La Conner Brewing Company, India Pale Ale
La Conner, Wash.
Cost: Six-pack bottles: $7; house pint: $3.25

An India pale ale sounds as good in late autumn's chill as it did during summer's heat. And the La Conner Brewing Company makes a refreshing IPA. It's available in bottles throughout western Washington, and on-tap at their charming brewpub.

Washington is known for its IPA's--beers that make hardened hop fanatics pucker from their bitterness. But an IPA doesn't have to be bitter to satisfy the "hop-head's" craving. La Conner's IPA offers an intense hop bouquet and a tangy finish, without the astringent bitterness common in many Northwest IPA's.

This IPA's poignant hop aroma gives way to temperate malt flavors and finishes with a moderate bite, leaving the palate ready for another sip. Owner/brewer Scott Abrahmson makes an inviting IPA... whether you're a hop fan already, or a hop novice.