by Alex Malloy

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

 

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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

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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

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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

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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.