SPRINGFIELD – If you go by the fact that one keg was drained and another had to be tapped, then one might make a conclusion people attending the kick-off of White Lion’s new beer, Galaxy IPA, was a success.

“I’m very happy, “ Ray Berry Jr., the Springfield-based brewery said of the event that drew about 100 people to Smith’s Billiards.

“They killed a keg, tapped another and just rolled out,” Berry said with a smile.

Berry explained to Reminder Publications that he had always intended to include an IPA (India Pale Ale) in the White Lion portfolio. IPAs now make up about 35 percent of the crafts beers brewed in this country, he added.

His plan was to start the production of IPAs when his brew house opened in the city, but decided to jump ahead.

IPAs are known for a degree of bitterness and Berry explained this beer is a combination of west coast and east coast IPA styles.

“At the front end there is a nice aroma and a juicy profile,” he said. “At the back end, there are citrus notes and subtle hints of bitterness.”

For beer experts, this IPA has a rating of 47 International Bitterness Units, he added.

Locally, the beer is on sale at Table and Vine in West Springfield and The Beer Shop in East Longmeadow and Berry said a number of bars and restaurants have it on draft.

Another one in the spring should follow this IPA, Berry said.

Speaking on the progress of his brew house, he said the architects and engineers are working together to finalize cost estimates. Berry intends to “continue the journey” to bring the brew house to downtown Springfield.