Ipswich India Pale Ale (I.P.A.) - Ipswich Ale Brewery

Monkey962

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: A much darker A IPA than I'm used to, with a very slightly cloudy color that is what comes to mind when I think 'dark amber' Pours with a fluffy dirty-white two finger head. Thick clouds of lacing are left down the glass.

Smell: Little malt character. Mostly grapefruit and astringency, and slightly grassy.

Taste: A bitter hop punch in the face up front, that soon mellows out. Unlike some IPAs I've had, it doesn't leave sticky malt sweetness on the lips, which can be slightly sickening sometimes. I had always thought that was a characteristic of the style. Aftertaste is bitter as well, though slightly peppery.

Feel: Very smooth and thick. Seems to feel similarly to some stouts I've had.

Overall: This is a good beer for New England hop heads. Not quite enough malt character for me, but overall a good example of the style.

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2011 23:33:41 | More by Monkey962

PJKSR02

Connecticut

4.85/5  rDev +25%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This is not a beer your girlfriend will like. But if she does, marry her!

A couple times a year, I head to an island in New England, and have to choose which beer to bring. Invariably, it comes down to Ipswich IPA versus Smuttynose IPA, "Finestkind." These are readily available in 12-packs, at reasonable prices.

If anyone has another suggestion, let me know!

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2011 23:22:20 | More by PJKSR02

abgba121

Connecticut

4.5/5  rDev +16%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: pours a light amber color with a strong inch of head and lots of lace

S: dry hoppiness, very piney and a slight malt sweetness

T: Strong dry bitter and slightly sweet with a lingering hop finish

M: medium body and carbonation

O: A great take on the IPA, a must have

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2011 21:15:49 | More by abgba121

Jason

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz brown bottle with no freshness date.

Decent sizable head, clarity is thrown out due the sediment being loose ... I tried, still two fingers of beer left in the bottle that I will most certainly drink. Hazed rusty amber color. Pungent orangey herbal hop nose, rustic with yeast and toasted grain that follows. Just as smooth as it is crisp, bity mouth feel ... you know this beer is in the raw. Hop bitterness blankets the palate and the toasted maltiness rises just below it. Quick suggestion of alcohol through warmth and a light hit of estery fruitiness. Nutty yeast in the semi-dry bitter finish.

Still one of the favorites when I can find it fresh.

Serving type: bottle

07-14-2011 02:33:20 | More by Jason

jsh420

Illinois

2.3/5  rDev -40.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

pours hazy dark copper orange with an off white head that had good retention and faded to a small film that left lacing down the glass

smells of spicy grassy earthy hops and a little caramel malt

taste has quite a bit of grapefruit mixed in with the earthy spicy hops - i do not pick up on any malts

mouthfeel - medium body low carbonation - rather boring

overall - this beer might have been reasonably priced but the flavor is not there and i will not be buying this again

Serving type: bottle

07-11-2011 01:26:38 | More by jsh420

emerge077

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks Hockeybeard Ben™ for this one!

Dark copper orange body, a fingers width of foam on top with a pocked surface after the larger bubbles dissipate. Spotty frothy lacing, the foam fades to a broken skim after a few minutes.

Green and grassy herbal hop aroma, some pine resin. Mild and seemingly crafted in the British-style, malty with some signature east coast dry bitterness in the finish. Caramel and toasted breadiness. Lingering leafy green pine resin bitterness. It could use a little citrus for added complexity. Full bodied, balanced, easy drinking. Worth a try, easy to have a couple at a time if so inclined.

Serving type: bottle

07-10-2011 01:24:59 | More by emerge077

shand

Florida

4.13/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a nonic.

This one pours a hazy deep amber with a huge head that retains excellently. Lacing is full and chunky. Aroma is floral hops and a bit of citrus over caramel malts. Taste comes on with the floral hops taking the spotlight at first, then some citrus comes in to fade over the finishing caramel malts. The mouthfeel is nice, it's fairly light and has a good level of carbonation. The drinkability is very good. Overall, I really enjoyed this IPA. A great, drinkable brew that showcases some nice floral hops.

Serving type: bottle

06-05-2011 02:21:52 | More by shand

tkelley

Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a tulip glass.

