKE402

johnnnniee

New Hampshire

3.23/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a fairly clear medium golden color with a huge meringue head that prevented me from pouring this in one shot. Smells of citrus and a hint of pine. Heavy on the grapefruit and lemon with a fairly solid bready sweet malt backbone. The flavor follows the aroma bread citrus and pine with a faint hint of wild yeasty phenols. Medium body with a huge amount of carbonation and a slick resinous mouthfeel. Not a bad brew, nothing special, but nothing objectionable either.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 01:39:59 | More by johnnnniee

ForrestChess

2.63/5  rDev -27.7%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

its only my 2nd time having this beer and its not as good as i remembered it being the only other time i drank it about a year ago. Def a distinctive enough flavor but not particularly outstanding in any way i didnt think. Had on in a glass and another right from the bottle. def better in a glass.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2012 15:58:07 | More by ForrestChess

sethmeister

New Hampshire

3.2/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Clear bright copper body with a foamy offwhite head and soapy lace

Scent is fresh bread with a touch of honey

Taste is sweet bready malts with a light citrus and floral hop note. Grapefruit and a touch of pine.

Mouth is slick medium.

Not a bad ipa but not among my favorites.

Serving type: growler

04-06-2012 21:14:09 | More by sethmeister

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.73/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Pours a glowing copper color. Aside from the chill haze, the beer is transparent. Smaller head. Head leaves some light lace rings.

S-Lighter hoppiness. Pretty fruity and a bit juicy. To me, more citrus than pine. Light but pleasant. Light bready and caramel malt balances out the aroma.

T-More bitter than expected. More pine than in the nose. Unfortunately, the juicy fruitiness found in the nose is somewhat lost on the palate. Balanced but the bitterness and pine is the most stressed flavor. Better than I expected however.

M-Strong carbonation. A tiny bit slick. Dry. Lighter feel. A light and sessionable IPA thanks in most part to the feel.

O/D-This is quite like Long Trail's IPA. Not very similar in the flavor but both are good 12 pack beers because they are lighter bodied, easy-drinking, but still have just enough hoppiness to keep me at least modestly interested in the flavor. Good but not great.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2011 22:24:41 | More by VelvetExtract

zeledonia

Minnesota

3.68/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Tasted 9 September 2011, reviewed from notes.

Pours a clear orange amber, with a 2-finger white head. Average retention and lacing.

Smell is full and bitter, but well-balanced. Citrusy and sharp, with grapefruit rind as the most prominent aroma.

Taste is more bitter and less citrus than the smell. Less balanced, with a straight long bitter finish.

Mouthfeel is medium-light, good carbonation.

A decent IPA, with good citrus notes. Strong on the grapefruit, and a little bitter for my tastes, but solid.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2011 03:40:29 | More by zeledonia

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

3.7/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This brew was also on tap at the 2010 ACBF. The beer poured out as a decent looking golden color with a bubbly white head on top. The smell of some hops blended pretty well with the malts. The aroma is actually pretty nice on this brew. The taste of the beer is decent for a standard IPA. The mouthfeel of the beer was drinkable, it was clean and crisp, had a lighter body to it. Overall this was a pretty solid IPA for the common beer lover.

Serving type: on-tap

09-07-2011 15:15:33 | More by Knapp85

haggis

Massachusetts

3.43/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pretty malty for an IPA. Got it at a place that was offering Opa growlers cheap, so that has to be factored in. Not as savagely hoppy as many American IPAs. Poured with medium life to it, head was quick but diminished faster, but there is a semi-decent foam clinging to glass. Not bad. Place offers growler for $5.75 so will be back, but I'm thinking that price has affected the full grade here.

Serving type: growler

08-23-2011 22:13:35 | More by haggis

PDXHops

South Carolina

2.55/5  rDev -29.9%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

12 ounce bottle poured into a shaker pint. Impressive streaky and soapy lacing atop the orange body, and the retention ain't bad, either.

Nutty and leafy aromas with some mild herbal and citric undertones. Bitterness is just fine, but the flavors scream not IPA, but (a hoppy) ESB. Leafy, nutty, oily, toasty and a bit pungent. A touch of grapefruit zest. There's certainly nothing wrong with an IPA that's not all pine and citrus; the malt profile seems to be chiefly the source of style confusion here. Tasty enough, but not something I'd look to for a hops fix.

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2011 22:41:17 | More by PDXHops

ToasterChef

Maine

3.85/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A slightly chilled bottle is poured into a pint glass.

