Beer Place: Flying Bison Brewing Company

A snowy late March day did not stop me from traveling to Flying Bison Brewing Company's new facilities, located at 840 Seneca Street just off Larkin Square center in Buffalo, NY.  I visited Flying Bison Brewing Company's new facility for the first time last January at Larkin Square's "Ice Fest".  Please see my review of that event by clicking here.  I earmarked a return to Flying Bison Brewing Company when the brewery wasn't as crowded, so I set aside the majority of a late Thursday afternoon to go scouting.  Flying Bison Brewing Company is a Buffalo beer staple and well known for production of such popular beers as Rusty Chain and Aviator Red.

 

Flying Bison Brewing Company new facilities.

Flying Bison Brewing Company was opened in 2000 in Buffalo's west side on Ontario Street.  You can still visit the website for their former location here.  The Ontario Street building was less than optimal for numerous reasons and Flying Bison Brewing Company recently moved to Seneca Street in October of 2014.  The new space is immense, state-of-the-art, and incredibly impressive.

You are immediately enveloped in ample space as you enter Flying Bison Brewing Company.  Banners and other beer signage adorn the walls in every direction, and beer paraphernalia pings your peripheral vision at every angle.  There are a few picnic tables and high-top tables to rest your pint glass as you enjoy a Flying Bison Brewing Company offering.  The brewing facilities can be seen through the glass behind the bar.
 

The Flying Bison Brewing Company brand is ubiquitous in Buffalo.

I approached the bar and was immediately greeted by Vincent, a person whom I had met previously at Village Beer Merchant, but had not associated with Flying Bison Brewing Company until after my first beer.  Just next to us, Flying Bison Brewing Company's  Tim Herzog was "talking shop" with a couple about crafting beers.  I'll admit to eavesdropping.  Conversations like this reassure me that I am in a beer space where people enjoy their craft and patrons visit to share tips and exchange tricks of the trade with professionals.

Flying Bison's Beer Board

I decided to try a flight of Flying Bison Brewing Company beers, including: Helldiver Oatmeal Pale Ale, Walk on the Mild Side English session ale w/U.S. hops, Barnstormer American Pale Ale, and Crème de Bison Milk Stout (limited and now gone, cask).  Assorted snacks are available at the brewery, such as pretzels and cheese.

A flight on the wings of the Flying Bison Brewing Company.

What I have learned to appreciate from Flying Bison Brewing Company is that their best-selling beers stay true to form while being adaptable.  After doing a review of Flying Bison Brewing Company's Aviator Red, I appreciate the craftsmanship required to ever-so-slightly modify an Irish style red ale and successfully complement a traditionally-intense malt sweetness with spicy hops.  To achieve this level of product takes time, tweaking, effort, and the willingness to adapt.

 Flying Bison's Helldiver Oatmeal Pale Ale

I decided to go with a pint of the Helldiver Oatmeal Pale Ale and was not disappointed.  I was happy to also be privy to a couple of experimental batches of beer, including a lactic acid laced sour and the star of the night, a milk stout entitled Crème de Bison.  You know the beer is good when the employees trickle from every corner of the building to pull a pint.  Crème de Bison was indeed delicious.  This also is testament that you can stop into Flying Bison Brewing Company on a random Thursday afternoon and score some sweet one-offs (pun intended).  Crème de Bison was drained before I exited the building.

Tim Herzog at the register and on the cover of WNY Craft Beer magazine.

Flying Bison's Black IPA

Perhaps most admirable about Flying Bison Brewing Company is their commitment to consistency.  And behind any brewing consistency must be a well-managed and maintained facility.  I requested a facility tour from Tim Herzog and he eagerly complied.  Although you can view the brewing facility from the tasting room, you really don't appreciate the vast expanse until you walk through the doors.

 Flying Bison's immense production facility.

New bottles had just arrived at the facility.

Tim exuded a proud parent vibe as he escorted us through the new Flying Bison Brewing Company production facilities.  I gathered the sense that all employees were happy to be in their new space, as well they should be.  Tim exhibited confidence as he returned every question I hurled in his direction with a swift and knowledgeable response.

