Lagunitas IPA

This has been a staple in my fridge for the last month. Ever since the local convenience store has begun to carry it. I must say to bring a California beer all the way to our sleepy little world is a master feat. I am just proud to say we are finally getting some of these rednecks to try something other than the big 3 light beers. This IPA is truly a work of art, A fine blend of hops makes this Ale not just drinkable but delightful. Pours well and I must confess many times I drink it straight from the bottle. If it is available on your local shelf I highly recommend trying a pack today.

Matt gives this jewel of a beer 4 out a possible 5

Terrapin Hop Karma

 

  Looks like a brown ale doesn't it? Well you would be half right. Terrapin Beer Co. out of Athens, Georgia (home of REM by the way) has successfully created a brew that is the love child of an IPA and a malty Brown ale. And it is good. Holy Monkeys it is good. There is a distinct malt smell of caramel and as the beer warms it actually seemed to me as if I had a brown ale and an IPA on my tongue at the same time. If you enjoy either of these styles of beer, you will probably love this stuff. The light khaki head is fluffy and aromatic and its color was just slightly lighter than a traditional brown, this being the only clue as to its mixed ancestry. the mouthfeel is medium bodied leaving a pleasant IPA aftertaste that  is smoothed out by the malt sugars. My only complaint about this brew is that I don't have 5 more to...uh, help me review it better. I will definitely be serving this to my friends who enjoy IPAs. I have to also mention I loved the way the beer roils when poured into the glass. Makes me think of Guinness' little illegitimate brother. Buy This. You Won't Be Sorry.

 -Zech gives the Hop Karma a 4.5 out of 5-

My First intro to an IPA was several years ago and I can't recall the brand but I couldn't get past the dry hoppy flavors and the dry aftertaste, That was then this is now. Maybe it was bad beer I first tried or my tastes have become more in tune, who knows. I still think the average light lager beer drinker will not be ready for it. But, I digress, this Brown IPA could be one you might want to start with. The hops pop on your tongue with that classic dry aftertaste, but does not leave that aftertaste sticking around like you've been accustomed to with most IPA's. With the inclusion of a wee bit of sweetness, the Hop Karma truly will surprise you. Very nice!            -Matt gives it a 4 of 5

Abita Jockamo IPA

 

    Yep, that is my Bass Amp/ beer stand underneath the brew again. On the way to the movies Friday night my wife and I stopped by a new Liquor store in Jackson just to browse and I stumbled upon this little six pack of ambrosia called Abita Jockamo IPA. You may recognize the Abita name as a Louisiana brewer that Matt & I were impressed with at the Biloxi BeerFest. 

    I don't think Matt & I have reviewed an IPA yet, so when the caramelly, hoppy goodness of this 6.5% abv ale hit my palate I knew I would have to sing its praises. This is an incredible India Pale Ale. 

   The foam is tan as you would expect, and the hop oils insure that the bubbles are small & densely packed in a head that lingers long after it is poured. The head itself taste bitter and is reminiscent of a british bitter, similar to Boddington's. 

   The color is a gorgeous caramel amber and in my Samuel Adams nucleated glass the light seems to sparkle and dance through this ale. Upon initial taste, there is the distinctive bite of hop-intensive brews, but so well balanced as not to overwhelm. I wonder if noble hops were used in this recipe, or some other aroma hop as I am quick to pick up on high alpha acid concentrations in bittering hops. The mouthfeel is influenced by sufficient amounts of oil from the hops for the flavor to linger just long enough for you to savor the subtle yet amazing caramel flavor that ghost across your taste buds as this beer warms. This is not a sweet beer, but the caramel flavor adds such depth to its character that I was genuinely impressed. As the beer warms, you can even smell the caramel wafting towards your nostrils.

   My genuine heartfelt thanks to the people at Abita for making this splendiferous (Ha! take that spellcheck) and glorious concoction. 

                I feel no choice but to give this a 5 out of 5 and to add that trying this ale should be on EVERY true beer drinkers bucket list. 

 

    This IPA also was an amazement to me for as I poured it I discovered a light, super fluffy head that left like an airplanes vapor trail on a breezy day. Yet as I drank it I found that with every sip it shook up some bubbles that tickle the flavors in your mouth and give you an array of flavor that you will not find in many India Pale Ales. The initial aroma gave me a classic beer smell, but the flavors did not match. The malt and hops are carefully matched to create a pleasant tingly start and finish and leave you a satisfying aftertaste. Not usually a huge IPA fan Abita has won me over. I tried pairing this with a grilled chicken breast with a tomato chutney, and it was amazing. give it a try. Matt gives 4 out of 5