Grade: C+

Red Hook Long Hammer India Pale Ale is an American take on the IPA. IPAs are known for their strong, bitter taste and high alcohol content. When compared with other IPAs, Long Hammer is one of the less bitter brews.

However, Long Hammer is still a bitter beer. It has a strong hops flavor, a medium body and a dry after-taste. Long Hammer has a medium carbonation and a decently masked 6.5 percent alcohol content.

Long Hammer uses “dry hopping” to obtain the hoppy flavor. According to Red Hook, “dry hopping” involves adding the hops at the end of the brewing process.

Additionally, Red Hook promotes Long Hammer as the “go-to IPA,” which may be a fair assessment.

The good

Long Hammer has a strong hops flavor, but not strong enough to be overpowering.

The bad

Long Hammer loses its appeal as you drink more. By the end of the bottle, the taste can become tiresome. Additionally, the flavor isn’t memorable enough to lead to an urge to immediately buy another pack.

Price: $6.99 for a six-pack

The Low down

Long Hammer is a good beer to start with for people who want to try an IPA but don’t want to start by jumping in the deep end by trying a very bitter brew.

The Bottom Line

Long Hammer IPA is an average American-style IPA.