Lined up and shiny vessels.

I was surprised to learn that all the vessels shown here are barely sufficient to supply the Buffalo area demand for Rusty Chain.  This summer, beer drinkers can look forward to Flying Bison Brewing Company in can format.  This mixed pack of cans is currently being distributed all over Western New York and will definitely have a place in your backyard BBQ festivities.

Cans are now available.

Tim Herzog is proud of his new facility.

Flying Bison Brewing Company is truly a Buffalo brewing cornerstone.  A tour of the new production facility is worth the visit.  If available, grab an experimental beer while you are there.  You never know, maybe that beer will become the next Rusty Chain or Buffalo Kolsch.


Flying Biston Brewing Company
840 Seneca Street
Buffalo, NY  14210

Beer Tasting: Aviator Red

I decided to end my St. Patrick's Day inspired week of Irish themed beer reviews with a local favorite, Aviator Red.  Aviator Red is an Irish style red ale produced by Flying Bison Brewing Company.  I am admittedly biased, as Flying Bison Brewing Company is well known and respected here in Buffalo.  Having said that, Aviator Red does not require my bias to stand atop the best Irish style reds being produced.

Flying Bison Brewing Company moved locations late in 2014, and having been to the new facilities I can say that the drinking space is very awesome indeed.  Flying Bison Brewing Company now helps anchor a Larkin Square renaissance, and significant revitalization is taking place in the area.  The warehouse style building has ample seating and plenty of bar space.  You can overlook the beer production process while perched at the bar enjoying a pint of Rusty Chain, Buffalo IPA, or Blizzard Bock.  Look for a full review of Flying Bison Brewing Company in the near future.

Here is a picture of my Aviator Red:

Flying Bison Brewing Company: Aviator Red

ABV: 5.5%

Style: Irish Red Ale

Rating: #9 in style

Aviator Red poured a deep ruby to brown with a spirited head that laced down the pint glass.  The aroma of Aviator Red is predominantly caramel sweet malt with a touch of spice.  The taste of Aviator Red was as expected from an Irish style red ale with malt shining through.  Where I think Aviator Red excels is the blend of other flavors surrounding the malt character, including Kent Golding hops.  Kent Golding hops are medium alpha acid level and impart a floral flavor to Aviator Red.  The mouthfeel of Aviator Red is light and the carbonation level is on target.

Aviator Red is certainly malt-centric, but I found Aviator Red to be not as malty as other Irish red ales.  There is a unique balance achieved by Aviator Red; malt dominance is balanced exceptionally well with hop modesty.  The successful blend of malt and hops renders Aviator Red a highly drinkable beer that is accessible to all beer drinkers.

Beer Tasting: Meabh Rua Irish Bog Ale

As the St. Patrick's Day Irish themed beer tasting week comes to a close, I've truly saved one of the best Irish red ales for last.  Brought to you by The White Hag Irish Brewing Company comes Meabh Rua Irish Bog Ale.  I picked this beer up at the last second at Premiere Gourmet yesterday, and I'm glad I did.  This beer is by far one of the most interesting Irish reds I have tasted.

White Hag Irish Brewing Company is located in Ballymote near Ireland's northwest coast, in Sligo County.  Ballymote is a very small town, and in addition to a brewery, boasts the famous Ballymote castle.  On August 22, 2006, New York City Michael Bloomberg unveiled Ireland's National Monument to the Fighting 69th infantry regiment of New York City.

The base of the monument contains a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.  Michael Corcoran was brigadier general of the Fighting 69th during the First Battle of Bull Run.  The reason why this monument was established in Ballymote is that Michael Corcoran was born in Carrowkeel, very close to Ballymote.

From the front bottle text:

"Meabh (pronounced Mave) was the infamous queen of Connaught, one of the four Irish provinces.  She was a legendary leader, and lover of men; a witch and a wonder.  Her ability to woe was often compared to a spell or a potion.  It's quite apt then that her name in old Irish literally translates as "Ale".  When enjoying a glass of Meabh Rua, the smooth, sweet, and smoky character will be reminiscent of the long red locks that cascaded down her shoulders and back.  But be careful, you might just fall under her influence, and you won't be the first."

