Ipswich Ale Brewery - S.I.P.A. (Session IPA)

Session IPAs have become a super-popular style in the last couple of years, offering a flavorful but lower ABV alternative to traditional IPAs. Ipswich’s foray into this style presents a bright copper color with plenty of foam which drops to a persistent collar. We loved the exuberant aroma on this brew; the hops are very fruity, offering up big tropical fruit notes akin to pineapple and passion fruit, bolstered by grapefruit and tangerine-like citrus tones. Look for that hop character to come through in a big way on the palate too, joined by considerable spiciness. The malts add a mild touch of toast and caramel for structure and some balancing flavor, while the hop bitterness comes through quite firmly, keeping this brew dry from start to finish. At just 3.9% ABV, this very sessionable brew is a great example of how talented brewers can craft lower-ABV beers which still deliver tons of flavor. Try pairing with grilled Cajun-style shrimp, Asian salads, or a simple snack of aged cheddar. Cheers!

The roots of Ipswich Ale Brewery go back to the founding of Ipswich Brewing Company in 1991, making 2016 the 25th anniversary of this icon of Massachusetts’ North Shore. 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 this year, 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, Ipswich has also come out with a complete line of hand-crafted soda-pop and a mustard imbued with Ipswich Oatmeal Stout. And, we have to mention this: you can rent one of their Tapmobiles for special events, to enjoy up to eight 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, their beers and sodas, and scheduled tours, call 978-356-3329 or visit them at www.ipswichalebrewery.com.