A - Different from a lot of IPAs I've seen. Bronze and very hazy and unfiltered. A toasted-marshmallow colored head of about two fingers that dissipates to one and leaves a great lacing. I love the way this beer looks.

S - Hops and flowers with a sweet malt smell.

T - Hops in the front and middle, a nice medium bitterness with good flowery taste. Sweet too, like cookies. Grapefruit presence.

M - Not too much carbonation, but it is crisp in the mouth. Leaves a strong aftertaste that sticks with you. Very nice.

D - I like this beer a lot. The look of it is so different from the other IPAs that Im used to, which are usually filtered and much lighter in color. Probably my favorite example of the style with a great malt-hop balance.

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2011 00:38:50 | More by tkelley

PokerGod

Minnesota

3.6/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle poured into a pint glass

Appearance- a hazy, copper color thats very nice to look at with a very thick head that leaves beautiful lacework.

Smell- Apart from the immediate floral hoppiness that hits you right off the bat (it is an IPA for God's sake) there is something distinctly sweet behind it. A very nice aroma.

Taste- Very Nice. Maltier than the smell would leave you to believe. I didnt really get that bready smell, but the toasted breadiness is there in the taste, also just a hint of fruitiness in the middle makes this a well-balanced IPA.

Overall- Super Easy to drink. The maltiness brings that lovely balance to this IPA. I read that it came in around 60 IBUs.

Serving type: bottle

05-27-2011 04:51:35 | More by PokerGod

aficionado

New Jersey

3.43/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in a half pint glass.

Hazy golden orange body with no lacing but tons of fizzy carbonation. A lot of floaties noticeable near the bottom of the glass which turns me off.

The smell could be better. Earthy hops with a little spice and fruit. I'm actually getting more yeast esters than hops.

Palate is stone fruits like apricot and pear with some orange pith and red grapefruit rind bitterness. Malt character muddle with the hops. Unfortunately, it isn't too appealing. At first taste, there is a nice bitterness, but after awhile it becomes a chore to drink since that bitterness harshly lingers.

As is, there's nothing complex or outstanding about this IPA. It has weak aromatic character, the taste need more complexity and it's not that attractive. Though with some recipe tweaking, this could be a solid East Coast IPA.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2011 21:11:50 | More by aficionado

Gushue3

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A- sitting light red amberish in my glass with lots o carbonation bubbling up from the bottom. Head is minimal ans not much lacing.

S- sweetness upfont thats a combination of citrus and malt. lighter pine notes pick up the tail end.

T- Nice bitterness upfront that gets me to pucker up a little bit. obvious piney and citrus notes with some malt to round it out toward the middle. It finishes smooth with a bitterness that stays on your tongue.

M- nicely carbonated and feels crisp. Goes down nicely.

O- This was a nice surprise. One from my dads mix packs, but he doesnt like IPA's so a win for me. I'm a fan of the more unbalanced IPA's and this is one.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2011 23:12:07 | More by Gushue3

Sensaray

Massachusetts

4.05/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours hazy orange amber with 2 finger head cream colored head

Malts/hops blend in the smell. Theres a crisp fruity smell to it. Apples, peach, orange combination i guess.

BItter citrus/ pine American hops up front. Speaks American IPA to me. The orange lingers more than the pine.

Light to medium mouthfeel. More watery than carbonated.

Overall good example of American IPA. And always give credit to the Mass brewers. Definitely would include in my MA 6 pack.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2011 06:02:10 | More by Sensaray

angrybabboon

Rhode Island

3.65/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Consumed 4/19/11

Appearance: Hazy, cloudy amber/copper color with a decent white head that fades to above-average lacing

Smell: Some citrus (orange, grapefruit), some biscuit - there are undoubtedly some hops here, but they are not as aromatic as I would like

Taste: Surprisingly bitter at first - a lot of citrus bitterness, mostly grapefruit - there are some nice malts in here, too, lightly toasted biscuits - some tart flavors, too - the hoppiness sticks around, and it is welcome - ultimately, a little too much sweetness and citric bitterness for me

Mouthfeel: Light to medium body, extremely sticky - almost a bit too sticky for my taste, and I would like a little more malt to balance the grapefruit

Overall: A great, decidedly East Coast IPA

When I first had this a few years ago I couldn't handle more than a few sips because I actually thought it was too bitter. There is a lot of grapefruit bitterness in the flavor. If this reminds me of anything, it reminds me of Smuttynose Finestkind. Regardless, this is another great Ipswich beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2011 05:37:41 | More by angrybabboon

therica

Maryland

4.35/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A= dark tea or light amber-brown, nice off-white head dissipates quickly; plentiful rimming, lacing and pooling that stays around for the duration.