Here is a picture of my Meabh Rua:

The White Hag Brewing Company: Meabh Rua

ABV: 8.2%

Style: Irish Red Ale

Meabh Rua pours a very dark red to brown color and struggles to maintain a consistent head (too cold when poured perhaps?).  The aroma is sweet smoky malt.  Meabh Rua tastes like a traditional red ale combined with a smoky peat undertone.  Sweet roasted malt takes the forefront with tastes of caramel, bread, and dark fruit flavors following close behind.  There is very little to no detection of pronounced hops.  And at 8.2%, Meabh Rua exhibits surprisingly little alcohol detection on the palate.  The mouthfeel is medium and a bit sticky and the carbonation level is low.  Overall Meabh Rua is the most intriguing Irish red ale I have tasted all week, combining both a traditional red ale with smoky depth.

Meabh Rua is a most authentic tribute to the historic Irish red ale style.  The beer is steeped not only with slightly smoky malts, but also history and tradition.  Meabh Rua contains all elements of a traditional Irish red ale but adds just enough smoky character to set this beer apart from the competitors and push the style.  If you are a fan of Irish red ales, do give Meabh Rua a try, and allow the infamous queen to cast a spell on you.

Beer Tasting: Cobblestone Stout

From our friends north of the border at Mill St. Brewery comes Cobblestone Stout.  Keeping in line with this week's Irish themed reviews, Cobblestone Stout is an Irish dry stout.  I purchased Cobblestone Stout from Premiere Gourmet in a pleasantly plump 15 ounce (440 mL) can.

Here is a picture of my Mill St. Brewery Cobblestone Stout.

Mill St. Brewery: Cobblestone Stout

ABV: 6.0%

Style: Irish Dry Stout

Rating: #29 in style

Cobblestone Stout is brewed in the theme of a traditional Irish dry stout, and this beer is certainly in line with the likes of other traditional dry Irish stouts I've tried with subtle distinctions.  This beer is full of gas.  Upon opening the can there is a release of beer gas, and immediately foam begins an attempt to escape the can.  The thick khaki coloured head rises and Cobblestone Stout pours very Guinness-esque.  The color of Cobblestone Stout is a dark brown to black and yet Cobblestone Stout retains a light-bodied look and feel in the glass.  The smell is of sweet roasted malt.  The taste is roasted malt with complexity supplied by coffee, chocolate, and walnut flavors.  In Cobblestone Stout, hops are not showcased, but are present.  The mouthfeel of Cobblestone Stout is silky smooth and light.  I found Cobblestone Stout to be well-balanced and true to Irish dry stout form.  At 4.2%, Cobblestone Stout is very sessionable and would be enjoyed by anyone with a penchant for Irish dry stouts. 

Beer Tasting: Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red

This week's Irish-themed beer comes to you from Frederick, MD, and Flying Dog Brewery.  Flying Dog Brewery is triangulated about 1 hour northwest of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.  Flying Dog Brewery is known for such craft concoctions as Raging Bitch Belgian IPA, Gonzo Imperial Porter, and Snake Dog IPA.  I've always been a fan of their creative cartoonish artwork and beer quality.  The beer I chose to review today is Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red.

Here is a picture of my Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red.

Flying Dog S.O.B. Irish Style Red

ABV: 5.0%

Style: Irish Red Ale

Rating: #52 in style

Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red pours a clear copper with an tan/ecru stable foam head.  The sweet caramel smell characteristic of an Irish red ale malt is present, along with nut and toffee.  Barely any hops are noticeable on the nose.  Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red tastes how it looks: very clean.  The taste is rich caramel malt and a nice crisp bite.  Other flavors detected in Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red include toast, grain, and very minimal hops.  A light tea-flavor is also evident.  The mouthfeel of Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red is medium-bodied and malty. 

