Probably the biggest challenge facing “veteran” craft brewers is balancing the continued production of the beers that built their brand with innovating to compete and meet the changing preferences of the market. Some brewers stubbornly refuse to change, even if they need to lower production due to decreased demand. Some have completely changed their brand, new beers and new artwork to meet the changing culture. While I can understand this approach, I like it when I brewery balances their classic beers with new releases. Even with this approach it can be tough to attract the interest of the fickle beer drinkers that are constantly chasing the next big thing. For that reason it has to be exciting when a veteran brewery makes a new beer that starts to generate some buzz. A good example is Wally, the New England style IPA from Wachusett Brewing Company. This juicy hop bomb has earned the praise of a number of local beer drinkers, and it held it’s own in the Mass Brew Bros blind New England style IPA tasting. Wachusett Wally is available year round on draft and in 12 oz. cans.
Wachusett Wally pours a hazy light orange with a solid white head. The scent is a big hit of fruity hops, citrus and tropical fruit. This is very much a New England style IPA. Tons of hop flavor, notes of grapefruit, papaya and tangerine along with a very soft bitterness. The malts round out the flavor with hints of bread dough and honey. Wally is medium bodied, smooth and drinks easy for 7% ABV. The finish is crisp with some lingering hop flavor. Wachusett Wally is a delicious beer, if you like the New England style of IPAs you’ll definitely enjoy this. Hoppy Boston score: 4.5/5.
Previous Wachusett Reviews:
Wachusett Milk Stout, Wachusett Larry DIPA, Wachusett Green Monsta IPA
Hoppy Boston 
