Your Next Pint

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a true red, white & brew

My fellow Americans, it's with great pleasure that I'm able to present to you the full bodied, rich flavored, uniquely styled Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (thanks to the freedoms our countrymen fought for 235 years ago.) So to honer their accomplishments, I strongly suggest pickin' up a pack of your favorite new brew for the 4th of July.

The Washdown:

- amber colored, frothy one finger head with mid to mild hoppyness Pale Ale (Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico, CA) 5.6% ABV

It's hard to narrow down my favorite brew. But, hearking back to my early years of puttin' back pints, Sierra Nevada was always a solid choice – and that still rings true today. If you feel the same way, make sure to enter the Sierra Nevada Beer Camp to learn how to be a "Brewer For A Day". (Deadline is July 7th.)

Cheers to America!

Mammoth IPA 395

Since I'll be missing the opportunity to hit the slopes this 4th of July in sunny Southern California's largest ski resort, Mammoth Mountain, I figure I'd give you the next best thing instead – a beer from the hills themselves without the monotonous long drive there. Mammoth Brewing Company delivers massive aromas with their 395 Double IPA pulling flavor notes from local desert Sage, mountain Juniper, and local fresh Hops.

The Washdown:

- dark orange amber color with a thick full head that drinks smooth with very, very strong sage flavors IPA 395 (Mammoth Brewing Co. in Mammoth Lakes, CA) 8% ABV

If you're looking for an IPA that's got a very unique flavor akin to hops, I strongly recommend tasting this beer. Some of the ladies might put it in the same category as "lawn clippings", however, I'm sure it's best enjoyed in a cold winter wonderland.

Hair of the Dog's IPA for this Sunday

Inspired by a recent visit to a new pub in the Fairfax District – The Fat Dog – I decided to give Hair of the Dog's Blue Dot Double IPA a try. This Double IPA over promises on the double, leaving me begging and wimpering for more. However, it still manages to interest me with other unique attibutes. The nose is like a man's best friend, always there without leaving your side, but also offers up a unique Granny Smilth Apple scent. And there's a surprisingly smooth creamy taste to this otherwise typical harsh and bitter style Ale.

 

The Washdown:

- cloudy colored, tasty hoppy nose, mild hints of green apple Blue Dot Double IPA (Hair of the Dog Brewing Co. in Portland, OR) 7% ABV

Shakespeare once said, "If this dog do you bite, soon as out of your bed, take a hair of the tail the next day." (a.k.a. drink what you got sauced on the night before.) That's great advice if you're happy with your poison. And if that's the case with Blue Dot, just beware of the first Pine Sol flavored sip the next morning after a rough night.

Napa Smith Organic IPA

A couple months ago I had the luxury of visiting some fabulous friends in San Francisco at one of my favorite winebars with a great beer selection, District. I haven't always been the biggest fan of organic beers because they usually taste too sweet. Napa Smith Organic IPA tends to fall in this same category despite the disguise of its hoppy nose. 

The Washdown:

- amber colored, hoppy nose, light fruity notes Organic IPA (Napa Smith Brewery in Napa, California) 7.10% ABV

The hoppy nose isn't as strong as it appears. It's Malty with light Grapefruit notes that help curb the sugar rush. And it pours with one finger head.

This fun organic IPA really harkens back to old style India Pale Ales, meaning you can definitely taste the Yeast as opposed to modern day super-hop-charged west coast IPAs.

Tahitian Hinano & Tabu Lagers

This past week has been really rough – tropical breezes, fresh caught seafood, and native Hinano & Tabu beer from Tahiti. Next time you're lucky enough to trek across the Pacific for some much needed R&R here, upon arrival you'll notice Hinano seems to be the national drink of choice. Hinano logos are emblazoned atop grocery markets, on beer glasses served at restaurants, and all over souvenirs. You might find it to be your drink of choice too, as opposed to Tabu, depending if you prefer Heineken or MGD.

The Washdown:

- like a Heineken, crisp carbonation, refreshing 'n smooth with slight citrus taste and notes of corn Hinano Lager (Brasserie de Tahiti S.A. in French Polynesia) 5% ABV

- like a Miller Genuine Draft, more malty & honey in color, medium bodied and grassy Tabu Lager (Brasserie de Tahiti S.A. in French Polynesia) 5% ABV