The 3rd by this brewer, and their attempt at an IPA. Sadly, it tastes more like any one of those "premium" European green-bottle export beers. That is, on the bitter side, without the citrusy yumminess I want. The first clue was the color, which was a weak pumpkin orange.
Specs:
Full Name: Full Sail IPA
Brewed By: Full Sail Brewing Co
From: Hood River OR
ABV: 6%
So, I'm relavating that it actually might just be a specific variety of hops or blend of hops that make a great palie. I may have to exercise a few under-utilized brain cells, which shouldn't be hard to find, and try and see if my favs use the same hops.
Stay tuned...
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Day 242 - Endo IPA
I've lost almost all concept of time or day of the week the last month or so, and will need to regain that somehow. The one anchor has been this blog, though I must admit there were days it was a struggle to maintain, and I missed a few recently. Still, if nothing else, these times re-enforce why we should pursue our passions.
So, back to my favorite genre tonight. A pale autumnal brown, with only a faint hint of the hops flavor I enjoy so much. It is easy to drink, but misses out on being great, or even very good. I'd still pick it over a number of other beers, but not running out to buy more of it either.
Specs:
Full Name: Endo IPA
Brewed By: Carolina Beer Company
From: Wilkes Barre PA
ABV: 5.9%
Two comments on this one. One, per the label "endo" is a mountain biking term for when you go over the handlebars. IMHO, this one needs more taste to qualify for over the top.... Also, the label says it is b&b'd in Wilkes Barre PA (what is it about WBPA, I mean is it the water or just cheap contract brewers?) when the company itself is based in NC. Not sure why it bothers me when beers are farmed out to be brewed, but it does.
Somehow, I left the fruited beer I had acquired for the pipeline down in brother Ned's refrig. I might "forget" to remind him of that...... ;>)
So, back to my favorite genre tonight. A pale autumnal brown, with only a faint hint of the hops flavor I enjoy so much. It is easy to drink, but misses out on being great, or even very good. I'd still pick it over a number of other beers, but not running out to buy more of it either.
Specs:
Full Name: Endo IPA
Brewed By: Carolina Beer Company
From: Wilkes Barre PA
ABV: 5.9%
Two comments on this one. One, per the label "endo" is a mountain biking term for when you go over the handlebars. IMHO, this one needs more taste to qualify for over the top.... Also, the label says it is b&b'd in Wilkes Barre PA (what is it about WBPA, I mean is it the water or just cheap contract brewers?) when the company itself is based in NC. Not sure why it bothers me when beers are farmed out to be brewed, but it does.
Somehow, I left the fruited beer I had acquired for the pipeline down in brother Ned's refrig. I might "forget" to remind him of that...... ;>)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Day 241 - The Hairy Eyeball
A tough post tonight, as my mom passed away early this morning. It is a sad thing indeed, but she did not want to be remembered in that way, so it seems better to honor her by continuing the blog, and the beer consumption does help dull the pain a bit...
I had fair expectations of this one, as others by this brewer have been good. The name has a unique character, and it pours a deep red-brown. Alas, its catch phrase "Here's Lookin' Atcha!" rings too close to the truth, as the strong malty sweetness of this definitely makes it better to look at than to drink in my opinion.
Specs:
Full Name: The Hairy Eyeball Ale
Brewed By: Lagunitas Brewing Company
From: Petaluma CA
ABV: 8.83%
Since the blog was already inspired and dedicated to mom, I can only hope that I have the same strength and toughness that she had. Her not being with us is tough, and her love of shopping will be missed by the entire retail industry, but like a great palie, her memory will live on in my thoughts for a long time.
Cheers ma.
I had fair expectations of this one, as others by this brewer have been good. The name has a unique character, and it pours a deep red-brown. Alas, its catch phrase "Here's Lookin' Atcha!" rings too close to the truth, as the strong malty sweetness of this definitely makes it better to look at than to drink in my opinion.
Specs:
Full Name: The Hairy Eyeball Ale
Brewed By: Lagunitas Brewing Company
From: Petaluma CA
ABV: 8.83%
Since the blog was already inspired and dedicated to mom, I can only hope that I have the same strength and toughness that she had. Her not being with us is tough, and her love of shopping will be missed by the entire retail industry, but like a great palie, her memory will live on in my thoughts for a long time.
Cheers ma.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Day 239 - Dundee Pale Ale
A picture of a frog drinking a beer is the central theme to the label for this one. I really should have known that frogs really don't drink much beer, so why would I think that one would promote a good one...
The faded orange color is decent, but at some point you drink it, and then it goes downhill. The best I can come up with is that it tastes like stale saltine crackers.
