Long Trail Brewing Company - Après IPA

Pouring a deep golden hue capped with a frothy white head, Après IPA embodies the spirit of a day well spent on the mountain—bold, rewarding, and built for those who’ve earned it. The aroma opens with an assertive hop bouquet of pine resin, grapefruit peel, and orange zest, joined by subtle hints of tropical fruit and herbal spice. Beneath the vibrant hop character lies a sturdy malt foundation of Pale, Bonlander, and Crystal 80 malts, lending a touch of caramel sweetness and depth to balance the intensity. On the palate, Après IPA delivers waves of piney bitterness and bright citrus flavor, anchored by a smooth, full-bodied malt backbone. The combination of Columbus, Simcoe, Talus, and Amarillo hops brings layered complexity—earthy and resinous up front, evolving into notes of tangerine, peach, and a lingering pine finish. At 7.0% ABV and 75 IBUs, this American IPA is unapologetically bold yet balanced, finishing dry and crisp with just the right touch of sweetness. Perfect for celebrating after the last run of the day or any hard-earned moment.

When the first batch of Long Trail Ale was produced in 1989, it was still very, very early in America’s craft brewing renaissance. Founded that year by Andy Pherson in an old mill, the brewery was a trailblazer for craft beer in Vermont, and the Northeast more broadly. Originally called Mountain Brewers, the brewery was so well known for their flagship beer that they changed their name to Long Trail Brewing Company at the same time they relocated to their current facility on the banks of the Ottauquechee River in early 1996. The brewery and their eponymous beer are named after Vermont’s Long Trail, which travels the spine of the Green Mountains from Canada to Massachusetts, where it intersects the Appalachian Trail – whose construction was inspired by the Long Trail.

Being an iconic craft brewer with a long history and deep roots in the community, it’s no surprise that charity and community involvement are central to the brewery’s philosophy. The business sponsors charitable events for numerous non-profit partners like Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Green Mountain Club, and the Flyin Ryan Hawks Foundation. The brewery produces a wide array of year-round, seasonal, and limited production beers, and even some non-alcoholic CBD-infused seltzers. If you ever have the chance to visit their Riverside Pub, located about two and a half hours northwest of Boston, you should take the opportunity to go and enjoy over a dozen brews on tap, included limited releases, as well as good food, live music, and a beer garden vibe in a uniquely beautiful area. For more info, visit them at longtrail.com.