North Haven, CT / 8% ABV

From the massive Twelve Percent brewing facility comes Zach Ross' once-a-year double IPA. It's easy to see why Marlowe (named after Zach's grandfather) is on the short list of best brewers in CT. As an advocate of delicacy and balance rather than bold and brash, this double IPA is a perfect example of how to convert non-beer drinkers into lovers of hops.

Soft and approachable, with a nose of tropical fruit and the suggestion of pine bitterness, the palate of this beer is similarly aligned. The mango is evident on the palate, with some lime zest making a star appearance. Tropical fruit, after all, gets better in the winter! Hiding its 8% ABV well, this 12 ounce package is pure hoppiness in a can.