Specs:
Full name: Dundee Pale Ale
Brewed By: Dundee Brewing Co
From: Rochester NY
ABV: 5.3%
Bummer, I was hoping this might keep the streak of good palies going, but all good runs end sometime, and that creates opportunity for a new one to begin. Here's to tomorrow.
The faded orange color is decent, but at some point you drink it, and then it goes downhill. The best I can come up with is that it tastes like stale saltine crackers.
Specs:
Full name: Dundee Pale Ale
Brewed By: Dundee Brewing Co
From: Rochester NY
ABV: 5.3%
Bummer, I was hoping this might keep the streak of good palies going, but all good runs end sometime, and that creates opportunity for a new one to begin. Here's to tomorrow.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Day 237 - Hoppus Maximus
Back to Durham, and to the current pipeline. There was only one cold, so darn, had to go with it... ;>)
I neglected to pour it before drinking it out of the brown bottle, but given the type, will assume it has a fine amber color. The best thing, the flavor matches the name without being overbearing, so another winner!
Specs:
Full Name: Hoppus Maximus American-Style Amber Ale
Brewed By: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co
From: Akron OH
ABV: 5.9%
So, not only does this taste good, but the label is bold and includes all the needful info. It doesn't set records for ABV, rather on the low side perhaps, but the great taste would allow easy consumption if one so chose. I'm a bit saddened that I didn't have a second, but may correct that on the next trip to replenish the pipeline. Not sure I'll be able to finish the rest of the year on palies, and the pipeline already includes a "stretch" beer, but will do my best..
Cheers!
I neglected to pour it before drinking it out of the brown bottle, but given the type, will assume it has a fine amber color. The best thing, the flavor matches the name without being overbearing, so another winner!
Specs:
Full Name: Hoppus Maximus American-Style Amber Ale
Brewed By: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co
From: Akron OH
ABV: 5.9%
So, not only does this taste good, but the label is bold and includes all the needful info. It doesn't set records for ABV, rather on the low side perhaps, but the great taste would allow easy consumption if one so chose. I'm a bit saddened that I didn't have a second, but may correct that on the next trip to replenish the pipeline. Not sure I'll be able to finish the rest of the year on palies, and the pipeline already includes a "stretch" beer, but will do my best..
Cheers!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Day 236 - 420
So back down in Pinehurst for the night, and had to find something at the grocery store, which for whatever reason, only carried expensive belgium ales and mass-brews in singles, so found a six pack. The price one pays...
So, extra pale ale in this case means pale color and a pale amount of hops, but it is also an easy drink that isn't too sweet, so all in all, acceptable.
Specs:
Full Name: 420 Extra Pale Ale
Brewed By: Sweet Water Brewing Co
From: Atlanta GA
ABV: 5.4%
Not much more to add to this one. A decent, easy to drink beer that leans to the hops side rather than malt.
So, extra pale ale in this case means pale color and a pale amount of hops, but it is also an easy drink that isn't too sweet, so all in all, acceptable.
Specs:
Full Name: 420 Extra Pale Ale
Brewed By: Sweet Water Brewing Co
From: Atlanta GA
ABV: 5.4%
Not much more to add to this one. A decent, easy to drink beer that leans to the hops side rather than malt.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Day 235 - Scottish Joker
A successful trip to replenish the pipeline (though one goes against sane thought, but another day on that one).
Back on the palie trail tonight. A soft orange color, and a good hops aroma, this one is good, but doesn't quite make the upper eschalon as it just comes up short on the full hops taste I enjoy, plus finishes a bit rough.
Specs:
Full Name: Scottish Joker IPA
Brewed By: Williams Bros Brewing Co
From: Scotland
ABV: 5%
So, I'm not disappointed, but also not impressed. To continue my analogy from last night, this is probably a one stop light town, and you got the red. Thus, you stop and look around, but in the end, pass through and don't really remember what you saw afterwards...
Not beer related, but brother Ned does this thing sometimes, where he buys padron peppers and does a quick fry in olive oil. It's then roulette, as most tend to be only a tad hot, and some rip your tonsils off. Great fun at the dinner table... ;>)
Back on the palie trail tonight. A soft orange color, and a good hops aroma, this one is good, but doesn't quite make the upper eschalon as it just comes up short on the full hops taste I enjoy, plus finishes a bit rough.
Specs:
Full Name: Scottish Joker IPA
Brewed By: Williams Bros Brewing Co
From: Scotland
ABV: 5%
So, I'm not disappointed, but also not impressed. To continue my analogy from last night, this is probably a one stop light town, and you got the red. Thus, you stop and look around, but in the end, pass through and don't really remember what you saw afterwards...
Not beer related, but brother Ned does this thing sometimes, where he buys padron peppers and does a quick fry in olive oil. It's then roulette, as most tend to be only a tad hot, and some rip your tonsils off. Great fun at the dinner table... ;>)
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