Harpoon IPA - Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall

damndirtyape

Ohio

3.33/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On tap at the Uno Chicago Grill, Orlando FL - International Drive. Served in a flared pilsner glass (looks like a Hefeweizen glass with thin bottom, large top).

Appearance: Clear gold to amber color. Off-white very thin skin of foam across the top. Persistent sheets and strands of lacing here and there.

Smell: Remarkably odorless. Barest hint of citrus hops when first brought to the table, but nothing after that.

Taste: Citrus, mild pine bitterness with a good malt backbone. Well balanced - a good, if not overly flavorful, simple AIPA. What I mean is that it's not a hop bomb, it's not an extreme AIPA - it's just a simple AIPA - classic AIPA bitter flavors, straight forward malt to balance it all out.

Mouthfeel: Good carbonation with a nice thickness. Sticks a little to the teeth.

Overall / Drinkability: Plenty drinkable, went well with the deep-dish pizza. In the end though, nothing special - perhaps an average example of an AIPA. Good simplicity in the flavor, but a letdown in aroma so not an outstanding AIPA overall.

Serving type: on-tap

04-03-2012 23:33:32 | More by damndirtyape

rarbring

Sweden

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

A clear dep golden brew, an off-white head that leaves good lacing and some curtains.

Smells of oatmeal, lemon and grape-fruit.

Some brown bread, grape-fuit juice and peel.

Little carbonation, small bubbles, fresh and smooth, a dry finish.

A nice clean standard IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

03-31-2012 19:00:30 | More by rarbring

socon67

New York

3.6/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Orange\amber pour. Decent foam retention and lacing. Clarity is good.

S - Scents of hoppy spice, and a bit of fresh apples. But the smell was tame and didn't increase as it warmed a bit.

T - Good crisp flavor. Has a decent ratio of sweetness to bitteress. Overall it is mellow on both counts which makes it a solid IPA.

M - Very sessionable. Slight hop bite at the end. This is a great option to see on tap if you want a few cold drafts.

O - a solid IPA for any season. I didn't find it all that exciting, but I would easily go back to this.

Serving type: on-tap

03-16-2012 19:40:34 | More by socon67

Hopdaemon39

Massachusetts

3.35/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Had on draft at Ghazal in JP- poured a very clear yellow golden color with a half finger head. Very little retention and a little bit of lacing.

Generic smell- a little citrus hops a little pine. Ale yeast (it's something I recognize only from my own brews really).

Tastes pretty good- again nothing l exciting but nothing bad. Same citrus and pine hop tastes neither really dominate.

A light to medium bodied brew with medium carbonation. This a fine session ipa but not anything to ring home about. There are better ones.

Serving type: on-tap

02-17-2012 19:31:34 | More by Hopdaemon39

dtivp

West Virginia

3.4/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a hazy light copper gold with a a nice foamy white head that fades into a thin cap, little lacing.

Aroma of floral hops, citrus and light malt.

Taste of light floral hops, grain, grass and hints of citrus. Not over-ally bitter, a very nice balanced taste.

Mouth Feel was medium body, moderate carbonation, crisp with a slight bitter and dry ending.

Overall this a good well balanced IPA, very drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

02-11-2012 17:44:31 | More by dtivp

jb413

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Poured a bright, light golden-copper with some rising bubbles, finger and a half of white head with good retention, and some decent lacing.

S - Big floral hop presence in the nose dominates some less noticeable toasted malt and herbal notes.

T - Floral hops are moderate and tasty in the front. Transitions with mildly balancing underlying malt before moving into a pleasant and prolonged bitterness in the finish.

MF - smooth and crisp. Refreshing. Pretty drinkable. Body is medium. Carbonation matches well and finish is nice.

O - Still new to the IPA hoppy styles, and this has been a nice gateway. A good pick all around.

Serving type: on-tap

01-01-2012 17:16:10 | More by jb413

happy4hoppybeer

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev -17.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Having had their rather excellent Leviathan Imperial IPA, I thought I'd try this when I saw it was available on-tap at my local bar.

From notes:

Light golden orange, with moderate fluffy white head. Average retention. Very little lacing.

