The relatively new White India Pale Ale style has often been described as a cross between a traditional IPA and a Belgian witbier. Ken Hermann at Harpoon doesn’t stray from that explanation but has opted to lean more heavily on the IPA side of the equation with this latest release from the brewery.
Brewed on July 19, 2012, the White IPA pours a hazy gold with a soap-like head that has loose, large bubbles. The nose is extremely floral, and the Belgian influence comes through with a pleasant ester character at the tail-end of the aroma.
At room temperature, this beer has a soft, biscuity malt richness that plays well with the lemon and grapefruit tartness of Simcoe, Citra and Cascade. The White IPA is not as astringent as expected, and if served cold, it likely would lose the personality of the huge but well-rounded hop combination.
The “Belgian wit-ness” of most white IPAs doesn’t come across nearly as strong as in Harpoon’s rendition, but a very slight spiciness from the added coriander manages to peek through in the finish.
Harpoon’s White IPA, the latest in its 100 Barrel Series, comes in 22-oz. bottles and on draft and has availability in Harpoon’s distribution area.
At 6.2 percent ABV, this beer pairs well with outdoors, friends and the sun. Instead of a cooler full of ice and plastic cups, however, it deserves a warmer serving temperature and a few tulips.
—Daniel Bradford contributed to this review.
