Virtual Craft Beer Tasting Club » Discussions

IPA Tasting May 7th - 13th 2012

• BrewWitch

  

  Member
   

  May 11, 2012

  Ithaca Flower Power IPA
  Ithaca Beer Co, Ithaca, NY
  12 oz bottle, 7.5% ABV
  
  Sweet floral nose, a little "bready" at first sip then mellows to a mildly bitter fruity/floral finish. Maybe an off batch, maybe I've been off the hops too long, but this one didn't have the balance I remember.
  
  Last summer this was one of my go-to session beers, but now I'm re-thinking. A good beer, but the bread and sweetness isn't doing it for me like it once did.

  Ithaca Flower Power IPA Ithaca Beer Co, Ithaca, NY 12 oz bottle, 7.5% ABV Sweet floral nose, a little "bready" at first sip then mellows to a mildly bitter fruity/floral finish. Maybe an off batch, maybe I've been off the hops too long, but this one didn't have the balance I remember. Last summer this was one of my go-to session beers, but now I'm re-thinking. A good beer, but the bread and sweetness isn't doing it for me like it once did.
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  May 11, 2012

  Widmer Brothers Rotator Series Spiced IPA
  Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, Portland, OR
  12 ounce bottle, 7.0% ABV, Bottled on February 28, 2012
  
  The Rotator Series Spiced IPA from Widmer Brothers in Portland, Oregon pours out a crystal clear, golden copper in color and is topped with a two finger white head that slowly reduces down to a film. On the nose, aromas of fresh, green herbs (basil), tea and some piney, citrus tones but the herby aroma is most prevalent. The herb, spice and tea carry through well to the palate with the hoppy pine and citrus flavors pushed back but you still get the hop bite. Some, almost honey like sweetness, but quite faint. Light side of medium bodied. Moderate carbonation. Thin sheets of lacing on the glass. Pretty clean mouthfeel with just a little oiliness to it. The finish is quite long with good herb and bitter flavors lingering.
  
  A truly different beer with good flavor and just enough bitterness. Ideal for a change of pace from the routine pine, citrus, toffee/caramel. Recommended.

  Widmer Brothers Rotator Series Spiced IPA Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, Portland, OR 12 ounce bottle, 7.0% ABV, Bottled on February 28, 2012 The Rotator Series Spiced IPA from Widmer Brothers in Portland, Oregon pours out a crystal clear, golden copper in color and is topped with a two finger white head that slowly reduces down to a film. On the nose, aromas of fresh, green herbs (basil), tea and some piney, citrus tones but the herby aroma is most prevalent. The herb, spice and tea carry through well to the palate with the hoppy pine and citrus flavors pushed back but you still get the hop bite. Some, almost honey like sweetness, but quite faint. Light side of medium bodied. Moderate carbonation. Thin sheets of lacing on the glass. Pretty clean mouthfeel with just a little oiliness to it. The finish is quite long with good herb and bitter flavors lingering. A truly different beer with good flavor and just enough bitterness. Ideal for a change of pace from the routine pine, citrus, toffee/caramel. Recommended.
• KajII

  

  Member
   

  May 12, 2012

  Carolina "India Pale Ale"
  Carolina Brewing Company - Holly Springs, North Carolina USA
  IPA (ABV 5.4%)
  
  [Best served in a Nonic Pint glass]
  
  Rating: 3.3/5.0
  
  Aroma: 6/10
  Appearance: 3/5
  Taste: 7/10
  Palate: 3/5
  Overall: 14/20
  
  The pour was a medium copper amber with an average sized (1-2 finger) white fluffy head that reduced to a medium cap which lead to some really nice streaky lacing.
  
  The aroma was of a mild straw malt, floral and citrus hops and an earthy yeast with notes of caramel and citrus (grapefruit and orange peel).
  
  The taste was moderately bitter with a mild sweet maltiness and a touch of caramel early on, and then progressed into this hoppy bitter taste that had a good note of citrus towards the end. The flavor lasted for quite a long while with the hoppy citrus flavor fading nice and slow.
  
  Mouthfeel was just above light in body with a decently dry texture and a moderate carbonation.
  
