Single Speed IPL from Moat Mountain Brewing Co.
Usually by this time in the winter months of New Hampshire, you are either loving the snow (skiing, snowmobiling, xc skiing, etc) or you are VERY ready for spring! I must admit, I could be talked into a month-long trip south to haven from our season this year. But if you are a true Hampshirite, you tough it out, put on your gloves and go out there again. And after a day of roof shoveling, snow clearing, building snowmen with your kids or whatever, it might just be time for a good brew. So let’s look at this rewarding offering from Moat Mountain Brewing, Single Speed IPL.
Moat Mountain Smoke House & Brewing Company are located in North Conway, NH. Their food is great with a spectacular menu and worth a visit. Although they still brew on premises where their eatery and original location are (smaller batch seasonals for the restaurant and growler fills), their newest brewery upgrade is a state-of-the-art “barn” and artfully done. This place is their main 20 barrel brewery created in 2013. They added the canning line in the following year. It is not open to the public though. You can find out more about their offerings with a name search on Facebook or at their website: www.moatmountain.com
The real difference, albeit slight, between IPA’s and an IPL is crispness. If you are not making an overtly hoppy beer, but just a snappy refresher, lagering is the way to go. It lets hops shine through without being too malty. Lager yeast, which is also responsible in part for pilsners, is a more delicate yeast. It takes longer to ferment and is produced at colder temperatures. This crispness that is obtained helps to make very refined and great tasting beer.
Pouring a clear copper-yellow with a handsome 2 finger high white head, IPL’s 6.3% ABV is a balance of gentleness between hops and malt. It has a light to medium body which doesn’t weigh you down after 16 oz. Refreshingly zesty, yet a bit creamy in texture, Single Speed delivers citrusy and piney notes to your tongue before finishing with the expected hop resonation at the end.
Why not try all of the other offerings from Moat Mountain Brewing. Their Iron Mike Pale Ale, Bone Shaker Brown, Square Tail Stout, Imperial Stout, Miss V’s Blueberry Ale, East Intervale IPA and Hell Yes! Helles Lager are available in 16 oz cans.
You can purchase Moat beers at Hanford Markets and Case-n-Keg, Meredith and Laconia just to name a few locations… brewed in New Hampshire for the love of the beer!
Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to wickedbrews@weirs.com
