Review: West Coast IPA

Hello snobs! Have I got a treat for me! Today I'm reviewing Green Flash Brewing Co.'s West Coast IPA. The first time I tried this beer my immediate reaction was that it was the best IPA (if not the best beers) I have ever had, so I grabbed a four pack and decided to write the review. If you haven't had this one yet run don't walk to your local fine beer supplier and pick up a few.

It is light to medium amber in color and you are immediately hit in the nose with floral fragrant hops, grapefruit, and goodness. If you like hops your in luck.  Green Flash Brewing Co. bills this one as a "multi-dimensional hop experience." I couldn't have said it better myself. The first sip is absolute hop heaven and the bitterness lingers on the back of the tongue for a strong finish. Do not be intimidated though this beer is supremely drinkable. As the last sip goes down I only have one thought...more please.

Stay tuned for more reviews of  Green Flash Brewing Co.'s  offerings including Palate Wrecker and Hop Head Red. Can't wait!

O'dell's Red Ale

Ahhh, spring! Good to be here, all, I'm Tbone, fellow hop snob, and you'll see me around here with the occasional beer review, and - For Your Viewing and Listening Pleasure, I'll also be doing some homebrew blogging, as well as whatever else strikes my fancy. I'm located in Denver, so I'll probably also bring the hyper-local beer news, what with the many, many local offerings to be had up in this piece.

With an estimated 15 additional breweries just in the planning stages in Denver alone, I've got a lot of drinking to do. So let's get to work! And I should say, happy Session Day! Tomorrow, 4/7, is the day that 4.0% ABV beer became legal again, prior to the repeal of the 18th amendment. I shit you not, loyal Hop Snobs!

I'm sitting here with the honorable Mayor MacHop, this fine April Friday afternoon, enjoying some Masters golf, as well as a tasty beverage from a local Master brewer, O'dells. In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit to a slight bias to O'dells. They make a mighty fine beverage, friends.

Their Red Ale is yet another winner. Coming in at 6.5% ABV, and a pronounced 50 IBU, this is a wonderful west coast red ale, otherwise known as an IRA - India Red Ale. Unfortunate acronym, when discussing anything Irish, but an excellent style for a true Hop Snob.

With a light tan head, and a grapefruit aroma that punches you in the nose, this Red brings the hoppyness. Rather than your standard fare, malty irish red, this india red is a hop-forward version of your father's irish red. With an almost cherry red color, this beer laces nicely down the glass. West coast hops linger on the middle of the tongue, with a nice smooth bitterness -I would have guessed more in the 70 IBU range, rather than 50. Shows you what I know!

As Mayor McHop would say, "Hops are yummy, but they make my nose feel funny!". He truly is a fickle, yet benevolent, dictator, my friends. Available January through April, we're admittedly a tad late on the review - hey, the blog's a week old. Get used to it, Hop Snobs. Regardless, get it while you can - I know I'll be enjoying this one as much as I can until next year.

Review: Deschutes Mirror Pond

Ok, so in my last post I promised reviews of spring and summer seasonal beers, but before continuing I decided to take a detour to an old favorite.

Deschutes Brewery's Mirror Pond Pale Ale is, in my not so humble opinion, an American classic. It of the American style pale ale based on it's English counterpart. It has light yeast with moderate hop presence in the aroma.The beer pours a clear, golden-copper color with good carbonation. Thirsty yet? Read on. The first sip is deliciously hoppy and crisp with a hint of a citrus. This undoubtedly comes from the Cascade hops, which most home brewers should be familiar with. The hops play throughout the flavors of Mirror Pond with no lingering aftertaste. There is a bit of a bite on the back of the tongue, and a hint of dryness. Sip after sip this beer does not disappoint. Cheers!

Home brewers you are in luck with this one! As with most of their beer Deschutes shares the recipe. What are you waiting for click here now!

Review: Summer Bright from Breckenridge Brewery

Spring is in the air and that means a whole new round of seasonal beers, and as Mayor of this here blog it is my duty to try and review each and every one. First up on the list is Breckenridge Brewery's Summer Bright. This one, as with most of the Breck's seasonal brews, is only available in locales in or around Colorado so if you're not nearby have a friend pick you up a some next time they're in Colorado, or send me you're mailing address on a Samsung 55" LED-backlit LCD TV with 1080p and full HD and I'll send you a sixer.

 Also, for the sake of full disclosure this has been one of my favorites for years so I may be a little bit biased.

Let's get to it. This is a light crisp Golden Ale with a hint of citrus. At only 4.5% ABV this is a great summer session beer that pairs well with a round of golf or just kicking around the house on a Saturday. If your looking for bitterness you've come to the wrong place. This one is smooth from start to finish. Enjoy!