Session # 102 | Wachusett |Larry | 7.5% ABV
Imperial IPA | Westminster, MA | Rating: 92/100
One thing that should be pretty apparent to most beer geeks by now is that the west coast owns the craft beer market when it comes to producing some of the world’s best (and hoppiest) IPAs. They are also known for brewing them in such a way that really highlights the hops yet pulls back on the malt backbone that typically supports these styles. When I first set out to review Larry, an Imperial IPA from Wachusett Brewing Company out of Westminster, MA, I didn’t expect this east coast brewery to exceed my expectations. I mean let’s face it, the east coast IPAs just don’t measure up for the most part. However, Larry just might change a lot of minds — it certainly changed mine. Immediately out of the glass, I will say there’s nothing exceptional about the color or head on this one. That’s because it’s very traditional looking. It’s clear and has a very clean hoppy aroma which immediately transports you to southern California. It brings a lot of orange, pine, mango, and even a nice touch of honeysuckle. The taste is very nice as well, but tends to be a touch heavy on the bitter end. Though I appreciate the fact that the malts are pulled back on this beer to allow the hops to shine, it could use a touch more to help cut the bitterness. Aside from that this is definitely one to track down, particularly if you’re on the east coast and have problems getting some of the rarer west coast offerings. Up Next: Dark Horse Too.
Others: HotD Blue Dot, Firestone Walker Union Jack, Lagunitas Hop Stoopid
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This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Broken Bells “The High Road”
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Posted by placlair on August 13, 2010 at 2:25 PM
I’m glad to see that you were pleasantly surprised by Larry. It’s certainly amongst the top East Coast (D)IPAs. Have you had the chance to try DFH Squall or either of Smuttynose’s IPAs (FinestKind and BigA)? If not, I highly recommend them, and would gladly work another trade (if you’re interested and I can find them fresh enough – The Smuttynose IPAs, in particular, must be super-fresh for optimal enjoyment).
Posted by thehopry on August 22, 2010 at 1:50 PM
I was definitely surprised with this one. Thank you again. Of the other three IPAs you asked about, the only one I’ve had is the Big A IPA, and I held on to that one a bit too long before drinking it – grated it was in the fridge the whole time, but… I drank it and it was good, but I didn’t want to review it after being that old. I may have to hit you up on the others near the fall or winter. It’s blazing hot here right now and have postponed trading for a while.
Posted by Phredrik on August 14, 2010 at 9:37 AM
Hej Mark, great review this time as well.
I wanted to ask you about the bottle/mini growler standing next to that Southern Tier Cuvee 2. That is just an amazing label and a really cool bottle type. What beer is that? Since you have talked about the packaging and labeling on beers, this one must really be a treat for you?
Cheers, Fredrik
Posted by thehopry on August 22, 2010 at 1:52 PM
Are you talking about the Mississippi Mud jug? I found that in Minneapolis a few weeks ago and bought it for the sole fact of putting it on my coffee table. I doubt it tastes good, but oh well. If you want to read more about it, you can click the link below.
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/638/1741
Posted by Rob Strand on May 5, 2011 at 9:06 AM
Hey Mark, I live 4 miles from the Wachusett Brewery and visit there at least once a week to get my growler filled. The Larry is definitely one of my favorite beers. I definitely agree with you about its unusually west coast taste. The next time I am there, I will have to ask about the hops that they use for this brew. I know that the hops that they use are in the pellet form, and I have a feeling they may be shipped from the other side of the country.
Posted by thehopry on May 5, 2011 at 9:52 AM
Pellet hops are pretty common with beers today. I was just talking with Greg Koch of Stone a couple weeks ago and they use them in all their beers. But yeah, it’d be good to know what hops they use in this beer. And I bet it’s even better straight from the tap into a growler.
Posted by Rob Strand on May 5, 2011 at 11:55 AM
So I didn’t even have to wait until my next visit to the brewery, it is listed right on their website. Larry is brewed using Amarillo, Chinook, Simcoe, Magnum, and Centennial hops, and American Two Row, Crystal and Munich Malts.