The Brewer's Fest yesterday was an odd one. I avoided the Wit & Belgians, just because I don't like the styles much and IPA's because good IPA's are $20 a case any day of the week.
But damn it! Do we need Reds that taste like IPA's, Farmerhouse ales that taste like IPA's, Pilsners that taste like IPA's, STOUTS that taste like IPA's? In each case, the hops completely overwhelmed the other flavors in the ales. If a company wants to make 3 or 4 IPA's fine. Bear Republic does exactly that: Racer 5, Racer X and Hop Rod Rye are all great beers. I would hate to think we face a future where are choices are BMC or IPA's of various colors.
Plus notes: Golden Valley's Organic Brown was well done, New Belgium Brewing's 1554 Enlightened Black Ale was great not a porter or a stout, but something I've never run across before. Redhook Ale's Sunrye Blonde had a strong citrus aroma which was quite refreshing, although the rye really didn't come through.
But damn it! Do we need Reds that taste like IPA's, Farmerhouse ales that taste like IPA's, Pilsners that taste like IPA's, STOUTS that taste like IPA's? In each case, the hops completely overwhelmed the other flavors in the ales. If a company wants to make 3 or 4 IPA's fine. Bear Republic does exactly that: Racer 5, Racer X and Hop Rod Rye are all great beers. I would hate to think we face a future where are choices are BMC or IPA's of various colors.
Plus notes: Golden Valley's Organic Brown was well done, New Belgium Brewing's 1554 Enlightened Black Ale was great not a porter or a stout, but something I've never run across before. Redhook Ale's Sunrye Blonde had a strong citrus aroma which was quite refreshing, although the rye really didn't come through.