It seems as if every Tom, Dick, and Harry brews a "different" style just for different sake without addressing the real issue – do the added flavors make for exceptional taste, or does it make you feel good on the inside?
Karl Strauss from San Diego – ironically a mecca of great microbrews – has come up short with the Blackball Belgian Style IPA. In theory, this brew should stand out as a winner, but unfortunately it wipes out hard.
The Washdown:
- strong hoppy nose with overwhelming Coriander and Malt tongue making it too sweet when combined with the heavy west coast hop infusion, Blackball Belgian Style IPA (Karl Strauss Brewing Co. in San Diego, CA) 8.5% ABV
This brew tries too hard to stand out by putting a spin on a trusted American classic. Like bedazzling a pair of Levi's 501, Blackball stands out, but for all the wrong reasons.
Mmmm. But I still want a Guinness!!
Posted by: Cheryl Lyon | 01/16/2012 at 04:58 PM