Harpoon Brewery – Rich & Dan’s Rye IPA *

 Beer Reviews  No Responses »
Dec 202011
 

It is rare that I go to a bottle shop in search of anything specific.  I think that has only happened when I hear of a brewery pulling out of the state and want to grab a few bottles before they disappear.  That is why today I am highlighting Session 37 of the 100 Barrel Series after reviewing Session 38 almost a month ago.  I thought this one was long gone and just happened to see some bottles of it last week.  I knew the beer could not be as fresh as it was when I first tasted it, but it was still worth the try.

Not quite as good as I remember though . . .

Brewery: Harpoon Brewery (Boston, MA & Windsor, VT)

Name: Rich & Dan’s Rye IPA

Style: American IPA (or probably a Specialty Beer)

ABV: 6.90% (on bottle)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge before being served in a pint glass.  Harpoon 100 Barrel Series Session 37

Aroma: Mild sweetness with a slightly earthy spiciness and a bit of a floral character.  Subtle overall and pretty light on the hops (at least lighter than expected). – 8/12

Appearance: Golden honey color.  Two finger cream color head that is creamy, has really good retention, and leaves great lacing on the glass.  A slight haze, but pretty clear with rising bubbles visible. – 3/3

Flavor: A solid underlying biscuity malt base on top of a prominent bitterness that hits pretty hard initially, then stays on the palate evenly throughout.  Some piney notes and some faint spiciness (maybe a hop/rye combo).  Finishes nicely dry with some lingering bitterness that holds for a while. – 14/20

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a moderate level of carbonation.  Pretty smooth overall and very slightly creamy on the palate though also with a bit of astringency. – 3.5/5

Overall Impressions: After enjoying so much on draft some months ago I had to grab a bottle even if it was likely to not be as fresh.  Certainly balanced to the hoppy bitterness and it is kind of addictive in that way.  Some fruitiness comes out in the aroma as it warms and the bitterness also starts to soften some.  Still a good drinking beer (as I think the style is a great one) – 7/10

Overall: B (35.5/50)

6539256499 f76601eaeb Harpoon Brewery Rich & Dan’s Rye IPA *

Harpoon Brewery - Rich & Dan’s Rye IPA

 Posted by Lucas at 11:30 am  Tagged with: , , , ,

Laughing Dog Brewing – Rocket Dog *

 Beer Reviews  No Responses »
Sep 302011
 

If possible I do like to save the best (or at least better) for last and after the first of my Idaho beers on that day it was pretty clear that I chose to consume them in the proper order to that end.  Since there are relatively few Black IPAs (or whatever you want to call them) that I really like so I was pretty sure I wanted to get that out of the way first regardless.  The choice was really made for that reason above any others.

It seems I am a sucker for Rye in beer . . .

Brewery: Laughing Dog Brewing (Ponderay, ID)

Name: Rocket Dog

Style: IPA (or Specialty Beer since it is a Rye IPA)

ABV: 6.90% (on bottle)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge before being served in a pint glass.

Aroma: A low fruity, slightly citrusy hop aroma with a faint sweetness.  Quite subtle and light overall and especially so when cold. – 8/12

Appearance: Pale golden amber in color.  Three finger off-white head (without a vigorous pour) with really good retention that leaves great lacing on the glass.  Clear with maybe a slight haze with rising bubbles visible. – 3/3

Flavor: A consistent light toasty malt base from start to finish with a hit of spiciness in the middle.  Hope bitterness from middle to finish that is balanced in with everything else.  No one component stands above the others.  Finishes with some dryness and just a bit of lingering bitterness. – 13.5/20

Mouthfeel: Medium to light body with a moderate level of carbonation that adds a very light bite.  Pretty smooth on the palate, but it also has a nice crispness. – 4/5

Overall Impressions: By no means one that blows my mind, but a pretty solid beer.  Probably would have guessed it a pale Ale if I was tasting this one blind.  Gets very slightly more bold when it warms, but not much.  I think better when a bit more cold.  I like the finish and the combination of spice and bitterness. – 7/10

Overall: B (35.5/50)

6165665233 2224a8b998 Laughing Dog Brewing Rocket Dog *

Laughing Dog Brewing - Rocket Dog

 Posted by Lucas at 11:00 am  Tagged with: , , ,

Blueprint Brewing – In Your Rye *

 My Brew Reviews  No Responses »
Sep 132011
 

Without looking back at any of them I don’t think there has been a review of any of my home brewed beer where I have not wanted another shot at brewing the recipe.  This is no exception, but I think I mean it more with this one.  I really like this beer and it is something that I would love to have on hand at the house.  I can only drink so much pumpkin beer and stout, but this I have not grown tired of.  This was the last beer that I brewed and maybe it should be the first when I get back into it.

The Wife came up with a better name for this one, but I am going to save that for the next batch of it that I make.

Wishing I had more of this one . . .

Brewery: Blueprint Brewing (Winter Park, FL)

Name: In Your Rye

Style: American Pale Ale (maybe Specialty Beer)

ABV: 6.50% (+/-)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge before being served in a pint glass.

Aroma: Really nice floral and fruity aroma with citrus (lemony) notes and a slight bit of sweetness.  Not too strong but very enjoyable.  – 9.5/12

Appearance: Slightly coppery golden color.  Two finger (plus) frothy cream color head that holds really well and leaves nice lacing along the glass.  Clear with a slight haze and with tons of rising bubbles visible. – 3/3

Flavor: A light fruitiness up front with some slight malty sweetness and also a bit of citrus and floral character in there.  Moderate bitterness that is well balanced into what is a quite well balanced beer overall.  Bit of dryness at the finish with some lingering bitterness and citrus character. – 16.5/20

Mouthfeel: Medium to light body with a pretty high level of carbonation that does not add any bite.  Drinks quite smoothly but light at the same time. – 4/5

Overall Impressions: I really enjoy drinking this beer and could do so all day.  Quite good cold and just as good when it warms just a bit.  It finishes quite nicely and has held up really well over time (maybe even better).  Have to take another shot at brewing this beer with maybe some hop variations from this batch.  Probably a good candidate for my first time kegging since I think it would be great to have on draft at the house. – 8/10

Grade: A- (41/50)

6143527261 d915094f90 Blueprint Brewing In Your Rye *

Blueprint Brewing - In Your Rye

 Posted by Lucas at 10:30 am  Tagged with: , , ,
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