Snowplow
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Tasting Notes
This is a lower-ABV IPA, which typically means the hop character takes center stage without a heavy malt backbone to compete with it. Expect floral and citrus-forward aromas — think orange peel and light pine — with a moderate bitterness that doesn't linger too long on the finish. The body is lean and the malt presence is restrained, keeping things dry rather than sweet. The reduced alcohol keeps it lighter on the palate than a standard IPA, though the hop profile remains the defining feature.
About the Brewery
Harpoon is based in Boston, Massachusetts, with a second brewery in Windsor, Vermont, and has been operating since 1986, making it one of the earlier craft brewing operations on the East Coast. They're closely associated with popularizing craft beer in New England and are well known for their UFO Hefeweizen and Harpoon IPA. The brewery is employee-owned, which is a notable part of their identity, and they run a large beer hall at their Boston location.
Food Pairings
The citrus and floral hop character in a beer like this works well alongside fish tacos, where lime and mild white fish echo those bright notes without fighting the bitterness. A simple roast chicken pairs cleanly because the lean malt body doesn't overpower delicate poultry flavors. Sharp cheddar or aged gouda hold up to the hop bitterness and provide enough fat to soften the finish. Spicy Thai noodles also make sense here — the bitterness cuts through chile heat and the citrus notes complement lemongrass or lime-forward sauces.
Style Guide
India Pale Ale is defined by its prominent hop character, which delivers bitterness alongside aromatic qualities ranging from citrus and tropical fruit to pine and resin depending on the hop varieties used. The style originated in England but was transformed by American craft brewers starting in the 1980s and 90s, who pushed hop quantities and aroma to the foreground. At 5.5%, this sits at the lower end of the IPA ABV range, which typically runs from about 5.5% to 7.5%, distinguishing it from session IPAs below and double IPAs above. What separates an American IPA from a pale ale is primarily the intensity and centrality of the hops — both in bitterness and aroma.