Rusty Rail Brewing Company out of Mifflinburg, Penn. has been around for a few years now, opening their doors in 2013. Currently, they are only a regional beer but have been growing with six year-round offerings, four seasonal brews, and soon to be four limited releases. Up for review today is Fog Monster, a New England IPA.
Fog Monster pours a hazy, foggy, pale orange-yellow. There was a foamy, white head that rose to the height of about one finger at its peak. There was little carbonation seen rising to the top due to the foggy nature of the brew. The aroma was surprisingly subtle. There were some tropical hoppy notes but it wasn’t very strong as some other IPAs or NEIPAs.
The first sip features a light citrus flavor from the hops quickly followed by notes of malt and cracker. The mouthfeel is on the light side for this style of beer and the finish is on the dry side. There is a hop bitterness that lingers a bit at the back end as well. You would be surprised to find out this beer clocks in at a healthy 6.8% ABV as there is a light feeling to this brew. The carbonation is on the medium to high side, perhaps lower end of the high scale. The glass laced beautifully throughout the session.
Overall, this is a decent beer. It would be great on a warm summer day as it is light and refreshing with a slight tropical hoppy flavor. As far as IPAs go, this is a light IPA as far as flavor goes. If you love the hops this won’t be for you. If you like a little hops this might be up your alley. There is a heavier malt presence at times. I would really classify this as a Light IPA more than anything else. It is refreshing and is easy to drink. I just don’t know if I would put this in the IPA family but I would buy this again.