Some sweet smells of fruits, some very sweet malt, and some citrus. Hops are present, but under-served.

Sweet fruits, and overly sweet malt, a little citrus here, and then some hops somewhere in between. Some grains, and breadiness is apparent. Medium body, maybe a little on the thin side, high carbonation.

Rather disappointing as an IPA. The hops are not very well-served, overemphasized sweetness and grains, thus not as hoppy as it should be. And at only 5.9% ABV, it's a rather weak one.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2011 17:20:08 | More by happy4hoppybeer

DrinkSlurm

Connecticut

3.98/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap poured into pint glass. I have had this so many times...from a can, tap, bottle, and even at the brewery. This beer, for me anyway, is a solid IPA. Its always good and available at most restaurants and bars who at least try to expand beyond Macros...
Its hoppy, but not overdone. Light, refreshing, and easy drinking.
Its up there as one of my go to IPAs...especially cool that it comes in a can, for festivals and concerts...

Serving type: on-tap

12-13-2011 16:24:37 | More by DrinkSlurm

kangarooAdam59

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

At All Star Bar attached to Romeo's Pizza (Yarmouth, ME):

In a pint glass:

A: clear, bubbly, and light gold in color, white frothy head with good sticky lacing that doesn't last

S: floral, citrus, and some grassy pine, subdued malts come out as it warms

T: mild citrus hop flavor, malts come out as it warms

M: medium, somewhat sticky coating the mouth and tongue, sessionable, sticky finish, no aftertaste

O: pretty good American IPA, maltier than most AIPA's, but hey I'd come back to it

Serving type: on-tap

12-04-2011 01:00:24 | More by kangarooAdam59

darylvelez

Massachusetts

4.58/5  rDev +26.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This is my favorite beer. I could drink it everyday, if it weren't for becoming an alcoholic. I love local beer, and this is the best in the Boston area. Deep malty color, medium body, great hoppy taste this is my IPA standard and furthermore standard beer. Long live Harpoon IPA!

Serving type: on-tap

12-04-2011 00:16:02 | More by darylvelez

rmalinowski4

Illinois

3.35/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in a pint glass while dining at Red Robin in Rochester NY.

Appearance is a crystal clear bright yellow. There was minimal head with some lacing on the glass.

The smell was bready malt and some floral citrus smells in the background. The malt is the dominant smell.

The taste is clean and crisp malt followed by a lingering bitterness. There is no citrus to be had, just crisp malt and bitter hops.

The mouthfeel is medium bodied with very nice carbonation, I am mesmerized watching the bubbles rise up in the glass.

Overall, this is a decent IPA. Good malt backbone, very nice carbonation and mouthfeel. The only down side are the hops. Just too bitter and not enough citrus or aroma.

Serving type: on-tap

11-05-2011 16:04:47 | More by rmalinowski4

BigMike

Pennsylvania

2.8/5  rDev -22.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: Light copper orange in color. A thin khaki colored head that goes away quickly. Slighty hazy.

S: Light floral and citrus on the nose. Nothing that really jumps out at you.

T: I got to the end of the glass and forgot i was even drinking a beer. This thing just kind of went by uneventfully. A slight bitterness on the finish is the only lingering flavor. The initial floral notes are gone before you know it.

M: Light bodied. Decent carbonation.

Overall: Nothing special going on here. A non offensive IPA thats pretty easy to drink and would be at home on a hot day.

Serving type: on-tap

11-02-2011 19:11:31 | More by BigMike

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

4.1/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured on-tap at a TGIFridays and served in a weisse-vase, the beer is a bright copper-gold coloring, with a chestnut color in the depths. Very thin film of white head atop the brew. Light and green nose, with spicy notes throughout, and an overall blend of grapefruit and oregano. The flavor is caramel malt forward, with a roasted character, followed by grapefruit sweet and tart, and then ending with a flush of fresh, green, wet hops at the end, and peppery/all-spice highlights throughout. Grapefruit sweet and tart aftertaste, with hops spice and bitters. The finish is quick, clean, and dry. Tasty!

