I just love a good IPA. I love the hoppiness, the bright flavors, and the fact that there are several variations on the theme to keep my mouth guessing and my palate pleased. Tonight I've got three IPAs to talk about. They are all totally unique yet found on the same shelf in the store. Let's waste no more time and get to it.
My first beer of the evening is 21st Amendment's Brew Free or Die IPA. This had just found its way to the store near me for the first time and I was eager to give it a shot. I was thrilled with the brightness of the beer and how refreshing it was. It had the delightfully mild bitterness that any good IPA should have and was flavorful without being heavy. I have a tendency to second guess any beer in a can but this was awesome. Not only do the say on their website that they can their brews to help keep it fresh longer and to be more eco-minded (which I love) but they have also won awards for their can designs which are pretty awesome. This was my first beer from 21st Amendment but I have a feeling I will be rejoicing in our freedom to enjoy beer with them many more times in the future.
Beer number two tonight had a hard act to follow. Perhaps that is why I was so unimpressed with the West Coast IPA from Green Flash Brewing Co. Maybe I put too much stock in the labels claim to be "extravagantly hopped". It had a soft touch of bitterness and was drinkable but the overall flavor just felt muddy to me. I really wanted to like it but just kind of felt ok about it.
Tonight's IPA-fest finished strong with a beer from one of my favorite breweries Left Hand Brewing. 400 Pound Monkey is a well rounded full flavored delight of an english style IPA. A wonderful balance of bitter and sweet flourishes. When you have a great beer you don't need fancy packaging but they still have great art on their labels which just adds to the experience. Top the flavor and exterior appeal off with the fact that they brew with solar power and you have one happy hippie hophead.
I have truly loved IPA night at my house. What ever shall I go to from here? Whatever it is I will be sure to bring you all along. Cheers!
My first beer of the evening is 21st Amendment's Brew Free or Die IPA. This had just found its way to the store near me for the first time and I was eager to give it a shot. I was thrilled with the brightness of the beer and how refreshing it was. It had the delightfully mild bitterness that any good IPA should have and was flavorful without being heavy. I have a tendency to second guess any beer in a can but this was awesome. Not only do the say on their website that they can their brews to help keep it fresh longer and to be more eco-minded (which I love) but they have also won awards for their can designs which are pretty awesome. This was my first beer from 21st Amendment but I have a feeling I will be rejoicing in our freedom to enjoy beer with them many more times in the future.
Beer number two tonight had a hard act to follow. Perhaps that is why I was so unimpressed with the West Coast IPA from Green Flash Brewing Co. Maybe I put too much stock in the labels claim to be "extravagantly hopped". It had a soft touch of bitterness and was drinkable but the overall flavor just felt muddy to me. I really wanted to like it but just kind of felt ok about it.
Tonight's IPA-fest finished strong with a beer from one of my favorite breweries Left Hand Brewing. 400 Pound Monkey is a well rounded full flavored delight of an english style IPA. A wonderful balance of bitter and sweet flourishes. When you have a great beer you don't need fancy packaging but they still have great art on their labels which just adds to the experience. Top the flavor and exterior appeal off with the fact that they brew with solar power and you have one happy hippie hophead.
I have truly loved IPA night at my house. What ever shall I go to from here? Whatever it is I will be sure to bring you all along. Cheers!
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