Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week:" Harpoon IPA

A visit to the East Coast isn't complete without lifting a pint or four of selections from the Boston and Vermont-based Harpoon Brewery. Harpoon's UFO hefeweisen is probably my favorite American weiss beer. But that's like saying that the girl you're dating is the best looking one at an all-girl college.

The focus this week, however, is on Harpoon's India Pale Ale, which is a lighter version of the style. That lightness can be attributed to the Cascade hops used for brewing. The spice imparted from Cascade hops tends to be brighter than with other varietals and also give off floral aromas. Three malts add a toasty and sweet flavor to the beer. But for an IPA with a high specific gravity, Harpoon IPA neither weighs the drinker down nor leaves a clingy residual sweetness in your mouth. It was a great beer for a windy, mild day with some barbecue

I bought a six-pack of Harpoon IPA at F&R Liquors (2129 S. Halsted, 312-421-3031) for under $10. Readers interested in sampling this beer on tap can find it at Kelly's Pub (949 W. Webster Ave.; it's their beer of the month) and Beer Bistro (1061 W. Madison St.). Do search out Harpoon IPA, as this is a fine beer worthy of being Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week."