THE BRÜ: November 2014

November 19, 2014

The Brü Revü – Hops and Grain Greenhouse IPA, October

The October (#10) Greenhouse IPA is definitely one of the more unique versions of the series. Hops & Grain used a blend of Crystal, Centennial, Bullion and Horizon hops to truly experiment with the flavor profile of this iteration. As usual the beer pours and looks almost identical each month with a deep golden amber and fluffy white head. The aroma was very earthy and oily and while that may seem odd in a beer it worked very well in this case. The taste was where this IPA stood on it’s own as this was not your standard IPA but something bold and different. It started with an earthy grassy punch in the face that quickly yielded to a melon and citrus smoothness with oily hop undertones throughout. My first reaction was a bit of a shock as the aroma and flavor profile were a departure from the status quo IPAs, but as I continued to quaff I slowly began to love it. I will thoroughly enjoy every can of deliciousness, and anxiously await what is to come next month. I love what H&G dreams up with each batch and how it is expanding my hop knowledge. Kudos and keep it up!

Hops and Grain Greenhouse IPA

November 12, 2014

The Brü Revü – Hops and Grain Pale Dog

I have had the Hops and Grain Pale Dog many times before, but know that they have been tinkering with the recipe to get it right where they want it. This is not uncommon for a brewery and I like that H&G are always trying to get their beers perfected. I don’t know if they are still tinkering, but I do know the Pale Dog now is really good. The beer poured a golden amber with a very large fluffy white head. This is a dry hopped pale ale and had a huge fresh hop aroma with lots of citrus and grapefruit rind. The taste started with a sweet malt body that quickly transitioned into a grapefruit and citrus hop bitterness that is dangerously close to many IPA’s. The dry finish left a lingering bitter coating on my palate that was a perfect ending to each sip. The Pale Dog was a well crafted Pale Ale that kept the hop level high as well as the drinkability. This big flavorful beer is one I will highly recommend for a local pale ale option.

Hops and Grain Pale Dog

November 11, 2014

Beer Bums Meeting – November 2014 – Black Beers

Black beers for November to open it up a bit. Another great group of beers, with the Uinta Dubhe as the standout for me. Great aroma a flavor on that Imperial Black IPA. The Pedernales Lobo Negro was a surprisingly solid Dunkel as well. Already looking forward to our Christmas Party next month!

Austin Beerworks Black Thunder

Uinta Baba Black Lager

Uinta Dubhe Imperial Black IPA

Pedernales Brewing Lobo Negro

Next Month, December – Christmas Party!

November 6, 2014

The Brü Revü – Odell Mountain Standard

It has been great having Odell in Texas and finally getting to try all these great beers I have heard so much about. The Mountain Standard is Odell’s double black IPA that features hops grown on Colorado’s Western slope. The beer poured a pitch black with slight ruby highlights when held up to the light a and a slight tan head that left sufficient lacing. The aroma was slightly piney but more resinous and citrus notes with sweet roasted malt backup as to be expected in a Black IPA. The taste exceptionally glided between dark roasty bitterness and piney, resinous hop bitterness that played off each other and kept my deeply coated palate guessing as to where all the flavors were coming from. The citrus hop flavors peaked their head out from time to time as well and really accentuated the interplay between the dark roasted malts and hop bite. There is almost a rye or roasted coffee tone deep in this monstrous beauty of a beer. A really superb Black IPA that manages the line between roasty malts and bitter hoppiness with finesse, if you can say that about such a high abv brew. Another great one from Odell. Gotta go grab some more!

Odell Mountain Standard