Vanished Valley Brewing Company: Watershed IPA

Vanished Valley Brewing Company: Watershed IPA

ABV: 6.7%

IBU: N/A

Availability: Rotating

@untappd says: 4.14/5

Today’s Windowsill brew was so good, it vanished almost immediately!

Vanished Valley Brewing Company opened its taps in Ludlow, MA in 2017, and the tiny brewery slowly been getting a very big reputation. The name comes from an interesting story—four towns that disappeared from the face of the earth in the 1930s. Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott, Massachusetts were disincorporated and flooded in 1938 in order to create the Quabbin Reservoir, the largest inland body of water in the state. Along with the Wachusett Resevoir, it’s the primary supply for Boston. Sad those towns had to go, but water is important, and so is the great beer Vanished Valley brews.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find out much about the Watershed IPA. I don’t know what hops are in it, or the malts, but I can say this: it’s very hazy, very hoppy and extremely good. Bright and hop-forward citrus (like tangerine and grapefruit) flavors and aromas, low bitterness and super pleasant. It’s also dry-hopped, which is always a great addition to an IPA. The Watershed is definitely worthy of the high rating from untappd!

Also, check out Instagram some photos from my visit to Vanished Valley!

Springdale Beer: Yawp!

Springdale Beer by Jack's Abby: Yawp!

Hops: Chinook, El Dorado, Comet, Centennial, Denali

ABV: 6.0%

IBU: N/A

Availability: Limited

@untappd says: 3.81/5

Is that a herd of yeti on the Windowsill? Well, I highly doubt it. So what is it?

Let’s say you were known for one thing—like putting beers on windowsills, for example. But you dream of putting beers on other things, too! What do you do? Well, the folks at Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers kind of found themselves in a similar situation—you can’t make non-lagers if your company’s name says you only make lagers. How did they get around this problem? They created an offshoot brand, named Springdale by Jack’s Abby. Under this label, which was kicked off in 2016, they’re free to experiment with everything, from barrel aging to IPAs to pale ales to stouts—whatever they want! Will this inspire me to start a side-Instagram named Beers on Other Surfaces? Nah. I’m good. But I’m glad Springdale by Jack’s Abby is a thing!

What does “Yawp!” mean? No, it’s not just a group of yetis traveling together in a pack (sorry @urbandictionary). It’s actually basically a cry out. It can be used to express exultation, frustration or even just agreement, according to this can. It can even be used in reaction to drinking a really tasty American pale ale, like the Yawp! This one is hopped with Chinook, El Dorado, Comet, Centennial and Denali hops, which makes for a really hoppy and bitter brew. Did I like this one! Yawp!

Give a “yawp!” and a hoot over at my Instagram page. Like and follow for more great brews!

Lord Hobo Brewing Company: Steal This Can

Hops: Chinook, Zeus, Centennial

Grain Bill: Pilsner, American Red Wheat

ABV: 6.5%

IBU: 80

Availability: Year-round

@untappd says: 3.81/5

No, I didn’t steal today’s beer, but maybe I should have!

Lord Hobo Brewing Company’s back on the Windowsill for the fourth time! The Massachusetts-based brewery picked a fun name for this one. Steal this Can. I was unable to nail down if the name is inspired by the 1971 Abbie Hoffman novel Steal this Book, or the 2002 System of a Down album “Steal this Album,” but I imagine it’s one or the other. Depends on whether owner Daniel Lanigan is more of a rocker or a reader. You’ll have to ask him!

Steal this Can is a “West Coast-inspired IPA” brewed with Chinook, Zeus and Centennial hops (and a mystery fourth hop variety). Aromas of pine and citrus hit the nose up front, and the bready, bitter flavor is quite tasty on the tongue. It’s got some good mouthfeel to it, too. Nice, solid IPA from Lord Hobo. So, how about it? Are you going to Steal this Can?

Why don’t you steal a glance at this one over on Instagram? Make sure to like and follow!