Hey gang, here’s the first of four Longtrail-related beer reviews. I recently picked up their new Farm House IPA Sampler 12-pack, which is sadly only available in Vermont for the time being, and was quite impressed. I’ve been tasting all four offerings over the past week and jotting down my thoughts. Here’s my take on Longtrail’s Black Rye IPA (ABV 6.3%), which is only offered as part of the sampler as far as I know.
There’s something oddly comforting about the old farts hanging about in their lawn chairs on the label of Smuttynose’s “Finest Kind” IPA. Perhaps I’m gazing into my distant future? Life could be worse, right? Cracking the cap off, this 6.9% ABV American IPA pours a effervescent light golden color with a meager white head. A subtle floral fragrance wafts out of the pintglass mingled with a strong blast of yeast aroma. It’s a curious blend that lacks the heavy duty citrus you so often see with the style. The hop flavor starts off subdued, balanced nicely by a subtle sweetness from the malts, but it picks up towards the tail end with a bitterness that creeps in and lingers on the tongue. This lightbodied IPA is deceptively complex and quite drinkable, but it doesn’t inspire me to hit the fridge for another pint.
Verdict: C
Nathan Meunier - Freelance Writer / Author / Indie Game Developer 