Fiddlehead IPA | Fiddlehead Brewing Company | Beer Review |

Today, I'm going to review another beer from the Fiddlehead Brewing Company, and it's their Fiddlehead IPA, which is an American IPA. I've never had this one before, but I've heard good things, so let's see how it is!
Commercial Description:
Fiddlehead IPA is a hazy, well-balanced American IPA with mellow bitterness and a dry, refreshing finish.
Pertinent Information:
Brewery - Fiddlehead Brewing Company (Shelburne, VT)
Beer - Fiddlehead IPA
Style - American IPA
ABV - 6.2%
IBU - 53
Canned On Date - 07/18/22 (Just under six weeks old at the time of review)
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Thanks for watching!

[@digestingbeer]

Fiddlehead IPA used to be clear/not hazy. Around 6 years ago it changed. It was draft only until the pandemic when they started canning it. Maybe it was better during the draft only days, but not by much. It's been consistently great for years, including older cans. The haze is perfectly stable.

[@averagejoe716]

That makes sense. Not having this until I had it, I was under the assumption it was going to have a very gentle haze, if any at all. That said, considering the value of this one at this point, it's quite tasty. I was blown away by their Mastermind, though. Probably my favorite of theirs at this point. Cheers, Stefan!

[@schulmaniac]

Totally agree with you - citrusy upfront and so refreshing and light for a classic, hazy IPA. Yet, a bit too bitter and dry for my liking on the finish. Love the piney, grassy notes, as well. 4/5 for me, as well. Went perfectly with medium spicy Thai food during the Super Bowl last night. Cheers, and thanks for the always great reviews! 🍻

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, Jon! Oh, yeah ... this would pair perfectly with some spicy food, so definitely not surprised it went well with that Thai food. I appreciate the kind comment, and I'm glad you enjoyed the beer despite it leaning a bit too bitter/dry on the finish. Cheers, dude!

[@schulmaniac]

And I’ll have to look out for that Mastermind you speak of!

[@averagejoe716]

Definitely keep your eyes peeled for that one. I think it's more of a rotating offering, but it's delicious!

[@cpg-fx7ew]

Just bought a 6 pack in an NYC Wegman's that came to $14.44 after tax and deposit fee. I think it's the dankest supermarket IPA available.

[@averagejoe716]

Nice! Yeah, it's definitely one of the most dank shelfie hop-forward beers out there. The value is fantastic! Appreciate the comment. Cheers!

[@Chaz4543]

I just picked it up for the first time. Got a 12 pack for 19.99 and I could see the date and it was relatively fresh so that contributed to me buying it. Sadly. its just about what I expected and in retrospect I wish I didnt get it. Its pretty good for what it is, Im just not a big fan of this style. I should have known that but I got it anyway. Oh well. I like crushable beers especially for this time of the year and the bitterness makes it not very crushable. If I had a 4 pack of this sure it be a lot better but I dont see the point of beers like this in 12 packs. For 12 packs I like variety packs and more crushable beers. The more hoppy bitter beers are good for 4 packs or stovepipe cans or the old bombers. Just my opinion.

[@averagejoe716]

Yeah, I think if you really enjoy the style, then this beer is a great deal. Like you said, you're not a big fan of the style, so the bitterness doesn't work for you as much as some other folks who dig it. I've never been a fan of 12 packs personally because I love trying different beers, so I agree that variety packs are much more my speed. I prefer buying singles and then, if I enjoy the beer, I'll go and buy a 4/6 pack. That said, with the health issues over the past three years, I haven't bought many 4/6 packs. I typically review and drink one beer per day, so it doesn't make sense for myself. Cheers, man!

[@coryhoughton492]

Not the greatest but way better then sloop juicebomb in my oppinion. Also it's better on draft and, at least where I am, it's on draft in a lot of bars and restaurants.

[@averagejoe716]

It's funny, Cory, as I'm of the opposite of opinion. I've reviewed both this and Juice Bomb relatively fresh lately, and I preferred the Juice Bomb. It actually surprised me how much I liked it. That said, we all have different palates, and I love when someone's opinion differs from mine. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, man! Cheers!

[@Jibbahrish1]

Nice balance. Quite possibly why it's a hit. Great review!

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks! Yeah, this has an incredible balance to it. Love that it's pretty easy to find in the Northeast, too. Cheers!

[@ABeerADayWithTK]

Sounds decent. I have never heard of this brewery would certainly check this out. Cheers my friend, have a great Labor Day weekend!!!!

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, TK! For a shelfie beer at less than $2/can, the value is most certainly there. I'd imagine they'll get even better distro as time goes one. I hope you and your family have a great Labor Day weekend as well, buddy! Cheers!

[@BeerMan421]

That looks good and sounds really decent man… i’ve always wanted to try their beers! I know I would like this one! Great review joe! Cheers 🍻

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, Steve! Yeah, for a shelfie IPA, this was damn good. They make some good beer, in general. I need to try more from 'em, though. Cheers, brother!

[@MikeFLXBeerReviews47]

Glad to see ya had it in a clean glass! Cheers 🍻

[@averagejoe716]

I'm not some kind of monster, Mike! Jeez, man. ;) Cheers, brother!

[@byrnez2755]

I've seen this beer in fridges and on shelves... and never grabbed it. I feel like I've missed out on a terrific "shelfie". I'll be grabbing it, next time I see it. That being said, I've heard decent comments about Fiddlehead.

[@averagejoe716]

It really is a good shelfie, Byrne. Like I said in the video, it's almost like Juice Bomb from Sloop in terms of value and ease of access. Good beers for the style, and the value is fantastic in a sea of overpriced hop-forward beers. I'd highly recommend trying out, because even if you don't like it, you wasted a few bucks and nothing more. Cheers, buddy!

[@billyrossi4661]

That ipa sounds good. Cheers 🍻

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, Billy! For a shelfie IPA at a very good price, it's awesome. If I was still able to drink more than one or two beers per day, this might be a fridge beer for me. BTW, I got your beer mail today, and I'll be unboxing it later tonight or tomorrow, and I'll post the unboxing on Monday night. Looking forward to what you sent! Cheers!

[@billyrossi4661]

@@averagejoe716 I think you are going to like the beer mail.🤞🍻

[@larryc5361]

Meh, it's okay. Tastes like cannabis.

[@averagejoe716]

I could see that dank character being cannabis-like. I really enjoy this one, though. What is your favorite IPA, Larry? Thanks for the comment! Cheers!

[@larryc5361]

@The Beer PaTroll My favorite IPA is Lunch from the Maine Beer Company.

[@averagejoe716]

I saw your comment about Harpoon IPA. Haven't had that one in a long time, but it's hard to get fresh here in Buffalo, NY. Lunch is just a classic IPA. I remember the first few times I had that, it blew me away. Much like Harpoon, it's tough to find their stuff here relatively fresh. Thanks for the reminder that I need to review it at some point, though!

[@larryc5361]

@The Beer PaTroll can you find Saranac out there? Haven't seen it around here in years.

[@averagejoe716]

Yep. I just reviewed their Caramel Porter about a week ago. Their stuff isn't as easy to find as say 8-10 years ago, but we get most of their new releases and many of their year-round offerings.