  Overall an IPA that gets back to the basics: hops, citrus and a mild caramel malty taste. You really don't need much else...
  
  http://www.facebook.com/KAJIIsBeerReviews

  Carolina "India Pale Ale" Carolina Brewing Company - Holly Springs, North Carolina USA IPA (ABV 5.4%) [Best served in a Nonic Pint glass] Rating: 3.3/5.0 Aroma: 6/10 Appearance: 3/5 Taste: 7/10 Palate: 3/5 Overall: 14/20 The pour was a medium copper amber with an average sized (1-2 finger) white fluffy head that reduced to a medium cap which lead to some really nice streaky lacing. The aroma was of a mild straw malt, floral and citrus hops and an earthy yeast with notes of caramel and citrus (grapefruit and orange peel). The taste was moderately bitter with a mild sweet maltiness and a touch of caramel early on, and then progressed into this hoppy bitter taste that had a good note of citrus towards the end. The flavor lasted for quite a long while with the hoppy citrus flavor fading nice and slow. Mouthfeel was just above light in body with a decently dry texture and a moderate carbonation. Overall an IPA that gets back to the basics: hops, citrus and a mild caramel malty taste. You really don't need much else... http://www.facebook.com/KAJIIsBeerReviews
• BrewWitch

  

  Member
   

  May 12, 2012

  Not a lot of detail on these as I only had the brief notes I took on Untappd while I was out at lunch today...
  
  Opa Opa IPA (cask)
  Opa Opa Steakhouse and Brewery
  Southampton, MA
  Light copper, minimal head. 6% abv.
  Bread and honey on the nose, little hop bitterness. I last had this on draft and was not impressed. It's a much better beer on cask, but still not a favorite.

  Not a lot of detail on these as I only had the brief notes I took on Untappd while I was out at lunch today... Opa Opa IPA (cask) Opa Opa Steakhouse and Brewery Southampton, MA Light copper, minimal head. 6% abv. Bread and honey on the nose, little hop bitterness. I last had this on draft and was not impressed. It's a much better beer on cask, but still not a favorite.
• BrewWitch

  

  Member
   

  May 12, 2012

  Opa Opa A-10 Warthog Double IPA
  Opa Opa Steakhouse and Brewery
  Southampton, MA
  
  Definitly taste the 10% alcohol bite, but much hoppier and more balanced than their regular IPA. Crisp, clean, piney. Well balanced hop flavors and bitterness in a relatively smooth drinking beer.

  Opa Opa A-10 Warthog Double IPA Opa Opa Steakhouse and Brewery Southampton, MA Definitly taste the 10% alcohol bite, but much hoppier and more balanced than their regular IPA. Crisp, clean, piney. Well balanced hop flavors and bitterness in a relatively smooth drinking beer.
• BrewWitch

  

  Member
   

  May 12, 2012

  Saranac White IPA
  Matt Brewing, Utica, NY
  6% abv
  
  Was hoping for something more like Flying Dog's Raging Bitch (Belgian IPA). This is a cross between a Begian White and an American IPA. Nice flavor, a little sweet from the Belgian yeast, but tasts more like a watered down IPA. Has potential, but they missed the mark from being a truly nice blend.

  Saranac White IPA Matt Brewing, Utica, NY 6% abv Was hoping for something more like Flying Dog's Raging Bitch (Belgian IPA). This is a cross between a Begian White and an American IPA. Nice flavor, a little sweet from the Belgian yeast, but tasts more like a watered down IPA. Has potential, but they missed the mark from being a truly nice blend.
• BrewWitch

  

  Member
   

  May 12, 2012

  Green Monsta IPA
  Wachusett Brewing Co, Westminster, MA
  6% abv
  
  This is always a local favorite, as even the most mundane sports bars often have it on draft. It was re-worked from a prior recipe as an English Style Pale Ale (which I liked even then) and is now a true IPA. Lots of layers of hop flavors: floral front, soft bitterness, and slight citrusy finish. Well-balanced between hop bitterness and flavor. This one is always an easy drinking "session" beer (for me anyway).

  Green Monsta IPA Wachusett Brewing Co, Westminster, MA 6% abv This is always a local favorite, as even the most mundane sports bars often have it on draft. It was re-worked from a prior recipe as an English Style Pale Ale (which I liked even then) and is now a true IPA. Lots of layers of hop flavors: floral front, soft bitterness, and slight citrusy finish. Well-balanced between hop bitterness and flavor. This one is always an easy drinking "session" beer (for me anyway).
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  May 12, 2012

  Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA
  Bear Republic Brewing Company, Healdsburg, CA
  12 ounce bottle, 7% ABV
  
  The Racer 5 IPA from Bear Republic Brewing Company in Healdsburg, California pours out a deep gold in color with some cold haze and is topped with a two finger, white, foamy head that reduces down to a film after a few minutes. Orange peel and pine with some sweetness on the nose. In the mouth, this is initially sweet but the hops take over quite soon. Caramel, orange rind, pine and a little peppery spice for flavors. Moderate carbonation. Thick splotches of lacing on the glass. Medium bodied. Good oiliness to the mouthfeel. Quite bitter and spicy on a long finish.
  
