4 IPAs to Try at Brew Fest

IPAs are basically the equivalent of pumpkin spice lattes when it comes to popularity, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a soft spot for them. Vermonters take beer very seriously –honestly, we don’t mess around. If you’re an IPA lover or just entering the world of hops, here are four non-basic brews you need to try at Stratton’s Craft Brew Fest.

Maine Brewing Company – Lunch

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maine Beer Company (@mainebeerco) on Jul 2, 2018 at 1:07pm PDT

If you don’t know about Maine Brewing Company, you’ve been living under a rock. This East Coast version of a West Coast-style IPA is one of the breweries signature beers. With an intense hop flavor and aromas of tropical and cirtrus fruits and pine, the beer offers a subtle malt sweetness to balance it out. Fun fact: it’s named after a special whale spotted off of the Maine coast since 1982. 7% ABV and 4.3/5 on BeerAdvocate.

Brown’s Brewing Company – #suchtaste IPA

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brown’s Brewing Co. (@brownsbrewingco) on Jul 30, 2018 at 1:51pm PDT

New York brewery Brown’s limited edition IPA series is not to be missed. The Hashtag IPA series explores the complexity of hops but focusing on bold and unique blends. #suchtaste is the first beer in the series, and takes the best qualities of hazy IPAs with Citra and Mosaic hops. 6.25% ABV and 4.05 on BeerAdvocate.

Fiddlehead Brewing Company – Second Fiddle

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fiddlehead Brewing Company (@fiddleheadbrewing) on May 17, 2018 at 8:36am PDT

This Vermont brewery based in Shelburne is a mainstay in the state’s beer scene. This American Imperial IPA has a sweet hoppy and floral taste while remaining full bodied. This brew is big, juicy, aromatic and a must try for those who love DIPAs. 8.2% ABV and 4.46/5 on BeerAdvocate.

Two Roads Brewing Company – Lil Heaven Session IPA

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Two Roads Brewing (@tworoadsbrewing) on Jul 4, 2018 at 4:41am PDT

A session IPA in a can.  This American IPA is definitely one made for drinking all day long. Featuring Azacca, Mosaic and Equinox hops, the beer tastes of passion fruit, grapefruit and apricots and finished with a toasted malt character to balance it all out. 4.8% ABV and 3.8/5 on BeerAdvocate.

You can try all these beers and more at Stratton’s Craft Brew Fest on Oct. 6. Visit www.stratton.com for tickets.