The is a good, basic IPA. The flavor profile is world shattering but is enjoyable and stands up to (my) scrutiny. Bitter hops remind of forests and twigs. Crystal sugars and caramel malts provide a good base. The liquid is the color of a copper kettle. Plenty of carbonation can be seen rising within, rising towards the large off-white foam head. The hop aroma is not overwhelming, but is solid. Hops are forest-like. Some sweetness can also be smelled. An average weight body and carbonation levels are standard, and the beer is only slightly sticky upon my lips. Overall, I like this beer. It seems like a solid and enjoyable local, but probably not one I would go out of my way for; but if I found some in my travels, I wouldn't avoid it.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2011 17:53:59 | More by ToasterChef

9InchNails

New Jersey

3.45/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

I purchased this prepackaged growler at State Liquors in Worcester Mass.

Poured this from the growler into my Wormtown Pint glass. Clear golden body with sporadic bubbles. Frothy white head that faded into a film leaving lacing on the sides of the glass.

Bready malt with some floral aromas. Hints of grapefruit and pine.

Bready malt right away with a metalic taste of hops. I do get some floral and grapefruit and a very dry bitter finish. A decent tasting IPA.

Light body, leaves the lips a little sticky and the mouth dry. Carbonation is noticeable but not prickly. It feels okay nothing special.

This is a decent IPA, nothing special; the aromas and flavors are kind of weak. It's not a horrible brew, it's just something I won't go out of my way to have again.

Serving type: bottle

07-10-2011 03:53:28 | More by 9InchNails

rowingbrewer

Massachusetts

2.8/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Had this beer at a recent homebrew club meeting, the beer pours a amber color with a small white head. the smell is not overly hoppy, but not underhopped. the taste falls away and there is very little hope flavor or bitterness if any. the mouthfeel is medium boddy with moderate carbonation. overall not a good beer, will not buy.

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2011 20:25:42 | More by rowingbrewer

jwinship83

Illinois

4.22/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle picked up while in boston for EBF/NotB. drank from my samuel adams perfect pint glass. my first beer from this brewery.

A- this one pours out a translucent and darker than expected amber colored body with moderately large bright white head on top. the head takes its time falling and levaes behind large riings of lacing. very nice.

S- the first thing i pick up on in the nose are all the hops this one has in store for me. very pine forward, with a little bit of grapefruit to follow. there are some sweet caramel malts that add some balance at the end.

T- the taste starts out with some sweet caramel malts before moving onto a heavy dose of piny hops. there are also some grapefruit and floral notes, but this one is all about the pine.

M- medium bodied and not overly bitter. well carbonated.

D- very flavorful and almost sessionable in strength. i really enjoyed this one. ill look for it next time in the area for sure.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2011 01:17:31 | More by jwinship83

BennyL1

Massachusetts

3.5/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a New Belgium globe

A - The appearance is pretty much standard for an IPA. Pours a nice amber color with a bit of foamy white head. Nice lacing along the glass.

S - Citrus notes upfront (grapefruit) with a sweet malt background. Once again, pretty standard for the style but still good.

T - Hops up front with the citrus notes leading the way. The malt sweetness really comes through leaving barely any bitterness. The bottle is about 4 months old so that could possibly be why.

M - Body on the lighter side with good carbonation. Nice and smooth on the way down.

D - I wouldn't mind trying this one again when it is nice and fresh. Not bad as is, just nothing that really stands out.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2011 03:51:22 | More by BennyL1

Stockfan42

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a growler to my cape cod beer glass. Pours an amber orange body with a chunky sticky head that sticks to the glass.

Has a floral hoppy aroma with a fruity kick. Not very strong, but nice.

At first your mouth is attacked by bitterness. As it goes down you start to taste it's fruity side. Some grapefruits, lemon zest. A sweet malty finish with hops all throughout. Very tasty.

Mouthfeel is very creamy. A bit of carbonation going on as well, and goes down light. A whole growler should hit the spot quite well.

Overall a very tasty and bitter ipa. Always a good selection.

Serving type: growler

02-04-2011 02:23:10 | More by Stockfan42

cridder

Massachusetts

4.47/5  rDev +22.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Buckwheat IPA from the original brewery in Southampton.
Pours light amber color with nice head and lots of lacing.
Nice hoppy bitter bite when cold. Then gets smoother when it warms. Taste of wheat malt that's present at first, then hops kick in, with even an after bite.
Nose of malt and some citrus in there. Very enjoyable!
Better than most average IPA's. From growler at 5.99 you can't go wrong. 1/7/2011.

Serving type: growler

01-07-2011 07:43:58 | More by cridder

ColForbinBC

New Jersey

2.8/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12oz bottle poured into a pint

A hazy copper that shows off an orange glow when held up to the light. The ecru cap stood firm and retreated slowly. Some delicate lace sticks here and there.

The nose is malt dominant. Sweet biscuit and shortcake with some fruity esters and toffee. The hops add layers of herbal/medicinal notes, grapefruit, and pine needles.

The hops step forward a little bit more on the palate. Lightly bitter pine needles and soft fruit. Toffee and biscuits holding down the back end.

Medium-light body with nice carbonation. A light lingering bitterness coupled with toffee and citrus.

