Russian River Blind Pig IPA

Russian River Blind Pig IPA    6.1%abv

Russian River Brewing Co, Santa Rosa, CA

A:  Pours a brilliantly clear golden orange color with a lofty white head that recedes leaving a gorgeous lace patern.
S:  The aromas sing of citrus rind(grapefruit), fresh cut grass, and light tropical fruits (pineapple), stone fruit (peach, apricot) and floral notes blend with earthy pine aromas and a rich doughy caramel malt backbone.

T:  Fresh tropical and citrus flavors followed by earthy, grassy, and piney  hop flavors all balanced by a full malt profile.

M:  Medium bodied with moderate carbonation and a slightly creamy texture.
O:  Overall, one of the single best IPA’s in the game.  Drinks like a session and if you are lucky enough to have more than one, enjoy.
Pairings:  Pair this with a burger topped with artisanal blue cheese.  Also will pair nicely with curries, fried chicken and grilled pork ribs.  

Deschutes Inversion IPA

Deschutes Inversion IPA

Deschutes Brewing Co, Bend, Oregon

American IPA 6.8% ABV

A: Pours a clear dark amber (sweet tea) color with a lofty off white head and an abundance of lacing.

S:  Smells of American hops (citrus, pine, resin) with a rich caramel malt backbone.  Hints at possibly having a noticeable sweetness with light notes of tropical fruit and floral elements.

T:  Very hoppy forward (as opposed to a malt forward nose) with bold bitterness and citrus focused hops.  Malt plays a supporting role balancing the citrus/bitterness.

M:  Mild-med carbonation, med-light in body with a creamy texture and a dry/bitter finish.

O:  Notable ABV w/o being too big, this is a great food beer, naturally pairing with burgers, roasted chicken, curry, or dishes with an elevated richness that would benefit from cutting alcohol/bitterness and would pair with sweet malts.