Trillium Spectacle Island

Nestled in the bay just off the coast, Boston’s Harbor Islands are rich with history and intrigue. Each is known for its unique appeal and backstory, with a string of larger narratives tying them together en masse. The Harbor Islands IPA series grew out of the exploration that took place in our Permutation Series, where we developed a new series of IPAs that showcases extraordinary hops, building on our team’s experience brewing hoppy beer at Trillium. Learn more about the Boston Harbor Islands from Boston Harbor Now.

Spectacle Island is perhaps the easiest Harbor Island to visit, with regular ferries running between city and shore. It carries a storied history that includes farming, a series of functioning businesses, and a conservation-focused rebirth following its role as a receiving site for topsoil excavated from the Big Dig. Spectacle Island is the highest point in the Boston Harbor, with five miles of walking trails, sand beaches, and a sea kayaking area, all culminating in spectacular views of the city skyline and the surrounding islands.

Pouring an eye catching, golden orange hue with above average haze, Spectacle Island IPA’s signature Galaxy hop provides a distinctively tropical nose with aromatics of ripe pineapple, evergreen tips, Meyer lemon peel and fresh squeezed orange. These flavors build on the palate with pronounced notes of tangelo pulp, melon rind, and yellow nectarine underlined by a touch of biscuity malt. A fleck of pine provides a light balancing bite while a fuller, pillowy mouthfeel lends itself to a soft, smooth finish.