Stone, Cali Belgique

Stone Cali-Belgique  6.9% ABV, Belgian IPA 22oz  (this is stone IPA w/ Belgian yeast)

Beer Advocate A- 

A: This beer pours a crystal clear golden amber hue with a lofty, sticky white head. 

S:  Refreshing fruity (hints of peach,mango, and grapefruit) and spice notes with noticeable belgian yeast combine with biscuity malts and citrusy/piney hops.

T:  Grapefruity hops, caramel malts and light spice round out the palate. 

M:  Medium bodied with adequate carbonation.  Refreshing and crisp with a dry finish.  

D:  Very drinkable for a hop head, but just a little high to truly session this belgian IPA.

Food Pairings:  Brat Burger, Sausages, stilton, bone marrow, rocket salad.

Great Divide, Rumble

Great Divide Brewing, Rumble, 7.1% oaked aged IPA, 12oz bottles

A: Dark orange with bright amber hues, creamy white head that fades very fast

S: Woody/oaky, vanilla, and sweet caramel malt with subtle hops. Citrus- lemon, and resinous pine dominate the hop profile.

T: Oak is present but not overpowering, vanilla is present, malt adds a mild sweetness but there is citrus notes of orange and grapefruit and of course that prototypical dry IPA finish.

M: Medium bodied, crisp, sharp, and very smooth

D: Overall it’s a solid IPA. The oak and the sweet malts do a great job of balancing this beer. It resides some where between an IPA and a DIPA with flavor, characteristics, and being 7.1% (7.5% starts DIPAs)

This beer is aged on French and American oak; ie- barrel aged. 

Pairings: Tri-tip add Scallop, Bone Marrow, Burger, and Smores