One of the alleged ingredients in Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red is four-leaf clovers.  I don't really get a lot of clover taste from this beer, so I'll take Flying Dog's word on this one.  I do, however, hope that drinking Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red brings me the luck of the Irish.  Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red would make a good session beer due to drinkability.  Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red is very much in-line with the traditional Irish red ale style and quite tasty.

Beer Tasting: Guinness Extra Stout

In line with this week's Irish beer theme, this review is of Guinness Extra Stout brewed by Guinness Ltd. in Dublin Ireland.  This world-famous Guinness brand is known for production of stouts that require precise pouring methods that demand server and customer patience.  However, I was a bit confused as to the different kinds of Guinness beer available in the store.  I'm sure that nearly everyone who has ever had a beer has dried a Guinness Draught at the local bar at some point.  A picture of this popular brand, Guinness Draught, is shown below.  But there are other Guinness brands on the market, including Guinness Blond American Lager, Guinness Black Lager, and Guinness Foreign Extra Stout.

Let's compare five Guinness brand beers, all of which are available locally.
Name:                                          Style:                             ABV
Guinness Draught:                       Dry Irish Stout              4.2%
Guinness Extra Stout:                Dry Irish Stout:             6.0%
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout:     Foreign / Export Stout: 7.2% 
Guinness Blonde American Ale: American Pale Lager:    5.0%
Guinness Black Lager:                 Euro Dark Lager:          4.5%

Guinness Draught is found on taps and in stores all across the world.  However, Guinness Draught is ranked lower compared to Guinness Extra Stout.  Guinness Extra Stout is ranked #29 in the Irish Dry Stout category at Beeradvocate.com.

Here is a picture of my 22 oz. bottle of Guinness Extra Stout.

Guinness Ltd: Dry Extra Stout

ABV: 6.0%

Style: Irish Dry Stout

Rating: #29 in style

Guinness Extra Stout pours a dark black and has quite an impressive 2-3 finger tan colored head with significant and impressive head retention.  Of course Guinness is known for this characteristic feature of their beers, and special "how to pour a Guinness correct" schooling for bartenders is a training must-do.  Guinness Extra Stout has a predominant sweet roasted malt smell.  The roasted malt takes the forefront on the sip, and then bitter kicks in not long after.  There are also coffee and chocolate notes present.  The hops are present in Guinness Extra Stout, but certainly not the star of the show.  The hops do provide a bit of balance that would otherwise be absent.  Late in the taste of Guinness Extra Stout, alcohol warms the palate a wee bit and roasted malt pervades the nostrils.  The mouthfeel of Guinness Extra Stout is smooth and the carbonation level is moderate despite the large foamy head that remains even after the last sip of the pint. 

Now, I've had Guinness many, many years ago.  But during my craft beer transformation I had (mistakenly) associated this beer with other macro beers.  I'm not sure why I did that, but I am now seeing the error of my ways.  I'm not going to lie: I did not think I would enjoy Guinness Extra Stout as much as I did.  I found Guinness Extra Stout to be quite tasty and drinkable and wished I had bought another.  Guinness Extra Stout is a solid stout beer with more complexity than I had anticipated.  I am actually looking forward to trying a Guinness Foreign Extra Stout next.

Beer Tasting: Dry Irish Stout

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I am riverdancing out of my "IPA comfort zone" to bring you a review of my first (but not last) Irish stout.  Today's review is of Brooklyn Brewery's Dry Irish Stout.

Despite having a very dark color, the Irish dry stout style is characterized as light-bodied and easily drinkable.  You would never guess when you pour a glass that this style of beer would taste "light".  When brewed successfully, an Irish dry stout gains malt flavors from roasted barley and ample hops are blended neatly into the background.  You may be familiar with commonplace Irish dry stouts such as Guinness, Murphy's, and Beamish.

Brooklyn Brewery is located just across the East River from Manhattan and many fine beer have been created there.  Brooklyn Brewery is the crafter of such fine concoctions as Sorachi Ace, Brooklyn Local 1 and Local 2.  I've enjoyed those other beers so much that I was not the least bit hesitant to pick up an Dry Irish Stout for tasting.

