I was supposed to go to New Orleans. This, of course, was some time ago, back in mid-March. We were going to Harrah's Casino, we were going for several days and I, of course, I was going to breweries. Sad to say, that brewery trip never happened, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic which hit its stride the week before we were to go.
One of the breweries I had my heart set on was Parish Brewing. Although I never made it there I did, however, get to try what is perhaps their most famous brew, Ghost in the Machine Double India Pale Ale, in early July. My daughter went to Florida the week of the 4th and offered to bring me back beer. She sent pictures of what they had at the well-stocked store she visited. I got some local beers of course, but when I saw Ghost in the Machine, I knew I wanted that.
Parish Ghost in the Machine Double India Pale Ale has an alcohol content of 8.5% by volume.
Update December 9th, 2025: Since I last opined on Ghost in the Machine, I have enjoyed it three times on tap at Taco Mac. Pricing has been consistent at $8.94 for a 23-ounce mug. The first time was on May 26th of 2022, when it was a featured Beer of the Month (along with three other Parish beers) at Taco Mac. I got a nifty Ghost in the Machine hat pin as my prize, and I wear it proudly on my German hat that sits on my head when i go to Helen each October. I enjoyed this on tap again on December 5th of 2024, and with an order of Taco Mac's legendary wings on December 9th of 2025. These days, a 4pack of pint cans commands $17.99 at Total Wine.
About Parish Brewery
Located in the heart of Cajun Country in Broussard, Louisiana, our simple goal is to make awesome craft brewed beer. Our story begins around 2003 when our founder Andrew moved from Louisiana to Pittsburgh and discovered a thriving craft beer scene. Returning home a few years later, he recognized a lack of breweries in Louisiana and set out to create part of what is now a thriving craft brewing industry.
Parish Ghost in the Machine in an Abita Brewing Glass
Tasting Notes
Parish Ghost in the Machine Double India Pale Ale pours to a dense hazy yellow color with a thick head of creamy foam and a juicy grapefruit rind nose with mint and pineapple. Taking a sip, the beer is medium malty and wonderfully juicy with pineapple, orange, and grapefruit flesh and peel. It is minty in the finish with grapefruit zest and a moderate bitterness.
Value & Verdict
It is definitely on the pricey side at $13.79 for a 4-pack. I think I want 6 bottles at that price, or perhaps a lower price for the 4.
I think I would like a bit more bitterness to my taste, though to be fair they are not aiming for that and admit it frankly in the description. This is a tasty, citrusy, very hazy New England style double IPA. It gets very high marks on the beer geek sites, but to my taste I have had a few I like as much or prefer (Three Taverns Hop Leaf Project Supernal IPA, Toppling Goliath King Sue, and Treehouse Doppelganger Double IPA to name a few). Still, this is a wonderful beer, and one I will be drinking again-and again.
