Blue Point Hoptical Illusion

American IPA - 6.80% ABV

This is one of those beers that's virtually everywhere in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with the brewery being a mere LIRR train-ride away. But because of its frequency at my local supermarkets, I tend to overlook it. But some recent discussion on a message board that I frequent stuck in my brain upon a trip to the liquor store before heading down to the beach for the weekend, and I picked up a 6 pack. The BeerAdvocate average is a B+, and I would have to agree. This one leans more on the malty side, whereas I generally prefer a lighter, citrusy hopped kind of IPA. The major bitterness seems to come thru the nose as the malt takes over the taste upon first sip. Still, not bad at all to have within a short walk of work or home.

IPA Showdown

Taken April 22nd, 2009 by The Beertographer

After the Cantillon/de la Senne event at Spuyten Duyvil the other night, my homebrewing friends and I decided to do a bit of an IPA style session. We grabbed 7 different IPAs readily available at the corner bodega (L to R above): Smuttynose, Lagunitas, Brooklyn EIPA, Goose Island, Blue Point Hoptical Illusion, Arcadia and Stone, and compared them all.

I came away finding it to be a close call between the Smuttynose and Stone as the best representation of the style. Both have a fresh, sticky-hoppy taste balanced perfectly with citrus bitterness.

It's all a matter of personal preference though, as Tim's #1 was Smuttynose with Goose Island coming in second and Jeff's #1 was the Brooklyn EIPA. In reality, every one of these beers would be an enjoyable quaff (I can't possibly be using that word correctly).