An easy drinker for sure, but just not in love with this guy. Not on the "never again" list but definitely not something I am craving again.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2010 22:52:35 | More by ColForbinBC

MoreThanWine

Massachusetts

2.95/5  rDev -19%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a slightly hazy raw sienna color. 2" head settles down to 1". I can slightly smell the hops, and taste them too, but like I've said lately in other reviews they really just strike me as ordinary IPA, it's not like this stands out of the crowd.

This is petty but I was a litte put-off by the cowboy and stage coach label. Granted this is brewed in a steakhouse but it's in Massachusetts - and since I'm from Kansas I feel a right to question its cowboy pedigree, partner.

Serving type: bottle

10-02-2010 11:50:13 | More by MoreThanWine

BeerNinja007

New Hampshire

3.73/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Got this 12oz single for $1.54 at Harvest Fine Wine in West Hartford CT. Born on 122109, so nearly 10 months old now. Served cold in a chilled pint glass.

Foggy copper brew gives an orange halo against a light. The head is a decent 1" tan cake that retains its height as it settles, creating pockets and caverns thorough the structure. Smell is semi-sweet biscuit/shortcake, a fair bit of unidentifiable hop, with a good dose of clean fruity esters... raspberry. In the mouth the hop and fruit combines to come across as a pungent sour raspberry. A bit of biscuit is present but plays only a supporting role. Mouthfeel is a spritzy carbonation, fizzy but not offensive, moderately thick, mostly dry. Finishes with pepper and lingering hop which, without the raspberry, turns out to be grapefruit rind. Some spots of thin sticky foam grace the glass throughout.

Pretty good IPA at a good price. I tend to like them on the pine and grass part of the hop map, not a big fan of grapefruit (reminds me of vomit). But that's just personal preference (some people like vomit).

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2010 00:28:41 | More by BeerNinja007

egy

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a pint glass from a bottle with a best by date of March 2011.

A - Hazy amber/orange with a one finger head that last a few minutes and a few sips

S - Sweet and hoppy. A slight floral hop note is there but it's mainly citrusy

T - A big hit of sweet citrus hop flavor hits you at first, and never really goes away. This beer is surprisingly potent.

M - Good amount of carbonation to be paired with the sweet hop flavor. Almost a citrusy juice type texture.

D - Honestly I enjoy this beer but haven't found my self drinking more than two in an evening, either I want something different, or I'm just no loner interested...

Serving type: bottle

09-09-2010 15:05:06 | More by egy

plaid75

New York

3.9/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a murky medium copper hue with a two finger frothy white head. There was good retention and lacing.

The smell featured a light sweet malt, orange and some whit pepper.

The taste consisted of a grainy malt with a lingering spicy herbal hop.

The mouthfeel was typical of the style.

Overall a tasty and spicy IPA.

Serving type: bottle

08-08-2010 21:32:00 | More by plaid75

BeerAdvocate

Massachusetts

3.5/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Beer review from BA Mag Nov 2007.

While the distribution offices are listed in Florida, the Opa-Opa brand started off as a brewpub in Southampton, MA, and now has distribution points in both Massachusetts, Florida and Connecticut with the help of contract brewing in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Frothy rocky sea foam head stays thick and afloat even after several sips. Superb head retention here. The appearance is of a very hazy orange-amber color which is most likely due to the hops and minimal filtering. Slightly pungent oily, juicy citric and wildflower hop aroma with some sweet malt in the back. Big on smoothness with a moderate carbonation and medium body. Hop bitterness takes over the palate right from the start with a pungent oiliness, flavors of grapefruit zest and raw pine sap come to mind. There is some malt character underneath the hops, toasted biscuit and animal-feed grain flavors come through middle to end. The hop flavor just does not want to let go, even the finish is a long drawn-out encore with a semisweetness that is mostly masked.

Its great to know there is another east coast IPA that can hold its own to any West Coast hop bomb. This is some old school craft beer here--drink and learn.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2010 01:09:19 | More by BeerAdvocate

OtherShoe2

Massachusetts

3.2/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours copper amber with an off-white head, some light lacing.

Some pine aromas, and some thick sweet toasted malt aromas.

An unbalanced beer. Wants to be an IPA, but the strongest point is the malt. Caramel, maybe even some cocoa. Then pine hoppiness, but not enough to cut thru the malt. Too sweet, too unimpressive when it comes to the hops. Decent, but missing some edge to it. Sweet, soft, pine/bitter, sweet again. A weaker IPA.

medium bodied, nothing astringent or having a bite. Missing some carbonation.

Overall, no bad, but there are plenty of much better IPA's out there. The beer fridge consisted of this, Dales Pale Ale and Racer 5. Racer 5 disappeared, then the Dale's. then this. Not a bad 3rd place, but missing alot. An ok brew and a mediocre IPA.

Serving type: bottle

06-27-2010 04:17:05 | More by OtherShoe2