  Always a solid IPA with vibrant flavors and robust bitterness. Highly recommended.

  Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA Bear Republic Brewing Company, Healdsburg, CA 12 ounce bottle, 7% ABV The Racer 5 IPA from Bear Republic Brewing Company in Healdsburg, California pours out a deep gold in color with some cold haze and is topped with a two finger, white, foamy head that reduces down to a film after a few minutes. Orange peel and pine with some sweetness on the nose. In the mouth, this is initially sweet but the hops take over quite soon. Caramel, orange rind, pine and a little peppery spice for flavors. Moderate carbonation. Thick splotches of lacing on the glass. Medium bodied. Good oiliness to the mouthfeel. Quite bitter and spicy on a long finish. Always a solid IPA with vibrant flavors and robust bitterness. Highly recommended.
• KajII

  

  Member
   

  May 12, 2012

  Founders "All Day IPA"
  Founders Brewing Company - Grand Rapids, Michigan USA
  IPA (ABV 4.8%) (IBU 42)
  
  [Best served in a Shaker glass]
  
  Rating: 3.1/5.0
  
  Aroma: 7/10
  Appearance: 2/5
  Taste: 7/10
  Palate: 3/5
  Overall: 12/20
  
  The pour was a cloudy light copper amber with a small (1 finger or less) white fizzy head that quickly diminished down to a very thin film and small collar with a minuet amount of spotty lacing.
  
  The aroma was right up front with a spruce hop, some grain malts and a strong bitter citrus note (lemon peel and orange peel).
  
  The taste was bitter from the word go with a nice strong hoppiness developing slowly and a harsh citrus peel note towards the end. The flavor lasted an average time after the swallow with the strong hoppy taste left to linger for a while longer.
  
  Mouthfeel was light in body and dry in texture with a nice mild carbonation.
  
  Overall a very good IPA with a great hoppy finish along with low ABV, make this an awesome everyday brew...
  
  http://www.facebook.com/KAJIIsBeerReviews

  Founders "All Day IPA" Founders Brewing Company - Grand Rapids, Michigan USA IPA (ABV 4.8%) (IBU 42) [Best served in a Shaker glass] Rating: 3.1/5.0 Aroma: 7/10 Appearance: 2/5 Taste: 7/10 Palate: 3/5 Overall: 12/20 The pour was a cloudy light copper amber with a small (1 finger or less) white fizzy head that quickly diminished down to a very thin film and small collar with a minuet amount of spotty lacing. The aroma was right up front with a spruce hop, some grain malts and a strong bitter citrus note (lemon peel and orange peel). The taste was bitter from the word go with a nice strong hoppiness developing slowly and a harsh citrus peel note towards the end. The flavor lasted an average time after the swallow with the strong hoppy taste left to linger for a while longer. Mouthfeel was light in body and dry in texture with a nice mild carbonation. Overall a very good IPA with a great hoppy finish along with low ABV, make this an awesome everyday brew... http://www.facebook.com/KAJIIsBeerReviews
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  May 12, 2012

  Bridgeport Hop Czar Imperial IPA
  Bridgeport Brewing Company, Portland, OR
  12 ounce bottle, 7.5% ABV, 87 IBU
  
  The Hop Czar Imperial IPA from Bridgeport Brewing Company in Portland, OR pours out orange in color with some cloud and sediment and is topped with a two finger off-white head that slowly reduces down. Earthy, piney with some faint citrus and just a touch of toffee sweetness on the nose. Begins and stays bitter in the mouth as the hops envelop your palate. Pine, citrus rind and a hint of caramel. Medium bodied. Low side of moderate carbonation. Thick sheets of lacing on the glass. Slightly chewy mouthfeel. Bitter and dry on a long finish.
  
  A really nice, bitter PNW style Imperial IPA. Well worth buying if you see it on the shelf. Recommended.

  Bridgeport Hop Czar Imperial IPA Bridgeport Brewing Company, Portland, OR 12 ounce bottle, 7.5% ABV, 87 IBU The Hop Czar Imperial IPA from Bridgeport Brewing Company in Portland, OR pours out orange in color with some cloud and sediment and is topped with a two finger off-white head that slowly reduces down. Earthy, piney with some faint citrus and just a touch of toffee sweetness on the nose. Begins and stays bitter in the mouth as the hops envelop your palate. Pine, citrus rind and a hint of caramel. Medium bodied. Low side of moderate carbonation. Thick sheets of lacing on the glass. Slightly chewy mouthfeel. Bitter and dry on a long finish. A really nice, bitter PNW style Imperial IPA. Well worth buying if you see it on the shelf. Recommended.