A taste of… Federal Jack’s I.P.A.
Federal Jack’s Royal IPA
Kennebunkport Brewing Co.
Kennebunkport, ME
Preface: The Kennebunkport brewing Co. is part of what could be called the Shipyard Brewing Co.’s organization. When they told me about this beer, I asked where I might be able to get a bottle, and was told that it was only available on draft. Nevertheless, they were good enough to send me this growler, marked Royal IPA. It arrived in good shape, and was kept at about 40°F.
Appearance: This is a light bright copper colored brew with a fairly long lasting creamy brown tan head. When poured directly from the above pictured growler, the brew poured a brilliant color, refreshing to look at.
Aroma: The aromas of new mowed grass, with a slight undercurrent of grain reflected the refreshing look of the beer.
Mouth Feel: This is not an incredibly heavy beer, it gives more the impression of a combination between a lager and ale.
Flavor: The flavors of Federal Jack’s reflect both the aroma and the appearance of this beer. Unlike a traditional IPA, the hops in this brew do not assault your taste buds. The best way to describe this beer is “bright”. Both the flavors of the hops and the malt sparkle and underlying the basic flavors of this beer is a refreshing flavor similar to fresh squeezed grape juice. It was surprising, but not unappreciated. If this is the result of the types of hops used in this brew I congratulate them on the choice. Again, this was a surprisingly refreshing, crisp beer.
Comments: naturally, it made a great deal of sense to share this product with a good number of people. And so, I chose a New Year’s brunch to share it with. The people attending the brunch were not particularly beer fans, but after tasting this beer, most of them are happy to taste again.
The address and phone number of the brewpub follows:
Federal Jack’s
8 Western Avenue (Just before the bridge into Kennebunkport)
Kennebunk, Maine
207.967.4322
Cheers!
Peter LaFrance.