S= immaculate, a heavenly nose of sweet and roasted malts, light floral and some citrus hops, glorious, I was hyperventilating by nose and mouth.

T= superb, quite a nice and well-integrated blend of malts and hops varieties. Balanced carbonation.

M= this is where the dry IBU hops come out as well as some grassy notes. Nice lingering bitters if you're in that mood. Still balanced with some malts on the tongue.

O= very drinkable, a must-try for quality IPA lovers. Even the max-IBU IPA heads should enjoy the finish and lingering bitters. Probably best on its own and not ruined by food interactions!

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2011 13:08:20 | More by therica

rsdaugherty

Colorado

4.18/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle into pint glass
A - Just managed to fit the whole bottle in the pint with its yellowish white head cresting the rim, great lacing, moderate dissipation. Slightly hazy, medium amber 4.5
S - "Musty" is the best overall description I can think of... light floral and citrus hop with earthy roasted malts 4.0
T - Pine & citrus start goes to toasted grains with a slight sweetness and finishes with an earthy hop bitterness, a great tasting experience. Nothing out of balance, I'd recommend this to my non-IPA loving friends. 4
M - Thicker mouth feel, the first time I will ever use "oily" on the mouth feel, the carbonation is spot on makes this very smooth 4.5
D - Easy to drink, 6.3 ABV is sublime, I want and will have another 4.5

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2011 03:57:44 | More by rsdaugherty

CDiddy420

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a frosted Sam Adams Boston Lager Rastal Designer Glass. (Thee best glass)

A. This IPA is cloudy, but its a result of the hand crafted brewing process. Ive had some that are pretty clear, then ive had some that I had to use a strainer to keep out the large amount of yeast. Thick white head with great lacing.

S. HOPS!!! and More Hops!! hints of the typical pine and citrus,

T. WINNING!!!!

M. Medium body

I love this IPA, Its a contender to the Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2011 19:51:09 | More by CDiddy420

mooseisloose

Florida

3.88/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A recent BOTMC arrival, let's give it a whirl. Popping the top I get a waft of citrus, some caramel and earthy hops. Pours to a barely translucent pale brown in color with a nice tan to off-white micro bubble head. Taste is a very balanced offering. Actually starts of with a big sweeet malt backbone with a light bitterness in the background, but immediately has a quickly building bitterness that builds into a nice bite, then leaves a bitter after taste. A very tasty brew. I would drink this again without a doubt.

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2011 23:25:53 | More by mooseisloose

bonkers

New Jersey

4.1/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I got as part of a BOTMC, poured from 12 ounce bottle into a SA perfect glass. The pour is deep orange, firm 2 finger white head, light lacing. The citrus and pine scent are very fresh, sweet. The flavors of sweet pine meld very nicely with grapefruit/oranges. It has a nice lingering finish. The body is medium, well carbonated, easy drinking. A very good IPA, worth seeking out.

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2011 02:14:40 | More by bonkers

Wasatch

Utah

3.63/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Thanks goes out to TheManiacalOne for this brew.

Pours a nice hazy golden amber color, nice carbonation, nice little fizzy/creamy off-white head, with some nice sticky lacing left behind. The nose is slightly hoppy, malty, with some slight citrus notes, and caramel. The taste is slightly hoppy, malty, slightly sweet, with a touch of citrus. Medium body, nice little dry/bitter finish. Drinkable, not a bad little brew, was expecting more after having the Oatmeal Stout from them.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2011 23:42:56 | More by Wasatch

Duhast500

Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12oz. bottle into a dimpled mug.

The color is a hazy orange/copper with a finger or two foamy white head and some thick lacing left on the glass.