Here is a video of brewmaster Garrett Oliver from Brooklyn Brewery explaining why brewing is much more complicated than wine making.

There are a number of very interesting videos on YouTube by Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster Garrett Oliver.  But in addition, Garrett Oliver is also the editor of the "go to" book on beer: the Oxford Companion to Beer.  I have referenced this book numerous times when constructing my science write-ups, and this book is an essential component of any beer-lovers collection.

But back to the Dry Irish Stout at hand.  Here is a picture of my Dry Irish Stout.

Brooklyn Brewery: Dry Irish Stout

ABV: 4.7%

Style: Irish Dry Stout

Rating: #46 in style

Dry Irish Stout poured a nearly opaque black with a fairly frothy tan head.  The smell is of roasted malt.  The taste of Dry Irish Stout is very roasty and toasty with coffee and hints of chocolate.  This beer is also a bit bitter, but not exceedingly so.  Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Dry Irish Stout is the carbonation level is quite high.  Dry Irish Stout leaves a very bubbly mouthfeel.  In this respect this beer is an oxymoron, as Dry Irish Stout really is a "light stout".

Dry Irish Stout is very sessionable at 4.7% with moderate to high carbonation and lots of roasted malts that attack the palate.  Dry Irish Stout would make a fine companion to Irish meat dishes (corned beef anyone?).  If you like Guinness, you will certainly enjoy Dry Irish Stout.

"It's the first drop that destroys you, there's no harm at all in the last." -- Irish proverb

Beer Tasting: Conway's Irish Ale

From Lake Erie neighbor city Cleveland comes Great Lakes Brewing Company and their Conway's Irish Ale.  Because this is St. Patrick's Day weekend, I will be reviewing a series of Irish-themed beers all weekend!

So what makes an Irish red ale?  Indicators of an Irish red ale are a sweet light-hopped tea-like flavor with pleasant toasted malt character.  Conway's Irish Ale is ranked #3 in the category of Irish Red Ale.  

So who is this Conway chap, and why is he pictured on this beer?  The Great Lakes website reveals that this is Patrick Conway, the grandfather of co-owners Patrick and Daniel.  Patrick Conway was a Cleveland policeman who directed traffic near the brewery for 25 years.

Here is a picture of my Conway's Irish Ale.

Great Lakes Brewing Company: Conway's Irish Ale

ABV: 6.5%

Style: Irish Red Ale

Rating: #3 in style

Conway's Irish Ale pours a clear amber color and has very little head retention.  The aroma of Conway's Irish Ale is of caramel and toasted malt.  The taste of Conway's Irish Ale is sweet, and bready.  There is little to no hop flavor at all, and Conway's Irish Ale does indeed go down smooth.  The mouthfeel is a bit creamy and maybe even a bit sticky, and the carbonation is very light.

Keeping with the traditional Irish red ale style, this beer is true to form.  Conway's Irish Ale is highly drinkable and leaves a sweet finish.  You would appreciate this beer if you don't like overtly hoppy IPAs and desire a very drinkable beer for this celebratory St. Patrick's Day weekend.

Beer Science: Essential Oils

As the last of a three-part write-up on important compounds found in hops, this installment deals with essential oils.  The last two science write-ups were regarding alpha acids and beta acids, and can be found by clicking the links.  But the focus of this article is essential oils.  The flavors in beer imparted by the hop plant come as a result of many different chemicals acting in unison.  Therefore, the combination of alpha acids, beta acids, and a myriad of compounds known collectively as essential oils all make up the aroma/flavor profile and perceived "hoppiness" of a beer.  There is little debate that the essential oils composition in hops is just as important as the composition of the alpha and beta acids in hops.

There are over 300 identified compounds that are believed to contribute to hop profiles.  Some of these are perceived as pleasant, while others are less desirable.  Perceived bitterness is predominantly determined by the presence of alpha acids and beta acids.  However, other aromas and flavors are found in the vast array of chemicals comprising the essential oils of hops.


