Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. Head Brewer Logan Ackerley Talks Largemouth IPA

We spoke with Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. Head Brewer Logan Ackerley about Largemouth IPA.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
I’m not sure I can single out one favorite aspect of Largemouth. I don’t think any aspect stands out above another. The bitterness is balanced by a soft, medium-full body and flavors of citrus and pine. It has the pungent, fruity aroma you want in an IPA. And the alcohol content isn’t so high that it’s going to knock you out. The summation of all these things it what makes this beer so great.

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
Our brewery is located less than a mile from Lake Wallenpaupack, which has some great fishing. Largemouth bass are one of the types of fish you might catch while out on the lake so we thought it would be a pretty relatable name.

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
It’s a great IPA, but if I’m being honest, it’s not my “desert island beer.” I’m more of a beer-flavored beer type of guy. Give me a nice pilsner and I’ll be good.

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Bitter like an IPA should be but still fruity.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
This beer was never supposed to stick around. We were just brewing a one-off IPA to fill a tap. The response from our customers was undeniable though. They loved this IPA and it quickly became our second flagship offering. It’s now our most award-winning beer, our best-selling beer, and it accounts for almost a quarter of our annual production.

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Our culinary team makes a killer grilled chicken sandwich. They marinate the chicken in Largemouth IPA, grill it, and add sun-dried tomato pesto, cheese from a local creamery, bacon and spinach and serve it on rosemary ciabatta. Probably my favorite food and beer pairing.

Read Review