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Josh Weikert's picture

S.I.P.A.

May, 2016

S.I.P.A.

Massachusetts
United States
Judges Rating: 
79
Aroma: 
16 / 24
Appearance: 
5 / 6
Flavor: 
35 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
15 / 20

There's no shortage of "sessionable" IPAs on the market, and the challenge most face is how to provide the full hoppy experience with less malt support. That's a challenge that this beer doesn't quite meet.

It pours gold and clear with a scant white head, and the aroma is surprisingly absent. There's a bit of grass and pineapple and a light bready note, but it's very restrained overall.  

The flavor adds more tropical hop flavor (papaya, mango, orange) with medium-high bitterness and some basic grainy malt backbone. It's also light -- too light, really. The bittering is the only thing that comes through full-force, while the rest of the beer tastes watered-down.

It's not bad for what it is, but unless you're a fan of Ipswich's house flavor, you'll probably be more satisfied with another Session IPA -- this one tastes more like a full-strength IPA that was cut with soda water.