Essential oils make up only about 0.5-3% of the total hop weight.  Essential oils are comprised of 80-90% hydrocarbons and an oxygenated fraction.  Most of the hydrocarbons are very volatile and evaporate during the boil, leaving the oxygenated fraction behind.  In fact, all three of the essential oils listed below- myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene - all boil off when added to the beginning of the brewing process.  There are methods to maintain the aroma presence of these chemicals, and that will be discussed after each of these essential oils is discussed in more detail.


Important Essential Oils

Three noteworthy essential oils are listed here along with their perceived aroma/flavor.

(1) Myrcene - Floral, Geranium leaf

Myrcene is the most prevalent of all the essential oils in mature hop plants.  Myrcene comprises anywhere from 50 and upwards or 70% of the total amount of essential oils.  As the hop cone ripens, the amount of myrcene present in hop cone rises.  Therefore, the percentage of myrcene can be a useful indicator of hop maturity.

The following hops possess a large percentage of myrcene in their total hop oil:
Cascade (45-60%)
Centennial (45-60%)
Amarillo (68-70%)
Simcoe (60-65%)
Citra (60-65%)

Myrcene is the most potent of the essential oils, and the human nose can detect as small as 13 parts per billion (ppb) of this compound.  However, myrcene is a present in the hydrocarbon fraction and therefore most of the myrcene will boil off during the brewing process.

(2) Humulene - Woody, Balsamic

Humulene is most pronounced in hop varietals such as Hallertau Mittelfrüh (55%), Saaz (35-40%) and UK Kent Golding (~36% of total oil).  Like myrcene, humulene is volatile and therefore most humulene is boiled off during the brewing process. 

(3) Caryophyllene - Floral, Black pepper

Caryophyllene is found as an essential oil in clove, hemp, rosemary, and hops.  This compound imparts a black pepper, spicy, floral aroma.  And like myrcene and humulene, caryophyllene also does not survive the brewing process due to the volatility of the chemical.


Late Hop Additions

Although myrcene , humulene, and caryophyllene do not survive a typical brewing process, there are methods to insure that the aroma presence of these essential oils in beer is maintained.  When added late (or dry-hopped) in the brewing process, these volatile hydrocarbons do not have time to completely boil off.  Thus, these interesting aromas can be preserved and flavor profiles can be enhanced during the brewing process.

An interesting note: the essential oils mentioned here are used in the perfume industry.  Apparently the woody, floral aromas of these hops render not only beers irresistible, but also humans!

References:
Oxford Companion to Beer
Beer Sensory Science: myrcene
Beer Legends Humulene Oil Table
Craft Beer Academy Essential Oils

Beer Tasting: SweetWater IPA

Today's beer tasting comes courtesy of Atlanta Georgia's SweetWater Brewing Co.'s IPA.  A friend of mine who lives down south in Alabama sent me this SweetWater IPA in a "care package" trade a couple weeks ago, and I've been saving this SweetWater IPA for a review.

The bottle of SweetWater IPA reads "Don't Float the Mainstream", and I believe this beer has proven an excellent mainstream beer exit excuse for many people.  After tasting some fairly high ABV IPAs recently, I was happy to see that SweetWater IPA is "only" 6.3%.  But along with that 6.3% are quite a few different hop strains that render this beer a tasty treat.  SweetWater IPA is made with Chinook, Cascade, and Columbus hops and finished with Simcoe and US Golding.  

I feel SweetWater IPA would have mass appeal for someone who hasn't really delved deep into craft beer waters, yet wants to wade into hop tasting.  Here is a video made from SweetWater that does a good job describing what SweetWater IPA is all about. 

Here is a picture of my SweetWater IPA.

SweetWater Brewing Company: IPA

ABV: 6.3%

Style: American IPA

Rating: Score of 89/100 on Beeradvocate.com pver 2,709 reviews

SweetWater IPA pours a hazy light amber in color with a white head of foam.  The smell is a moderate citrus and weak pine.  The taste of SweetWater IPA is just a tad bit sweet at first, followed by a considerable variety of hops in the middle, some nice citrus, and just a wee bit of bitter aftertaste.  You do get some malt sweetness, but not a great deal.  SweetWater IPA is definitely not overpowering at all, and really quite drinkable.  I did not detect much alcohol burn, and yet at 6.3% ABV SweetWater IPA will certainly make an impact on your swimming lesson.  SweetWater IPA has average mouthfeel and not too much carbonation.

