Spencer Trappist IPA

Behold the world’s first Trappist IPA! Not content to only brew traditional abbey ale and European styles, the brothers at Spencer have decided to indulge our American palates with a bold IPA, and we think the world is a better place for it. Bright golden in the glass with a very long-lasting cap of fluffy and well-lacing foam, this IPA looks great as it offers up its big, hoppy aroma profile. Look for prominent juicy citrus notes conjuring impressions of tangerine and orange, along with touches of pineapple-like tropical fruit, soft floral overtones, and hints of pine or spruce. The theme continues in the flavor, which we found quite fruity indeed. Plenty of pils malts create a strong backbone for the big hop notes. The brewers summed up their approach to hopping and dry-hopping this brew by stating the hops “should animate rather than displace the flavor profile of the ale as a whole.” Well, it certainly is animated. The hop profile delivers citrus juice and zest, tropical fruit, pine, and a deeply resinous overall character, no doubt aided by the very dank and super high alpha acid Apollo hops. Bitterness is firm & bold, easily keeping this brew dry at the start, the middle, and especially the finish where the hop bitterness lingers long on the palate. Cheers!