Week of 2.16.2009 - Chupacabras Pale Ale

On Sunday Beth and I set up a group MTB ride at Lake Hodges. We decided to start and end our ride right across the street from Hernandez Hideaway. It's a killer little mexican joint right off of Del Dios highway.

We had a good time riding and then it was time for refueling so the crew all headed to the restaurant. I definitely wanted a beer but wasn't feeling like a mexican beer... I wanted an IPA! They didn't have any IPA's but the waitress suggested a new pale ale they just started serving.

It was Chupacabras Pale Ale from the Cucapa Brewing Company. I was a little hesitant at first. A pale ale from a mexican brewery... how good could it be? Well I was impressed. It was solid and hit the spot, especially combined with chips, salsa, and guac.

If you see this beer give it a go. Better yet... come out to Hodges next time we ride and knock a couple back post ride.

Week of 2.9.2009 - Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales

This post is coming a little late. I was a little short on time with everything going on last weekend, but I did get to drink some good beer.

When I was back east for the Holidays Beth's dad, Dr. G., showed me an article in the New Yorker about a small brewery in Delaware. The brewery was Dogfish Head and it was very interesting. While in Philly we searched for the Dogfish, and after a lot of driving around to various locations, we were able to get our hands on a couple of bottles of the 90 minute IPA. It was solid and I was bummed we didn't buy a couple more.

So a couple of weeks ago I noticed that Bevmo started carrying some Dogfish Head brews, including some we couldn't find in Philly. So I decided to buy a 4 pack of each and take the out to AZ for the family trip.

I got some more 90 min IPA, Midas Touch, and Palo Santo Marron.

All the beers are very unique... and good. The IPA is something I could drink on a regular basis, but the other two are not "everyday" beers in my opinion. They are interesting and taste good but not really a beer that I would ever drink more than one of at a time.

Midas Touch.

Palo Santo Marron.

If you can find these beers I would definitely recommend giving them a shot... especially if you want to try something new.

Week of 2.2.2009 - Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale and a bad beer?

This week I picked up a Stone brew that I had never had before. I bought a 22oz of Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale for about 5 bucks at BevMo. The description called it a Double IPA which is why I picked it up. I what as good one. It was a little darker than the stuff I have been drinking and I'll pick it up again.

Ok... now for the bad beer. Ok... I wouldn't really call it bad but compared to all the "good' stuff have had lately this one kind of let me down. I bought a six pack of Victory Brewing Co.'s Hop Wallop. It was on sale and over the Holidays while in PA I had another one of the beers, Festbier, and I really liked it. The Hop Wallop is definitely hoppy but not as bitter and flavorful as the killer San Diego IPA's I have been drinking.

Week of 1.26.2009 - Gordon Ale, Green Flash Imperial IPA, &

I found some winners this week. Forget beer of the week... I tried three new one this week. You gotta love Bevmo.... I can't get out of there in no less than 30 minutes. So much I want to try and so little time... alcohol tolerance. One good strong 22oz IPA and I'm feeling it.


Beer #1. Oskar Blues Gordon Ale
This week. I hit Bevmo and picked up another beer from Oskar Blues Brewery bases on GZ's recommendation. I got 4 pack for Gordon Ale. It was kind of steep... $10 for 4 beers... but mix a between an Imperial Red and a Double IPA with 8.7% abv is worth the loot. I really liked this beer and it's worth the 10 bucks. I love cans... but wish it came in a sixer.

ABV: 8.7%
IBU’s: 85

Gordon is a hybrid version of strong ale, somewhere between an Imperial Red and a Double IPA. We make it with six different malts and three types of hops, then dry-hop it with a mutha lode of Amarillo hops. It is 8.7% alcohol by volume, and has 85 International Bittering Units.

Beer #2. Green Flash Imperial IPA
I have had this beer sitting in my "beer fridge" for over a week now. Ryan suggested this one and I was waiting for a good time to drink it. So after my long ride saturday and taking my bike to the shop I cracked this one open. I will say this... everything I have had from Green Flash so far (west coast IPA, hop head red) has been awesome but this one was the best. I love San Diego style IPA's (very hoppy) and this one didn't disappoint. Right up there with anything I have ever had.

ABV: 9.4%
IBU’s: 101

San Diego-style IPA, as it has come to be known by many, is super-hoppy, high gravity, yet highly quaffable ale. Our Imperial IPA is created in this new tradition with intense hop flavors and aromas from a unique blend of Summit and Nugget hops. It's all about the hops!

Beer #3. Alesmith IPA
Last but definitely not least I tried another IPA from a local San Diego brewery that I have never had in the past. What can I say... another solid San Diego-style IPA. Just like it says on the bottle:
It's
Pretty
Awesome

that's IPA for any of you slow folks out there.

ABV: 7.75%

Deep golden to light amber color, and a nice off-white head, with good retention when properly served. Starts off with pleasantly strong hop flavors, balanced by a firm malt backdrop, then fades to a dry finish with a lingering hoppiness.