Frost Beer Works Lush
No ratings yet — be the first to log it.
Tasting Notes
Lush pours with a soft, hazy character typical of a New England-leaning American IPA, offering forward aromas of tropical fruit — think mango, passionfruit, and ripe citrus — with a low, almost sweet malt backbone underneath. The hop flavor is juicy rather than sharp, with minimal bitterness on the finish. Body is medium and round, which keeps the fruit-forward character front and center. The finish fades cleanly without the resinous bite you'd find in a West Coast interpretation of the style.
About the Brewery
Frost Beer Works is a Vermont-based brewery out of Hinesburg, founded around 2014. They've built a following in the Vermont craft beer scene with a focus on hop-forward ales and have become particularly well-regarded for their hazy and juicy IPA lineup. Vermont is fertile ground for this style, and Frost fits comfortably in that regional tradition of soft, fruit-driven IPAs that the state helped popularize.
Food Pairings
The tropical, low-bitterness profile here works well with Thai green curry, where the mango and citrus notes in the beer echo the dish's lemongrass and coconut without fighting the heat. Fish tacos with mango salsa make a natural match for the same reason — fruit meeting fruit. A mild, creamy cheese like Brie bridges the soft malt body nicely. Grilled shrimp with a citrus marinade keeps the pairing light and lets the hop character do the talking without overwhelming delicate seafood.
Style Guide
The American IPA is the backbone of the modern craft beer movement, defined by prominent hop character — whether bitter, aromatic, or juicy — over a moderate malt base, typically landing between 6% and 7.5% ABV. Originating in the U.S. as an amplification of the English IPA tradition, it has since fractured into distinct regional schools: West Coast IPAs lean dry and resinous, while New England or hazy IPAs (which Lush leans toward) prioritize soft body and tropical fruit aroma over aggressive bitterness. What distinguishes it from a Pale Ale is mainly intensity — more hops, more aroma, more presence across the board.