I would recommend SweetWater IPA for someone who doesn't crave an extremely powerful double IPA yet still desires a well-hopped beer consisting of a full spectrum of flavors.

Beer Tasting: West Coast IPA

Green Flash Brewing Co. out of San Diego produces some very good beer, and most famous on that list is West Coast IPA.  As the colorful purple label declares, West Coast IPA is most certainly "extravagantly hopped".

At 95 IBU and 8.1% ABV, West Coast IPA is a delicacy for any hophead.  And with nearly 7,000 reviews on Beeradvocate.com, West Coast IPA has no doubt been tasted by many-a-hophead.  The average rating for West Coast IPA is a 94/100, ranking this beer #97 in the American Double / Imperial IPA category.

Green Flash has a monster workforce and also has some really cool programs going on at the brewery.  One particularly interesting program I found on their website is called "Hoppy Yoga".  Yoga participants of all skill levels can come to the brewery on Sunday morning for beer and yoga!  Green Flash is also committed to the enhancement of experimental beers and they have a night devoted to sour beers.  Green Flash provides quite the well-rounded brewery experience.

Here is the release schedule for the rest of the year for Green Flash.  I particularly enjoy their beer named "Palate Wrecker", an ever more hoppy and stronger IPA than West Coast IPA.  And I am going to keep my eyes open for their Mosaic session.

Here is a picture of my West Coast IPA.

Green Flash: West Coast IPA

ABV: 8.1%

Style: American Double / Imperial IPA

Rating: #97 in style

My West Coast IPA poured a orange copper with a bit of haze and a nice stable head.  The smell is a complex aroma of citrus and pine.  The taste is of course extremely flavored with hops.  I do believe my particular West Coast IPA may have been a little aged, as I don't quite get some of the citrus complexity I expected to and I did see a bit of sediment floating around in my glass.  I did get nice hop bite and at 8.1% ABV West Coast IPA is packing a punch.

West Coast IPA is loaded with hops.  The label attests to the variety of hops in this beer:
Simcoe: tropical and grapefruit zest
Columbus: hop pungency
Centennial: pine notes
Citra: citrus zest
Cascade: floral aroma

You'll want to give West Coast IPA a try if you like hoppy beers.  But be certain you are in the mood for hops, because you will get plenty of them in each bottle.

Beer Tasting: Grapefruit Sculpin

Ballast Point Sculpin and Big Eye IPA have been long-time favorites of mine for some time.  These are solid IPAs that you can always go to and expect a great beer.  I heard about a hard-to-find variety called Grapefruit Sculpin.  I missed a keg of Grapefruit Sculpin on tap at The Moor Pat by one day.  The keg was drained in mere hours.  But the timing was right for me to finally have a meeting with this beer at the local Consumer's Beverage beer store yesterday.  One 6-pack of Grapefruit Sculpin was "in the back" and after some gentle prodding and employee infighting I managed to finagle this beer into my possession.  I then went to another location today where I grabbed another two 6-packs directly off the shelf.  Now, with 18 beers, I began to question my purchases and wondered if Grapefruit Sculpin would indeed live up to the hype.

The citrus treasure known as Grapefruit Sculpin does indeed lives up to the hype.

Here's a fact that surprised me.  Did you know that in addition to beer that Ballast Point makes liquor?  In fact, a lot of their spirits have won awards.  Ballast Point makes Three Sheets rum, Fugu vodka, Old Grove gin, and Devil's Share whiskey, to name a few.  Here is a picture of their newest addition, Opah, a herbal liqueur.

Ballast Point is located in San Diego, California.  Did you notice the fishing theme?  And Ballast Point even has their own fishing team!  Here are some pictures of their fishing team and tasting room.

