I get it, it’s cold. Chances are wherever you’re at there are single digit temperatures and wind chills. But as cold as it is, I know of no better way to overcome weather than to drink a delicious craft beer. This weekend’s beer review is aimed right at those of you called out of work–Long Trail Brewing Company’s Sick Day IPA is What’s on Tap!
Brewing solid year round and seasonal beers Long Trail Brewing is one of the most consistent breweries in the New England states. Though I was a huge fan of their Scotch Ale Hibernator, which has been retired, its replacement, Sick Day, is a very drinkable IPA, regardless of season or weather!
What intrigues me about Sick Day is that it is a true IPA with its hoppy notes but there are other tasting notes that make it uniquely Long Trail and a “New England” IPA. Sick Day’s color is darker / redder than I was expecting. The brew gives off a subtle sweetness that makes me think this brew is not a true IPA. However after drinking the first sip it is clear that this brew is an IPA. There is a definite hop presence but the brew’s malt presence is not overpowered. Instead it provides a nice foundation for the brew while limiting the “hop impact.”
This brew is perfect after a in the bitter cold; the color, the sweet malt, and the hop kick provide all the warming-up you will ever need from a beer. This weekend I am pairing Sick Day with one of my favorite snow day meals grilled cheese. But this is not your middle school cafeteria’s grilled cheese. No, on a two slices of sourdough bread I am grilling bacon, tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese. Hopefully this weekend and maybe one day next week you are able to take a Sick Day and drink a few!
Cheers!
Beer Stats
Style: IPA
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 6.8%
Bitterness (IBUs): 65
Color: Deep Redish
Beer Review Stats
Beer Advocate: 81 and 86
Rate Beer: 50
