I have been trying a lot of different IPAs lately. I am generally a fan of dry, hoppy beers, but for some reason had never taken to India pale ales until fairly recently. Among my list of current favorites is Red Hook Brewery's Long Hammer IPA.
Red Hook's Long Hammer is a very tasty beer. It has a light, dry taste that is crisp on the palette and tastes heavily of citrus. Although the taste is bold and bitter, it does not linger long in the aftertaste, giving the beer a relatively clean and refreshing finish. I was really impressed by the aromatic citrus flavor of Red Hook's IPA. It tastes noticeably of grapefruit, a flavor of which I readily approve. Grapefruit is one of my favorite citrus fruits, and I have yet to have a grapefruit-oriented beverage that I have not enjoyed. So, needless to say (although I am about to say it anyway), I really enjoy this beer.
I think that I may add this to my list of "standby" beers. It is delicious, well-balanced, easy to find, and relatively inexpensive. Red Hook's Long Hammer IPA is a very satisfying beverage, and it is very easy for me to recommend, especially to drinkers who favor bolder beers.
Verdict: Highly Recommended
Purchased: Exxon Filling Station [Columbia, SC]
Size: 12 fl. oz. [355 mL]
Price: $7.99 [6-pack]