Serving type: on-tap

09-29-2011 04:28:21 | More by GarthDanielson

tdm168

North Carolina

4/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a light copper with a thin lacing of head. The nose is citrusy, floral hops. The taste is light, pale malt with citrusy, floral hops that add a smooth grapefruit-like finish. Mouthfeel is light to medium bodied, smooth, and refreshing.

Overall a good beer though it's a little one dimensional. It's not the best IPA on the market, but it's one of my go-to's when I'm in a pinch.

Serving type: on-tap

09-25-2011 15:48:08 | More by tdm168

KDawg

Illinois

3.3/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

this was poured from draft. Poured a good light orange color with a nice foamy head

Good aromatics with expected tones of citrus, hops, some lemons and a slight bit of malt tones as well. While the aromas were fairly expected, they were very good as well

medium/full bodied but lacking a bit in the taste area. Good feel with it and mostly citrus and hops flavors

this was a pretty straightforward IPA, but it was done well. Good for when in the mood for an IPA, but it isn't a real blow away one

Serving type: on-tap

09-23-2011 04:49:01 | More by KDawg

bubseymour

Maryland

4/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this one on-tap served in a plastic cup at a festival in 90 degree heat.

Appearance - pretty good considering the conditions. Dark brown with nice head and retention

smell - nice hoppy scents

Taste - this was a nicely flavored IPA with piney hop presence and full body

Mouthfeel - full bodied

Overall - this was a good IPA and will be glad to have anotherone at a later date

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2011 22:18:16 | More by bubseymour

scootpolute

Washington

5/5  rDev +37.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

On tap @ '...'(I forgot the name) Locks Restaurant & the Bradley (Hartford) Airport into custom painted pint glass.

A - Pours golden, with a nice white head...- some lacing.

S - Hops and lots of sweet citrus -

T - Smooth & Bright! A good hop kick at the top, followed by some citrus, then ending with a bit of pine-like spices...Pleasant & refreshing!!

M - Great carbonation! There's a good fullness. Present, but not 'too' much fruity/sweet flavors...

D - This is a great east-coast stand-by!! I don't appreciate the last several 'B and C' grades some of the other members have given Harpoon IPA. The previous beer drinkers claim that this beer appears to be 'too-macro...' For cryin' out loud, this is one of the 1st post Bass IPAs that's been around forever (mid to early 90's) & paved the way for what everyone tastes now...was a fan in the back 'in the day' and remain one :~)

Serving type: on-tap

08-19-2011 19:48:43 | More by scootpolute

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

3.35/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a pint glass at a bar. Poured awfully clear for an IPA. Was a golden straw color, which I think is a negative for an IPA. No real head to speak of.

The smell isnt really amazing, but I cant find a fault other than its lack of something spectacular. Good citrusy hop aroma.

I really like the hops in this brew; they've got the right idea for my taste buds. They lean more toward the citrusy than the piney. The main problem I had with the taste was that an adjunct malt taste would sneak in every once in a while and ruin the good hoppy flavors. Tastes like a watered down IPA.

The aftertaste is consistent with the taste. Good hop, but when that adjunct malt flavor comes around, it tends to stick around.

Serving type: on-tap

08-11-2011 02:39:03 | More by VncentLIFE

afksports

New York

2.98/5  rDev -17.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

I am drinking this Harpoon IPA on tap at Amity Hall celebrating my passing of a beer server exam that - thanks to beer nerds everywhere - proved relatively easy.

It's pale gold to copper in appearance, with a little lacing clingy to the top of the body. The tiny head dissipates quickly which is a little odd given that it's well-carbonated. The aroma is pale malt and pine / grapefruit hops, but the water and malt are more pronounced. Honestly, west coast Pale Ales are hoppier than this in smell and taste. It begins a little bitter on the tongue, and the alcohol is covered well by the malt and water. It's crisp, easy-drinking, but indistinct from other options. And it's got a thinne body than most IPA's in it's market.

Plainly put, I would love this bee if I were looking to get sleepy more quickly, slur my speech, and have a heightened emotional state.

(That's on the exam.)

Serving type: on-tap

08-08-2011 22:10:47 | More by afksports

CraftBeerTastic

Pennsylvania

3.28/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Ba Review #24
Served On: 7/31/2011
Glassware: Weizen Glass

Had this one on tap at the local TGI Fridays. I have to say; this new craft beer initiative they started is really great. I wish more chain establishments would keep a couple micro brews on tap like this. I probably would frequent them more often.

