Hap and Harry's has not a really had a particularly good and run as far is my ratings have been concerned. I don't think I'm particularly harsh on new breweries, and I don't even know how new or old these guys are. I do know that I've only had two beers from them, and both beers could have used significant improvement. I entered this review with a bit of trepidation as a result of those previous encounters, and it just so happens that a friend of mine recently saw that I was about to write this review, and he had some disparaging words to say about this beer. But this isn't his review.
First sip isn't hitting me over the head with disgust, but it's not a particularly good beer. The malt seems off in a way that causes a dryness that is mixed with a tartness and it is generally unpleasant. It seems like most of that is on the back end, but a sip is just a glimpse into the beer, and that glimpse has not turned out to be particularly favorable to this beer. No, I can't recommend sipping it.
Tip-in is watery caramel and toffee with a woodiness peaking over the light carbonation edge. The middle is actually a pretty enjoyable beverage with still too much malt for in IPA, but the hops make themselves known with a spritz of tangerine added into the excessively malty mix. The finish is tart, dry, and it would be bland if it weren't quite so off-putting. The trail off is more of the same.
Bottom Line: I don't think I'm going to go out of my way for another Hap and Harry's beer.
1.0/5
