New England Brewing Company recently released Gandhi-Bot, a double IPA.
 
Their initial limited release was so successful that the Woodbridge-based microbrewery incorporated Gandhi into their year-round offerings.

Rob Leonard, the owner/brewer, describes the beer as an intensely hopped double IPA with a profile “filled with love and peace, just like Gandhi.”

“We love Gandhi,” is how Rob explained the name. “What better way to immortalize him than to turn him into a robot that lasts forever.”

As for the bot concept, Rob said, “We’re strange. It just came out of our heads.”

Rob brews Sea Hag India Pale Ale, Elm City Lager and various seasonal beers. Annually, they sell 22,000 to 25,000 barrels. But they are adding four more tanks to double their capacity.

“Craft beer is ridiculous now,” Rob said. “It’s the only beer segment that’s growing every year.”

Craft beer, Rob said, is turning into what wine was a decade ago, with more people discovering different styles and food pairings.  

New England Brewing was one of the first in the country to can craft beer. I found a four-pack of Gandhi-Bot cans for $12 at Gordon’s Yellow Front Wines and Liquors in New London. Sean said it’s the best double IPA he has tasted.