But let's get back to the one fish I really enjoyed, the Grapefruit Sculpin.  Here is a picture of my beer. 

Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits Company: Grapefruit Sculpin

ABV: 7.0%

Style: American IPA

Rating: #18 in style and #244 in top 250 overall

Grapefruit Sculpin pours a clear amber with a modest head.  The smell is certainly citrus up front but not overwhelmingly so.  The taste of Grapefruit Sculpin is really quite amazing, as the hops fight with the citrus for dominance on the palate.  And they both somehow win.  The taste of Grapefruit Sculpin is grapefruit, lemon, and orange at first, and then progresses into the hops you have come to expect from a Sculpin IPA.  The mouthfeel is light with appropriate carbonation.

Oh yeah, and Grapefruit Sculpin is 7.0% ABV.  But because of the citrus, it's impossible to have just one.  You want more because the citrus makes Grapefruit Sculpin just so interesting.  Not complex, mind you.  Just amazingly interesting (there's a joke about a girl I used to know in there somewhere).  Grapefruit Sculpin is different but not overly experimental (see above parenthesis).  The flavors are bold but not overpowering.  Grapefruit Sculpin is a well-crafted balance between hops and front-flavor citrus.

I could imagine drinking Grapefruit Sculpin in my basement in the winter, or on a patio deck in the summer.

NOTE: This beer will be on tap as part of the The Moor Pat Tidal Wave this Wednesday 3/4/15 along with many other Ballast Point beers including Ginger Big Eye IPA, Habanero Sculpin and Victory at Sea Imperial Porter.  If you can't make this event, grab a 6-pack of Grapefruit Sculpin when you can.

Beer Tasting: Nugget Nectar

Tröegs Nugget Nectar makes a fresh appearance about this time of the year, and I'm always happy to see this Imperial Amber stock the shelves.  For when Nugget Nectar is available, spring is not far behind.  Troeg's brewery was founded by John and Chris Trogner in 1996.  So where does the name Tröegs come from?  The name Tröegs is a combination of a nickname derived from the surname Trogner and the Dutch word kroeg, meaning "pub".  The brewery was founded in 1996 in Harrisburg, PA, and moved to their current location of Hershey, PA, in the fall of 2011.  Tröegs is known for making "scratch" beers, experimental beers that focus on new techniques and non-traditional ingredients.  Here is a picture of their tasting area.

Nugget Nectar is ranked as the #1 overall beer in the category American Amber/Red Ale, and #240 in the top 250 list at Beeradvocate.com.  Nugget Nectar is by far the most popular and most ranked beer by Tröegs at Beeradvocate.com, with 7,429 reviews.  This beer is classified as an Amber/Red Ale, but Nugget Nectar might very well be classified as an IPA.  Nugget Nectar does a fine job blurring the line between IPA and amber, and is packed with flavors, as the logo suggests.

Here is a picture of my Nugget Nectar.

Tröegs Brewing Company: Nugget Nectar

ABV: 7.5%

Style: American Amber/Red Ale

Rating: #1 in style and #240 in top 250 overall

Nugget Nectar pours with a orange color, and a 1-finger tan foam recedes with some substantial lacing left behind.  The smell is sweet amber malt and floral hops.  The taste is sweet on the tongue at first, then packed with hops on the swallow, and followed by a substantial bitterness.  There is also a sweet caramel aftertaste in Nugget Nectar as well.  The carbonation is light and the mouthfeel is medium and resiny.  Weighing in at 7.5%, Nugget Nectar packs quite a punch in alcohol as well, and that ABV can certainly be detected after a few sips.

As the logo suggests, there are quite a bit of hops squeezed into every glass of Nugget Nectar.  The Tröegs web site lists nugget, warrior, tomahawk, simcoe, and palisade hops as ingredients in this cornucopia of lupulin.  You might not guess Nugget Nectar is quite so high in alcohol due to the enormity of flavors present, and the tastes are complex and sophisticated enough to leave you wanting another one.

Nugget Nectar is packed with hops and will certainly help you pass some time through February and March until the arrival of spring.