Your Next Pint

An Earth Day brew: Eel River's Earth Thirst

Tree hugging hippies, well funded oil lobbyists, spineless politicians, and every day Americans all had a reason to celebrate Earth Day, yesterday April 22nd. For this beer enthusiast, Eel River Brewing Company's Earth Thirst Double IPA (certified organic) beer was reason enough.

In the past, my experience with organic beer has left me feeling like there's still lots of room for improvement. However, Eel River does a great job of hiding any imperfections even with their high ABV.

The Washdown:
- thick head with a nose that's like a normal IPA, not really a double, but tastes sweet with a mild bitter finish, Earth Thirst Double IPA (Eel River Brewing Company in Fortuna, CA) ABV 8.2%

So be good to your Mother Earth by having a few sips of this strong alcohol brew that drinks easy – she needs you.

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.

Enjoy Pure Hoppiness Double IPA

In my (Brew Mission's) last week of guest beer blogging (just for a bit), I thought I'd go out with a bang with Pure Hoppiness Double IPA.

The Washdown:

- heavy pine aroma with light bitterness for an IPA, delicate carbonation, huge head, very drinkable Pure Hoppiness Double IPA (Alpine Brewing Company in Alpine, CA) 9% ABV

This beer is pure hop heaven. Hoppy fans unite and drink this beer (or go to bed). Hops have been added in nearly every stage of the brewing process, which truly makes the aroma, taste, finish, and drinkability a hop fan's Nirvana. With a big head and golden color, this beer looks just as delicious as it tastes.

Hoppy Dreams!