The smell is filled with some bitter hop aroma that there is little sweetness till the second try. Some nice malt aroma comes out and is seeming to balance things out but only the taste can tell.

The taste is has some earthy bitter hop flavor that is holding it's own and pushing the malty flavor over till there is no way of blocking things. Sweetness pushed forward till the end when a bit of a sticky hops pulls things down.

The feel of this beer has some interesting character, t goes down well but hoes have a slight punch to it. It hasa smooth feel but nips at the end.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2011 07:01:28 | More by Duhast500

wmcneill26

Massachusetts

4.18/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Wow. Very impressed. Great head with amazing resiliency. The head retains it's structure like a well-poured Guinness. Head clings to the glass like it's that scrubbing bubbles cleaner in a bathtub. The pour gives off a fruity, earthy, hoppy smell. Great hoppy taste throughout although the aftertaste is a little sharp. Has a deep bronze/amber color. Carbonation is on the medium to mild side, so it's not overly bubbly.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2011 01:01:53 | More by wmcneill26

ms11781

Massachusetts

3.65/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle poured into a pint glass.

Pours a cloudy, golden orange color with a 2 finger, foamy, off white head. Decent retention on the head, it reduces by half and sticks around for a bit while leaving great foamy lacing down the glass.

The nose is pretty balanced here. Piny and citrusy hops lead the way (think more piny than citrus). Definitely picking up some lemon and a spicy hop character as well. The hops are balanced out by a nice caramel malt sweetness that rides nicely underneath.

The taste is less balanced, or at least seems that way at first, due to a huge hop bitterness. Piny and citrusy hops hit first and are pretty strong. The sweet malt is here as well, but it tastes more bready/biscuity that caramel-like. Sharp, lingering, resiny bitterness at the finish.

Medium bodied with a medium carbonation. Lingering bitterness leaves a sticky feeling on the tongue, yet it's dry at the same time. Sounds odd but there's really no other way to put it.

Decent drinkability for a beer of this strength. It's light enough and has a low enough ABV for multiple pints but the lingering bitterness may stop you after one or two. it's not too much for a good pint but I can see how it may get to you after a couple.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2011 20:37:26 | More by ms11781

BlackBearForge

Florida

4.22/5  rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Ipswich IPA pours a nice coppery amber with a decent of-fwhite head leaving some nice sheets of oily lacing.

The aroma has a nice scent of of resinous somewhat floral hops with citrus and caramel in the background.

The malt body of this beer is toasted biscuits with a nicely balanced bite from resinous hops with background noted of orangey citrus.

The body of this beer is nicely medium, smooth and creamy with carbonation dialed in perfectly.

Very drinkable and nicely balanced even with a very respectable level of hop bitterness. Definitely recommended! One of my new favorite IPAs!

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2010 21:44:44 | More by BlackBearForge

Wamesit

Massachusetts

4.9/5  rDev +26.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A- Pours a hazy golden orange. Thick head settles down to a firm finger. Incredible lacing.

S- There is a citrusy hops aroma that mixes with a rich, nutty maltiness.

T- Outstanding. Bitter hops is the dominant flavor but there is a piney richness that balances the very pointed hops strength. The citrus element is specifically grapefruit and adds to the enjoyment from beginning to end.

M- Medium. Very rich. Downright lush.

D- Incredibly drinkable. Despite a heavier mouthfeel and solid IPA bitterness, the balanced flavor and the exquisite citrus element makes this not only one of my favorite IPAs but also one of the most drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2010 03:09:38 | More by Wamesit

ommegangpbr

New York

3.85/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Unassuming looking bottles but I was in the mood for an IPA I hadn't tried before. Having internet access on my phone was useful in closing the deal because BA's seem pretty positive about the beer. The pour reveals a deep bodied amber color with some good head and lacing. The scent is also deep, suggesting pine and bitterness. The flavor is quite piney and resinous with grapefruit on top and a dry, bready/crackery/black tea support system. Some lime citrus notes chime in.
A bit abrasively bitter for my taste but this is good. When I want something with a blunt, aggressive hop strike I'd be happy to pick this up.

Serving type: bottle

10-20-2010 01:42:13 | More by ommegangpbr