Beer #30 Blind Pig

Blind Pig

Name: Blind Pig

Style: IPA

Brewery: Russian River Brewing Company website

Country: USA

Region: Santa Rosa, California

ABV: 6.10%

How served: 500 ml bottle poured into a Duvel Tulip.

My Overall Opinion: Very Good.

I paired this beer with: some pre-thanksgiving snacks.

Tasted on: Thursday November 26, 2009

Note: Great nose, but what does one expect when you get a fresh Californian hopped beer.  Bottled on 10 30 09

 “Blind Pig IPA: Blind Pig IPA was originally brewed by Vinnie at Blind Pig Brewing Co. in Temecula CA. Inspired by the original Blind Pig IPA, this beer is loaded with hop character but only has 6.0% ABV.

6.0%ABV, 1.060 O.G

Silver Medal, 2007 GABF (American IPA)
Gold Medal, 2006 World Beer Cup (American IPA Category)

Available year round in the pub, for distribution, and in 500mL bottles.”

Beer # 26 Cedar Aged Jai Alai – Humidor Series

Cigar City Jai Alai Cedar Aged IPA Humidor Series

 

Name: Cedar Aged Jai Alai – Humidor Series

Style: India Pale Ale

Brewery: Cigar City Brewing website

Country: USA

Region: Tampa, Florida

ABV: 7.50%

How served: 750ml bottle poured into an Augustijn Grand Cru Tulip.

My Overall Opinion: Very Good. 

I paired this beer with: A gyro platter and a Greek salad, yummy!!!

Tasted on: Thursday November 19, 2009

Note:  I still enjoy the “regular” Jai Alai over the Humidor Series version; I also feel that it has improved somewhat with age as the “cedar cigar box” taste has mellowed a bit.  This beer is well worth hunting out, if you see a bottle, buy it!!!

 “The Humidor Series is a rotating offering of Cigar City Brewing beer aged on cedar. We change the offering for every release so that more of our beers get to luxuriate in cigar box cedar. Cedar has a more subtle effect on beer than more traditional woods like oak. But, we think that once you taste it you’ll agree that cedar deserves a place alongside oak in the brewer’s wood-aging toolbox. Humidor series beers will vary due to style, but are always a good option for pairing with a fine cigar. “ 

Beer #20 Sculpin India Pale Ale

Ballast Point Sculpin India Pale Ale

 

Name: Sculpin India Pale Ale

Style: American IPA

Brewery: Ballast Point Brewing Company  website

Country: USA

Region: San Diego, California.

ABV: 7.0%

How served: 22oz capped bottle poured into a Stone IPA glass.  

My Overall Opinion: Amazing.

I paired this beer with: nothing

Tasted on: Sunday November 15, 2009

Note: This bottle says “Limited Release”, but it isn’t a onetime only release.  Wow!   What a nose on this beer & it has the taste to match.  It is as good as it gets when it comes to IPA’s.  The 7% ABV is very hidden, so be careful if you plan on drinking a few of these bombers in one sitting as it is very drinkable.

 “The Sculpin IPA is a testament to our humble beginnings as Home Brew Mart.  Founded in 1992, the Mart continues to be a catalyst for the San Diego brewing scene setting the trend for handcrafted ales.  Inspired by our customers, employee and brewers, the Sculpin I.P.A. is bright with aromas or apricot, peach, mango and lemon.  Its lighter body also brings out the crispness of the hops.  This delicious Ballast Point Ale took the Bronze Medal at the 2007 Great American Beer Festival in the Pro Am category.  The Sculpin fish has poisonous spikes on its fins that can give a strong sting.  Ironically, the meat from a Sculpin is considered some of the most tasty.  Something that has a sting but tastes great, sounds like a Ballast Point India Pale Ale.”  “Get the Point!”

1st Post!

Well after tasting well over a 1000 beers I have finally gotten around to document what I’ve tasted.  There isn’t a better way to get started on this blog than by watching a New York Giants football game and drinking an IPA. 

 

AleSmith IPA

Name: AleSmith IPA

Style: IPA

Brewery: AleSmith Brewing Co.  website

Country: USA

Region: San Diego, California

ABV: 7.25%

How served: 22 oz bottle poured into a Duvel glass.

My Overall Opinion: Very Good.   Great brew to have while watching a football game

I paired this beer with: Mediterranean style sardines and pretzels.  This IPA paired very well with this meal.

Tasted on: Sunday October 4, 2009

    

Juxaposition Black Pilsner

Name: Juxtaposition Black Pilsner 

Style: Imperial Pilsner

Brewery: Collaboration between Stone Brewing Co.  website,   BrewDog Ltd website and Cambridge Brewing Co website.  Brewed and Bottled by the Stone Brewing Co.

Country: USA

Region: Escondido, California (Stone), Fraserburgh, Scotland & Cambridge, Massachusetts (Cambridge)

ABV: 10.00%

How served: 12 oz bottle poured into a Stone Levitation glass.

My Overall Opinion: Very Good.   Alcohol is well hidden and very smooth.

I paired this beer with: Habanero cheddar cheese.  Not the best pairing, but acceptable.

Tasted on: Sunday October 4, 2009

Note:  Limited and brewed only once.

 

 

Cuvée Du 7ème

Name: Cuvée Du 7ème

Style: Bière de Garde

Brewery: Brasserie Des Franches-Montagnes.  website

Country: Switerland

Region: Saignelégier

ABV: 7.50%

How served: 33cl bottle poured into a Straffe Hendrik glass.

My Overall Opinion: Very Good.   Great brew to have while watching a football game

I paired this beer with: Chocolate pasta with chicken.  Very good pairing, but the meal might have been better paired with a “chocolate” stout or RIS.

Tasted on: Sunday October 4, 2009

Note:  Limited and brewed only once for the 7^th anniversary of the Brasserie Des Franches-Montagnes.