Fox Farm Uncanny
1 log on Brewskipotatoes
Tasting Notes
Uncanny pours with the hazy, soft character typical of the New England IPA style, and Fox Farm's execution leans into ripe tropical fruit — think mango, papaya, and stone fruit layered over a gentle citrus undercurrent. The hop aroma is assertive but not aggressive, with a pillowy, full body that smooths out any sharp edges. Bitterness is intentionally low, letting the juicy, almost creamy mouthfeel carry the flavor through the mid-palate. The finish is relatively clean with just enough hop presence to remind you it's an IPA and not a fruit smoothie.
About the Brewery
Fox Farm Brewery is based in Salem, Connecticut, and has built a strong regional reputation since opening in 2018, operating out of a converted barn on a rural property that sets the tone for their unhurried, craft-focused approach. They are particularly well regarded in New England IPA and farmhouse ale circles, known for small-batch releases that move quickly among local enthusiasts. Their taproom experience and pastoral setting have made them a destination brewery in the Connecticut craft beer scene.
Food Pairings
The soft bitterness and tropical fruit character here work well against spicy food — Thai green curry or fish tacos with mango salsa let the juicy hop profile act as a counterweight to heat and acid. A fresh burrata with peaches or grilled pineapple plays into the beer's fruit-forward nature without competing with it. Lightly smoked chicken or pork shoulder bridges the gap between the beer's mild sweetness and some savory depth, while a creamy, mild cheese like a young brie rounds out the pillowy mouthfeel rather than clashing with it.
Style Guide
The New England IPA, sometimes called a hazy or juicy IPA, is defined by its deliberately cloudy appearance, low perceived bitterness, and intensely aromatic hop character built around tropical and citrus fruit. It emerged from small New England breweries in the early 2010s — most notably The Alchemist in Vermont — and spread rapidly as a dominant modern IPA format. Unlike West Coast IPAs, which prioritize resinous bitterness and a drier finish, NEIPAs use heavy dry-hopping and specific yeast strains to produce a softer, fuller body with bitterness that stays well in the background.