Ipswich Ale Brewery - Original Ale

Named one of the World's Ten Best Beers years ago by Wine Spectator magazine, Ipswich Original Ale has won recognition over the years as one of the finest American-brewed English-style pale ales – and that's saying a lot. Expect an orangey-copper color on the pour, capped by a head of off-white foam. In the aroma, look for some leading citric, floral, and earthy tones, along with some woodsy hints and an herbal edge, and it’s all overlaid on a bed of light toast and caramelization – lots of subtle facets, which is a hallmark of English-style ales. On the palate, the toasty, caramel notes come through with moderate sweetness, with a well-balanced moderate hop bitterness as a perfect counterpoint. There are some fruity esters apparent in this medium-bodied brew, which complement the citrusy note offered by the hops. This pale ale finishes with a lingering zesty hop note as the malts fade away with a nutty hint. Great balance, very smooth, tons of character – we love it! Pair with some English Stilton cheese, or a Welsh-style rarebit. Cheers!

The roots of Ipswich Ale Brewery go back to the founding of Ipswich Brewing Company in 1991, meaning this icon of Massachusetts’ North Shore has been with us over three decades now. In 1999, the former Ipswich brewmaster, Rob Martin, bought the brewery from founders Paul Sylva and Jim Beauvais. The brewery sold their Ipswich branded beers under the name of Mercury Brewing Company for many years before transitioning the branding entirely to Ipswich Ale Brewery more recently.

The brewery is situated in Ipswich, Massachusetts, a town on the seaside northeast of Boston. In 2013, the brewery was moved into a new, larger location which used to be home to Soffron Brothers Clams. In January of 2016, Rob and the team at Ipswich opened a new restaurant adjacent to the brewhouse. Known as Ipswich Ale Brewer’s Table, the gastropub offers traditional pub fare along with more sophisticated offerings, and it boasts 15 taps including some exclusive limited-edition Ipswich beers you can only get at the restaurant.

Additionally, you can rent one of their Tapmobiles for special events, to enjoy several of your favorite Ipswich beers and sodas from taps running along the side of a classic old delivery truck converted into a party-mobile extraordinaire. How awesome is that?! For more information about the brewery, visit them at www.ipswichalebrewery.com.