Sip of Sunshine
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Tasting Notes
Sip of Sunshine opens with an assertive wave of tropical fruit — ripe mango, passionfruit, and citrus zest — underscored by a resinous pine note that signals its hop-forward intent. On the palate it's full-bodied and juicy, with a sweetness that balances rather than cloys, keeping the bitterness in check without burying it. The malt backbone is present but unobtrusive, providing structure for the hop load. The finish is moderately bitter and lingers with a dry, resinous quality that invites another sip.
About the Brewery
Lawson's Finest Liquids is based in Waitsfield, Vermont, and built its reputation largely through small-batch, high-demand releases distributed through a tight regional footprint. Founded by Sean Lawson, the brewery became something of a cult destination in the Northeast before opening a proper production facility and taproom in Warren, Vermont. They're closely associated with hop-forward ales and have a particular knack for double IPAs that lean tropical and juicy without sacrificing drinkability at elevated alcohol levels.
Food Pairings
Spicy Thai curry works well here because the beer's tropical fruit character mirrors the dish's aromatics while the bitterness cuts through coconut milk richness. A charred cheeseburger pairs naturally, with the resinous hop finish slicing through fat and char complementing char. Sharp aged cheddar echoes the beer's dryness and stands up to its intensity without being overwhelmed. Pulled pork with a vinegar-based sauce finds a good counterpart in the beer's sweetness, which softens the acid. Mango habanero chicken wings play directly into the beer's tropical notes while the bitterness tames the heat.
Style Guide
American Double or Imperial IPA is essentially a scaled-up version of the American IPA — more malt, more hops, more alcohol, typically ranging from 7.5% to 10% ABV. The style originated in the U.S. craft brewing scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s as brewers pushed hop expression to its limits, with Dogfish Head and Russian River among its early champions. Unlike its English counterpart, the American version leans heavily on New World hops for tropical, citrus, and resinous character rather than earthy or floral tones. It differs from a standard American IPA primarily in intensity — bigger body, higher bitterness, and a more pronounced malt sweetness needed to keep the hop load in balance.