Look: A lighter colored IPA, a little darker than straw. Head was a thin coating at the top with good carbonation.

Smell: I got some herbal notes with an almost Belgian quality. Had I not have know better, I would have call this a wheat beer. It certainly wasn’t an overpowering aroma, but hops and malt were coming through.

Taste: This was a lighter IPA all around. The mouth feel was light, so was the hop profile and even the aftertaste. It started out with that Belgian herbal quality, then bitterness kicked in. The aftertaste was fairly clean with hints of bitterness and the herbal notes.

This is an excellent IPA for a restaurant franchise to offer because it’s nothing too overpowering and has good drinkability. I probably could have paired it with any of their menu items. I happened to have a cheeseburger with French onion soup. This beer offers such a neutral palate - it could probably go with just about any cuisine.

Serving type: on-tap

07-31-2011 20:51:11 | More by CraftBeerTastic

mdaschaf

Washington

3.28/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Review from notes.

A: The beer is orange gold in color with a one finger white frothy head. Pretty good head retention, lasting for most of the time drinking. Left behind some spotty lacing.

S: Very light, a bit of floral hops with a bit of citrus and caramelized malt.

T: Similarly weak, with a slight bit if hops upfront. There is some light citrus as well as some floral and grassy flavors. A little biscuity malt and some caramel balance the beer out. Slight bitter finish.

M: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth and was rather crisp on the hot day that I had this.

O: Nothing offensive about it, just a bit boring. Seemed lacking in oomph. Just needs a little something more to get it to solid. Not a bad option in the greater Boston area though, where it may be the best draft beer available.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2011 17:50:06 | More by mdaschaf

gatorguy

Virginia

3.4/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had this on tap at this evenings summer brewfest in Norfolk, VA. Pours a nice golden copper color with a good finger and a half white head that leaves some lacing. Smell was of spicy hops and citrus, grapefruit and orange came to mind. Taste followed smell, but hops were a bit subdued. It was a balanced flavor, though, and rather easy drinking for it's ABV. Overall this is a good IPA offering, but there are better.

Serving type: on-tap

07-16-2011 01:53:03 | More by gatorguy

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

3.45/5  rDev -5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On draft at The Upper Crest in D.C.

The beer is crystal clear and light yellow hued. Effervescence lasts the duration of the session. The head is a finger thick and leaves some decent legs on the glass. The aroma is pretty weak, with only faint traces of hops. The flavor is better, with some pine and hop flavors and a lingering bitterness. Overall, an ok offering.

Serving type: on-tap

07-04-2011 19:52:46 | More by Huhzubendah

Duff27

Illinois

2.88/5  rDev -20.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

A- Thin white head on a clear amber beer. Good lacing and head retention.

S- Smells of grapefruit and...hoppy.

T- I don't really taste anything until I get a strange fruity aftertaste, kind of off putting to be frank.

M- Medium to medium thin feel. Good carbonation.

D/O- With all the other good to great IPAs out there, don't waste your time with this one. "Must be eight dollar beer night."

Serving type: on-tap

07-03-2011 16:17:14 | More by Duff27

therica

Maryland

3.7/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at Chicago UNO in Hagerstown MD.

Nice to see a nicely hoppy beer there for once-- usually they just have Samuel Adams rebranded "Uno" beers and none in the hoppy zone.

A= lighter amber-copper, a very large gushy foamy head when served (all 3 that I had!) in tall pils-style 20-ounce glasses (although they looked more in the 16-ounce range).

S= very nice hops presence, west-coast style, some nice bready malts.

T= nicely hoppy bitters, not overwhelming, but fairly well balanced with the chewy bready malts. Decent, very enjoyable, not outstanding in its category however.

M= bready and hops-bitters, some pine and grapefruit but more so the pine although not annoyingly so. Decent for savoring.

O= went well with all the dishes served, ranging from Indian and Tex-Mex appetizers to deep-dish supreme pizza to flatbread pizza. Enjoyable on its own, as well.

Serving type: on-tap

07-01-2011 14:28:03 | More by therica