Harpoon Leviathan IPA

I make a pilgrimage to the local “packey” about once a month to re-stock the old fridge. It’s always tempting to pick up the usual 12-pack of Sam or Harpoon. But I also try to get at least one brew that I’ve never had before. I’ve had plenty of Harpoon IPA and enjoyed every drop of it. While talking with the manager over at Atlas Liquors in Medford about all of the new breweries and seasonal brews, he pointed out this new IPA from Harpoon. Harpoon Leviathan IPA is an Imperial IPA and is 10% alcohol with 90 IBU. Now, 10% is

Harpoon Leviathan IPA

Pouring the heavy stuff

Glass of Leviathan IPA

Over the top hops

strong for an IPA which is usually in the 5-7% range. This is more like a barley wine. IBU stands for International Bitterness Unit and is how brewers measure the bitterness of their creations. The bitterness in beer and ale is derived from hops. There are a wide variety of hops grown all over the world. Each variety and each location can impart their own unique flavor profile. Assessing the qualities of hops can get quite technical and often involves chemists or biologists working in a lab. But, your tongue will do a fine job of telling you what you like and what is “too hoppy”. Some people like malty beers like Oktoberfest or Marzen. I’ll take a well hopped ale any day over one of those heavy, sweet brews. But I digress Harpoon IPA has an alcohol content of 5.9% and IBU of 42. Harpoon UFO Hefeweizen is 4.8% with 19 IBU. Hefeweizen is well known to be a lighter beer and the lower IBU allows all of the floral notes to arise out of your glass and into your senses. Here is Harpoon’s description of their Imperial IPA:

– See more at: http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/beer/2/Harpoon-Leviathan-IPA#sthash.zFAXxLlK.dpuf

I find this IPA to be a little too heavy for my taste. The 90 IBU needs to be balanced by the loads of malt, but I think the overall effect is too heavy for me. This is definitely not an after race beverage but more of a sipping, savory beverage for a party. After two of these you may be handing off the keys!

I’ve been drinking and reading about Stone Mountain Brewing Levitation Ale all summer. This IPA has a 4.4% alcohol content and IBU of 45. It has become one of my favorites.

I mention it here because a few bloggers mentioned how they often call the Stone Mountain Ale “Leviathan Ale”. I’m not sure if it’s the label or the inability to read it after having a few Levitation Ales. Have you tried the Leviathan IPA from Harpoon? What did you think?

Stay thirsty my friends, Andy

Originally posted October 2013 on ImaRunnerAndSoCanYou