Sometimes local is where it is at, it not only helps you area economy but in may ways it is more environmentally sound. Its also great to support a local business, there is a sense of pride when you have a fresh high quality product right in your back yard. Mercury Brewing Company of Ipswich, MA is in my extended back yard. I pretty much consider anything that is less than a two hour drive from Boston, MA local, Mercury Brewing comes in at only 45 minutes away.
The Ipswich brand has been a long time favorite, especially the Original Ale and Oatmeal Stout. These I frequent as often as possible though one of their other brands that I always seem to overlook is Stone Cat. The first time I had Stone Cat IPA it was owned by Modern Brewer in Cambridge, MA by the brand name Fat Cat IPA and was sampled several times at the 1998 Boston Brewers Festival mostly due to the fact that the version back then was brewed with all Saaz hops. Very experimental for 1998.
Pours out to yield a quick formed dense three fingers of foam, lacing is amazing as it leaves rings all the way down the glass. Aromas of peach and clementine with earthy minty hops and a faint biscuity malt. Moderate body with a crisp and slick mouth feel. Slightly pungent hop character with layers of citric rind, mint, wood, tobacco leaf and earth. Quick kiss of alcohol. The mildly toasted grain flavor punches through middle to end for a bit of balance but other than that it is hops throughout. Finishes bitter and semi-dry.
Wow, I'm a bit surprised on how aggressive the hops are. Not complaining at all as it is certainly enough to make a hophead happy. Very tasty.
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