All the way from Victor, Idaho comes Grand Teton Brewing’s Pursuit of Hoppiness Imperial Red Ale. I’ll admit it; this wasn’t my first choice tonight. He’Brew’s Lenny Bruce tribute RIPA caught my eye first. But when I picked up the four pack, the bottom fell out, sending bottles falling to the Whole Foods floor. What a comedian! Fortunately, nothing broke, but I was a little gun shy after my near beer-tastrophy, so I opted for the gold foil and hop-covered label of Pursuit of Hoppiness instead. Continue reading →
Posted by Ross E. Lockhart in Reviews
It’s been a while since I’ve had a Speakeasy, maybe a few years. Their Big Daddy IPA and Prohibition Pale Ale were a staple of Night Shade house parties circa 2007-2008. And you’ve gotta admire the tenacity of a San Francisco independent. Plus, shifty eyes on the bottleneck. So, how is Double Daddy? Continue reading →
Posted by Ross E. Lockhart in Reviews
Alas, the Giants lost today. But that’s no reason not to enjoy a World Champions commemorative beer, right? Moylan’s Orange & Black Congrats Ale is a “smooth, American black ale brewed with orange zest.” And the lineup sounds promising. Or should I fear the beer(d)? Continue reading →
Posted by Ross E. Lockhart in Reviews
As promised last weekend, I’m delving a little deeper into Firestone Walker Brewing Company’s catalog. Tonight, from the Proprietors Reserve Series: Double Jack Double IPA.
Double Jack pours red-gold with a massive, clumpy head. Bright on the nose: floral hops and grapefruit. Taste delivers on smell’s promise: grapefruit and hops up front. Candied malt and sticky caramel dance on the tongue. Fruity finish, with a nice alcohol burn and lasting bitterness. An excellent upgrade.
Posted by Ross E. Lockhart in Reviews
Firestone Walker Brewing Company claims “Passion for the Pale” on Union Jack’s label and it wears their medals on it’s cap. Plus, lion vs. bear fisticuffs and a proper British pint are their logo. You’ve got my attention, Firestone. But is it hubris or street cred? Let’s find out… Continue reading →
Posted by Ross E. Lockhart in Reviews
Described as “a Finnish rye ale brewed with Juniper” that is “Cascade and Amarillo hopped, orange and lemon peel spiced,” Sahti pours a light, hazy amber with a thin, cloudwhite head. Citrus on the nose, lemony. Citrus and hops on the tongue, with soda pop carbonation. Nice and bitter up front, but light-bodied so it hits the top of palate, then falls down the throat with only a little back-of-throat burn. First impression was that it lacked a little something, but Sahti becomes more complex, and juniper becomes recognizable, as it approaches room temperature.
Posted by Ross E. Lockhart in Reviews
If you put a chimpanzee in a space suit on your product, I will buy it.
Bitter American pours clear, light amber with a frothy two-finger head that leaves little in the way of lacing. Mouthwateringly piney on the nose. Citrus and hops on the tongue, with light carbonation. Continue reading →
Posted by Ross E. Lockhart in Reviews Tags: Beers with Primates
Monk’s Blood from 21st Amendment is a Belgian-style dark ale brewed with cinnamon, vanilla, oak chips and dried figs. Makes you wanna sit up and chant. Continue reading →
Posted by Ross E. Lockhart in Reviews
Adult Beverage knocks one back with FDR tonight, sampling a Fireside Chat–in a can–from 21st Amendment Brewery. This one’s a winter ale–perfect for a snow-threatening night–with spices added, so I’ve got the fireplace lit and vintage jazz on the radio… Continue reading →
Posted by Ross E. Lockhart in Reviews
Ballast Point’s Victory at Sea is a coffee vanilla imperial porter with a dreadlocked skeletal helmsman (complete with skeletal parrot) adorning its label. As a lifelong fan of undead pirates, I had to pick one up. But does the beer live up to the pure awesomeness of the artwork? Continue reading →
Posted by Ross E. Lockhart in Reviews