Assateague Island IPA

Assateague Island and its modern-day parks stretch along the mid-Atlantic coast between the States of Maryland and Virginia. Yet, this island has a long history. Before the arrival of European colonists, indigenous tribes -- principally the Alquonquin-tribe known as the Kickotanks -- would come to the island to fish, crab, and hunt. Those colonists eventually arrived and displaced the indigenous peoples. The colonists brought animals for grazing, as well as hunted and fished just like the Kickotanks.

The island also has its share of interesting stories (which may or may not be true). One involves a wife that Blackbeard kept on the island, to whiom he would return after raiding vessels as well as towns along the Carolina coast. Another story involves pirates having released horses on the island, or a Spanish vessel having done the same when it ran aground. Whatever may be said about those stories, it is true that horses have been on the island for hundreds of years. 

Indeed, the Assateague ponies are one of the major tourist draws to the island, apart from the natural beauty of the island. (As an aside, human development -- including the building of resorts -- have been ultimately thwarted by nature. The horses adapted to living on the barrier island, learning to munch on the saltmarsh grasses and growing heavier coats to withstand the winds, especially in the winter. 

Assateague Island also serves as the inspiration for the brewers at Cape Charles Brewing Company for a New England-style India Pale Ale. The beer pours a hazy yellowish-gold hue, with a lot of foam at the top. As that foam recedes, the aromatic elements from the Mosaic and Citra hops begin to shine through. The notes are more citrusy, with tangerine, grapefruit and/or pineapple in the front. 

As for the taste, the beer features the citrus elements, perhaps more of the grapefruit than either tangerine or pineapple. I also sensed some piney notes arond the edges. Both the citrus and pine notes are a little more pronounced than other hazy IPAs that I have tried. Nevertheless, the beer is very good. 

The beer is available on the eastern Shore of Virginia, whether at the Cape Charles Brewpub, in stores and at restaurants. I ordered it a few times in restaurants and purchased a four pack when we visited the brewpub. It is definitely worth the purchase. 

PEACE.