Founders Brewing Company, Grand Rapids, MI., Centennial IPA. 7.2% abv. From 12 oz. bottles, it pours a rich, medium amber with a straw colored head and some light lacing on the glass. Hops predominate on the tongue and the finish is very well balanced with some malty undertones. The Centennial hops offer a tasty pine and citruss flavor and make this is a very fine, quality IPA.
Troegs Brewing Co., out of Hershey, PA., brew many fine beers and has built a quality reputation in the Craft Brew industry. I sampled a six pack of the Perpetual IPA. In 12 oz bottles that comes in at 7.5% abv. Troegs calls this an “Imperial Pale Ale.” Personally, I’m not quite sure what the difference is between this and most IPAs which usually stands for an India Pale Ale. Usually, the India Pale Ales tend to be hoppier since back in the day the sailors used hops as a preservative to keep their ale fresh for the long voyage to India. Anyway, back to the Perpetual IPA (however it might be denominated). It pours a light gold in color with a whiteish head that leaves light but impressive lacing on the glass. The light color belies the full bodied flavor of this beer, which is very enjoyable and look forward to having it again….as well as sampling more of Troegs delicious, well made beers.
Stone Brewing Co. Out of Escondido, San Diego, CA. is the number 1 brewery in what is arguably the epicenter of the craft brew movement. I sampled their Ruin Ten from 22oz bottles. It pours cloudy amber with a strong hop and slight alcohol in bouquet. Big, pronounced hop and big al the tongue with a big hoppy finish. This was a good, DIPA but I have enjoyed some other Stone varieties more. It had a bit too much alcohol flavor. It is a big 10% DIPA, but their “Enjoy By” series is also high in alcohol but IMHO, is much smoother and it has that strong, sweet hop flavor. Look for more on the “Enjoy By” series another post.