Cali-Belgique IPA

Beer: Stone Cali-Belgique IPA
Brewery:Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, CA
ABV: 6.9%
Style: Belgian IPA?
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 22 oz

Impression: While I understand that this creation basically evolved from Stone’s IPA brewed with a Belgian yeast strain, beyond the name this beer has very little in common with IPA and everything to do with Belgian inspired ale. And, before getting too much further it is worth noting that I am not extremely fond of Belgian beers and if I had my druthers I would consume a hoppy opus. So yes, I am admittedly biased. Keeping that in mind, I am not wild about this beer. For me there are really only two major components I take away from this experience. First, the prominent flavors associated with the Belgian yeast assert themselves. Second, an unfortunately unbalanced and awkward finish follows. It more or less reminds me of overripe grapefruit, bitter and unfriendly. While I typically support adventurous brewing, this combination of styles Stone attempted didn’t quite pan out in my book. If you are interested in an adventurous or unique IPA style seek elsewhere. In fact I would probably just seek elsewhere. If you want to stick with Stone, Ruination will provide you a much better IPA choice and New Belgium’s Trippel offers a tastier Belgian style. At the end of the day I think the only people really boasting the merits of this ale are jaded Stone fan boys. Don’t believe the hype. If you want an adventurous craft ale try again...like maybe Dogfish Head.

Samuel Smith's India Ale

Beer: Samuel Smith's India Ale

Brewery: Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster), Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, England

ABV: 5%
Style:IPA
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 18.7 oz


Impression: Right out of the gate I observed two things about this brew. First the beautiful golden honey color with just the slightest red hue that really made me want to dive right in. Second the billowy white head sitting proudly on top of that inviting golden body. And ok I said two, but the third thing was a gentle sweetness on the first few sips. Of particular interest is a notable lack of hop forward aroma or flavor. This is probably because I have been drinking American IPAs as of late which have exploded with massive citrusy aromas. It is actually refreshing (no pun intended) to experience this more sedate version. Really this reminds me more of a pale ale than what I consider an IPA and at only 5% alcohol I feel pretty confident in that claim. That isn’t to say that this ale lacks malt though. On the finish I really enjoy the present yet subtle maltiness that eases into what can only be described as the beckon for another sip. This beer is crazy drinkable and if you are not a real beer guy, but you want to gain some respect points from your buddies, I recommend going to the next poker night with this. In summation this beer is easy like Sunday morning, and if you don’t go to church on Sunday morning you may even consider cracking one.

Mojo IPA

Beer: Mojo IPA
Brewery: Boulder Beer Co, Boulder Colorado
ABV: 6.8%
Style: IPA
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 12 oz

Impression: Good beer at a great price! This ale may be pale in color but Boulder Beer Co packs in tons of hoppy flavor and malty goodness. The Centennial and Amarillo hops give this beer a huge citrusy floral nose that makes me want to dive right in. Admittedly, I am a bit of a hop head so I will always be partial to beers that boast bold hopping, but this IPA is balanced quite nicely and doesn't kill you with a bitter finish so common in these days of extreemism. I am more partial to their Hazed & Infused but, this is a close second. For $5.99 and plenty of well crafted hoppy bliss this beer is an easy pick for a daily drinker. Wait, did I just admit to drinking beer daily?