Foundation Epiphany IPA
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Tasting Notes
Epiphany leads with citrus-forward aromatics — grapefruit peel, orange zest, and a hint of pine resin that carries through to the palate. The bitterness is assertive but not aggressive, sitting on a medium body with a clean, dry finish. Malt character stays in the background, providing just enough bready sweetness to keep the hops from dominating without balance. The finish lingers with a pleasant hop bite that fades cleanly.
About the Brewery
Foundation Brewing is based in Portland, Maine, and has built a strong reputation in the Northeast craft beer scene since opening in 2014. They're known for hop-forward ales and have earned consistent praise for technical brewing quality. Their lineup leans heavily on IPAs and pale ales, though they've expanded into other styles over the years. They're considered a solid pillar of Maine's well-regarded craft beer community.
Food Pairings
The assertive citrus and pine bitterness in an American IPA like this cuts well through the fat of a charred burger, where the Maillard-browned beef meets the hop resin in a complementary way. Spicy Thai or Indian dishes work because the fruity hop character softens heat without competing with aromatics. Sharp cheddar or aged gouda pairs naturally, since the bitterness contrasts the salt and richness of the cheese. Fish tacos with a lime crema echo the citrus notes in the beer and keep both feeling bright.
Style Guide
The American IPA is defined by prominent hop bitterness, aroma, and flavor derived from American hop varieties — think citrus, pine, tropical fruit, and resin. It originated as an evolution of the British IPA tradition but diverged sharply in the 1980s and 90s through West Coast American craft breweries that pushed hop intensity well beyond English norms. ABV typically falls between 6% and 7.5%, with a medium body and dry finish that keeps the focus on hops rather than malt. It sits apart from Double IPAs through its more restrained bitterness and lower alcohol, and from hazy New England IPAs through its clarity and harder bitterness profile.