Peak Organic Local Series Massachusetts [Beer Review]
The first time I tried a beer from Peak Organic Brewing Company back in 2006 I went into it thinking, “great, a generic, gimmicky organic beer.” Boy was I ever wrong! In that time, they’ve continued to innovate and put out some truly delicious beers, many of which have become Drink Craft Beer favorites. With all they’ve done, though, I think my favorite idea that they’ve had yet is one they only recently released: The Peak Organic Local Series. For this set of ales, they worked with farmers in four states (Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and Maine - sorry New Hampshire, nobody is willing to grow enough hops in your state, get on that!) to produce grain and hops that will go into a beer for each state made entirely with locally grown ingredients. They brew the same recipe for each state, the only variation is where the ingredients are grown. The effect is surprising and really shows that not all hops or malt are created equal; each state has its own characteristic taste that needs to be tried to be understood. And, with that said, on to our local version, the Massachusetts Ale!
Peak’s Massachusetts Local Series ale cascades into the glass a light and clear amber color that skews just a bit to the orange-ish family. A tight, eggshell colored head settles on top just long enough to take a picture and carry the glass to my seat. This certainly looks like a beer I’d enjoy drinking a bomber of; it’s not too thick in appearance and the color is awfully nice.
The number one thing I pick up when I smell this beer, and this was before I was even trying to smell it, is hops...delicious, grapefruity, citrusy, Massachusetts-grown hops! After you get passed this the rest is fairly clean. The yeast is pretty neutral, which is great as it lets the local ingredients shine. Malt? I’m sure it’s there, but it’s hanging out behind those gorgeous smelling local hops, most likely a result of the generous dose of dry-hops added by the Peak Organic crew! As a Massachusetts hop grower myself (albeit on a very small scale), this is especially neat to me!
While the hops are the star of the show in the aroma department, things are a bit more even once you sample this one. Let’s be clear, though; this is a hop-forward beer, it’s bitter and it’s got some great hop flavor that really shows the difference that comes from growing the same ingredients in different places. That said, it’s still balanced for what it is, meaning it’s not overly bitter. Those who don’t love hoppy ales, I’d say still give it a try as it’s a bit different from many hoppy choices...it’ll be a challenge, but that’s what makes you grow.
The difference is in the malts. Thanks to the Valley Malt Brewer Supported Agriculture (BSA) program I, and Massachusetts residents, have had several chances to sample malt that’s been grown right here in-state. The locale really does make a difference! The local grain lends every beer I’ve tried a minerally quality that is great with hops. It really brings them out and serves to showcase them in a flattering manner. That’s why I say those who are a bit reluctant when it comes to the IBUs should try this one. It’s bright, it’s a little fruity with hop flavor and it’s crisp with very little of that resinous character I’m coming to dislike in over-hopped beers. Well done, Peak!
I picked this bottle up at Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont.
