Wave Chaser IPA
1 log on Brewskipotatoes
Tasting Notes
Wave Chaser pours with a moderate hop-forward aroma leaning toward citrus and light tropical fruit, consistent with an American IPA built for broad appeal. The flavor follows with notes of grapefruit peel and a mild pine backbone, balanced by a soft malt base that keeps it from running too bitter. Body is medium and the carbonation is lively without being aggressive. The finish is moderately dry with a clean bitterness that lingers briefly.
About the Brewery
Montauk Brewing is based in Montauk, New York, on the eastern tip of Long Island, and has been operating since around 2012. They built their identity around the surf and beach culture of the South Fork, and their lineup leans toward approachable, session-friendly beers suited to that coastal demographic. Wave Chaser is one of their flagship offerings and represents their core IPA positioning — mainstream enough to move volume, but with enough hop character to satisfy IPA drinkers.
Food Pairings
Grilled mahi-mahi works well here because the citrus hop character mirrors the brightness of the fish without overwhelming it. Spicy fish tacos with lime crema find a natural counterpart in the beer's grapefruit and mild pine notes. A sharp cheddar or aged Gouda offers enough fat and salt to balance the dry bitter finish. Chicken wings with a vinegar-forward hot sauce pair cleanly, as the carbonation cuts through the fat while the hops match the heat.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by prominent hop character — typically citrus, pine, or tropical fruit aromas and flavors — balanced against a supportive but not dominant malt backbone. The style emerged from American craft brewing in the 1980s and 1990s as brewers pushed the hop-forward English IPA tradition further, leaning into New World hop varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Citra. ABV typically runs 6–7.5%, distinguishing it from session IPAs on the lower end and double IPAs above. Compared to hazy or New England IPAs, American IPAs tend toward cleaner, drier finishes with more defined bitterness.