Week of 1.19.2009 - Dale's Pale Ale + Racer 5 IPA

Ok... this week is a 2 for 1 and both of these beers I have had before. First up is a beer from the Oskar Blues brewery in Lyons, CO: Dale's Pale Ale.

The first time I had a Dale's Pale Ale was at the 24 Hours in Old Pueblo last year. They were sponsoring a team at the race and giving out free beer at their RV. I love companies that support mountain biking and especially one's that give away free beer! I also like the fact that it comes in a can... always colder. This is a good everyday beer. Not to hoppy and goes down easy. A perfect beer to knock back while working on the bikes or cleaning the garage... at least that's what I did.

Now here's the bonus beer. Bear Republic's Racer 5 IPA.

I have been into this beer for quite some time and actually had a chance to go to their Brewpub last summer when we were in Sonoma for Vineman. This is just one of the those beers that you gotta get in a 22oz bottle. 12oz just wont' do it.

Week of 1.12.2009 - Green Flash Hop Head Red Ale

ABV: 6%
IBU's: 45

After the having the West Coast IPA the week before I decided to pick up a six pack of the Green Flash Hop Head Red Ale to quench my thirst after big weekend of riding and while watching the NFL divisional playoff games.

I like a good red ale... and this was a good one. Definitely a step up from the red's that I usually drink (Killian's Irish Red, Karl Strauss Red Trolley Ale).

Week of 1.5.2009 - Green Flash West Coast IPA

ok.. this is the first post on my new blog. JW's Beer of the Week. It's no secret that I like beer and especially trying a new beer. One of my new years goals (I don't like resolutions) was to expand my horizons in food and drink. I am by no means a connoisseur of beer and wine, but I like them both... very much. So this blog is here to keep my honest.

My plan is try one new beer a week and post about it. It won't be just about beer though. If I come across a good bottle or glass of wine I'll post about it here. Just more fun on the Internet.

I have some catching up to do and this post is from my first week back in SoCal after the holidays. For a while Ryan had been telling my about Green Flash beers, which is a brewery right down here in San Diego. Some how I had never had any of their beers. After a offroad ride with Ryan I headed to Henry's before the Chargers game to grab some snacks and beer.

I was stoked to find that they carried Green Flash. I picked up a sixer of the West Coast IPA. I cracked the first one right at the kick off of the Bolts game. I really liked this beer from the first sip... and I liked it more with every one that I had. Here's the description from the Green Flash site:

"This West Coast-Style India Pale Ale is extravagantly hopped, full flavored, medium bodied and copper colored. A menagerie of hops is combined throughout the brewing process to impart specific characteristics. Hops used include Simcoe for a unique fruitiness and grapefruit zest, Columbus for strong hop pungency, Centennial for pine and citrus notes, and Cascade for floral aroma."

All I can say is get some try... be prepared for a pretty hoppy beer.