Don’t worry, this was over a couple days. Don’t drink a six pack all at once, guys. That’s not moderate.
Since I’ve been away, a lot of beery places have sprung up, even here in the beautiful beery country of Colorado. Around here, one can make a six pack with single beers from all over, and try out a lot of the stuff in the craft beer market. I chose six beers that I’d never tried before to see what I’ve been missing while living in China.
10,000 Summers
- Big Choice Brewing (Broomfield, Colorado, USA)
- ABV: 5.1%, IBUs 21
- Honey Farmhouse Belgiany Ale Thingy (technical term)
Tasting notes: Smells like clover honey, but the taste is really different from what I was expecting. Verging on acidic initially, and then blending out into malty undertones. The finish is a blend of belgian bitterness and wheat bread. The can I’ve got is a little low on the carbonation, and the head doesn’t seem to stick around for long.
I don’t mind this beer, but I’m not sure I’d seek it out.
Compass IPA
- Bristol Brewing, Co. (Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA)
- ABV 6.5%, IBUs 55
- India Pale Ale (US Style)
Tasting Notes: Holy moly. So. Many Hops. On the nose. Wow. I missed you, West Coast beer.
It’s bright and zippy, with a whole lot of flavour. The bitterness is prominent, and it tastes a little bit like tea as a result. But there are still some mega Alpha-acid hops in there, although I’m not sure which ones. Welcomes me back to big, in your teeth beers.
Firestarter IPA
- Bonfire Brewing (Eagle, Colorado, USA)
- ABV 6.6%, IBUs 72
- India Pale Ale
Tasting Notes: Dang, this is hoppy. Even more so than the last one. I am out of shape when it comes to hoppiness. The nose on this one is deceptively strong, and made me think it would kick me in the face. Not the case.
Subtle, as far as massive West Coast IPAs go. Well-balanced. It has honey notes, none of the grassy flavors of some IPAs, and good, clean, bright taste. Orange, grapefruit, and something vaguely creamy in there. Super carbonated. Hell yeah. I’m home. I could drink this every day.
Alice
- Wonderland Brewing Co.
- ABV 5.2%, IBUs 17
- Belgian Blonde
Tasting notes: Clean and bright. A hint of sunscreen-like flavor but in a good way. Tastes like summertime. It tastes a bit more Belgian on the second sip, but still not too spicy. The main taste is just clean, beautiful Colorado-i-ness. Tasty!
Poblano Stout
- Big Choice Brewing
- 5.7%, IBUs
- Oatmeal Chili Stout (no heat)
Tasting Notes: Hmmmm. It’s got a lot of chocolate flavors, and is smooth to drink. The Poblano manifests as a slightly-there taste, a bit too subtle for my liking. It’s a good stout, but nothing particularly special. I’d prefer heat.
Specialty: Chubna
- Oskar Blues
- 12.6%
- Imperial Scotch IPA
Tasting Notes: God damn it. Ladies and gentlemen, a Cicerone pour.
Ok for reals, this time.
I believe the words ‘holy fucking shit’ came out of my mouth twice in quick succession, once for the cascade of beer all over the counter, my hands, and the cat food below. Then again for the taste of this thing. It’s like flavor and bombast had a baby. Thick, carmely, like a boozy barrel-aged barleywine with mega hops. As I wrote that, a massive thunderclap sounded here in Louisville.
This beer may have powers I underestimated.
The initial taste is burn, followed by bright toffee with candied orange and a very subtle undertone of something herbaceous (oregano?). Hardly any bourbon prominence, but it might be edged out by the sheer BAM of the beer itself. I taste lychee on the aftertaste.
…I couldn’t drink this whole ‘stovepipe,’ so I ended up making a spice cake with the rest of the beer. I admire Oskar Blues’ intensity and innovation, but this beer is just too many things mixed together.
What Colorado craft beers should I try next?
Reverse Retrograde 