Kev's Beer of the Week - FlagRaiser IPA

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 5/25/12

Slumbrew FlagRaiser IPA

Kev Rating: B
Style: American IPA
ABV: 7.50%
IBUs: 80

Availability: Year Round offering from this new local brewery
Had: 22oz bottle
Region: Somerville, MA

Slumbrew is a local brewery out of Somerville, MA.  Currently, they have about 6 beers that they're brewing & bottling.  In honor of them releasing a new beer today (Rising Sun) at the Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont (1-3pm), I will post my review of the FlagRaiser IPA.  

FlagRaiser is a hoppy, no nonsense IPA.  Slumbrew calls it a Double IPA, but it drinks more like a solid IPA to me...maybe due to the dry-hopping process.  Either way, this IPA started out with nice tropical citrus on the nose...pronounced, but not overpowering.  As it opened up, it was a nice balanced blend of the pale malts and the strong hops.  I found that as it got a bit warmer (not WARM) it really opened up nicely and was an easy drinker.  

This IPA is a GREAT way to start off your Summer Season.  I look forward to buying more and bringing it to some BBQs - it would be great with a burger! 

Kev's Beer of the Week - Hog Heaven

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 5/18/12

Avery Hog Heaven Barley Wine

Kev Rating: A
Style: American Barleywine
ABV: 9.20%
IBUs: 104

Availability:  Year Round - I've seen it at a number of local craft beer stores
Had: Picked up a 22oz bottle at Berman's in Lexington
Region: Boulder, CO

I've been enjoying Avery Brewing Co's beers for a few years now and have (stupidly) passed up the Hog Heaven Barley Wine more than a few times.  I mentioned this to my brother George recently and he said I really should pick it up...it's worth it.  So, as a good younger brother should, I listened.  

For work related reasons I was over in Lexington and decided to stop by one of my hidden gem liquor stores on the way home.  After perusing the shelves for a while, I settled upon the Avery Hog Heaven Barley Wine...one of their Holy Trinity of Ales series (along with The Reverend and Salvation).  

The pour was a gorgeous amber color with a nice rich white 1/2 inch head.  The smell was outstanding - caramel, malt, fruit, spice.  I couldn't wait to take a sip.  After the first sip, I was sold.  It was an avalanche of malt, sweet caramel, dark fruit, some nice citrus hops, and into a nice earthy finish.  I've seen reviews of this beer go from moderate to pretty high...for me it was a home run.  I really really enjoyed this barleywine and can't wait to have it again.  Cheers!

Kev's Beer of the Week - Hoponius Union

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 5/11/12

Jack's Abby Hoponius Union

Kev Rating: A-
Style: India Pale Lager (like an IPA, but a Lager)
ABV: 6.70%
IBUs: 65

Availability:  A new brewery, but will be available year round
Had: part of a mix 6-pack I built at Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont
Region: Framingham, MA

As most of you know, I love to support local breweries.  Well, a few months back I heard of Jack's Abby out of Framingham, MA.  I had the chance to try one on tap at the British Beer Company out in Framingham.  I remember liking the Red Tape Lager, but not being wowed by it.  Well, over the last few months their beers have been showing up a lot at a few of my craft beer spots.  So far I've tried a few and have been really pleasantly surprised.  

The first thing you have to know about Jack's Abby I'll borrow from their website, "Jack’s Abby Brewing's goal is to create truly remarkable beer that combines the strict standards of traditional German brewing with the innovative approach of American craft brewers. Jack's Abby Brewing specializes in lagers. We think expanding craft brewing to include lagers is long overdue. Lagers, which are more difficult and take longer than ales to brew, yield rich flavors and smooth, crisp taste. All Jack's Abby lagers are unfiltered and preservative-free."

LAGERS - I can't remember the last time I actually sought out a Lager.  Well, that time is now.  The Hoponius Union is similar to an IPA as it's an India Pale Lager.  It was full of citrus and pine hops on the nose, more citrus on the first taste...maybe some grapefruit.  Then as it opened up, I could taste the nice bready malt and full bodied smoothness of a Lager.  It lost that hop-bite that you'd typically get from an IPA.  

I highly suggest seeking out Hoponius Union if you're into IPA's, you'll be surprised how close, yet different they are!  

Kev's Beer of the Week - Fred

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 5/4/12

Hair of the Dog Fred

Kev Rating: A+
Style: American Strong Ale
ABV: 10.00%
IBUs: 65

Availability:  East Coast - impossible/West Coast - not sure how easily available but brewed year round
Had: Bex brought me a bottle from a California trip; yes I gave her a wish list
Region: Portland, OR

Quick note from the Brewery as to the name, "Fred was created to honor beer writer and historian Fred Eckhardt. This golden strong ale incorporates ten hop varieties from five different countries. Through the use of aromatic and rye malt, the beer achieves a unique balance of flavor. We hope that Fred will inspire you to share your knowledge with others as Fred has with us." 

I didn't know what to expect with this one as it's always been highly rated on BeerAdvocate, but I'd never had anything from the Hair of the Dog Brewing Co.  I was amazed at how deliciously complex this beer was.  When I poured it out, it had a beautiful white head that smelled of hoppy citrus.  When I tasted it, it was a great mix of rye, citrus, & caramel with just the right bit of prickly carbonation.  As it opened up, it just got better and better.  The only downside with this one was that I only had one bottle and cannot easily obtain more.  

If you're on the West Coast and can pick this up, you should.  It is very complex and doesn't exactly fit any beer style precisely, thus the "Strong Ale" moniker.   I HIGHLY Recommend this one!