Shadallion (518), Sacramento, California, USA Feb 14, 2003 Not an imperial IPA in the way of Stone Ruination; really a barleywine, albeit a very hoppy one, but that's not exactly rare on the West Coast. Layers of maltiness and fine hop bit at the end, but this beer isn't particularly mesmerizing. Good, but not great.
BlackDonald (1039), North Carolina, USA Apr 28, 2008 San Diego Real Ale Festival - This was an interesting beer, I thought it was absolutely wonderful. This beer attacks your nose on several different levels as it does on your palate, which could be somewhat confusing. The hops are very aggressive and so is the yeastiness. This is one of those beers that is great right now, but will be even better in a year or two. This is a bit of a palate killer. I had to wait a few samples before I could really sample anything else, as the aggressive hops really did a number on my palate. who knew this recipe would go on to evolve in to so many later beers at the brewery. Lucky I got to try this one. AmEricanbrew (1137), Swamp Shreveport, Left Coast, Louisiana, USA Jan 9, 2008 12 oz. bottle pours an amber reddish hue with a two finger white head. Has a sweet caramel and floral hop smell. Medium bodied with a light carbonation. The taste is a faintly sweet caramel which is quickly pushed aside by a tart, hop and alcohol bitterness.
This brew tastes more like a Barleywine now than a Ipa . Not nearly as hoppy as it was two years ago when it was " fresh ". 2004 Sham (1846), Seattle, Washington, USA Mar 12, 2005 Gold with a white head and small spots of lace. Fruity nose with some bitter hops. Grapefruit and floral as well. Bitter hop flavors with toasted biscuitus and some yeast. Really bitter finish with some fruits. Oakes (7032), Miami Beach, Florida, USA Mar 10, 2005 Orangey-amber colour. Chewy aroma with hint of malt and a big fat chewy character. Rich, resiny hop body with plenty of crystal malts as well. BückDich (4605), Boise, Idaho, USA Mar 9, 2005 <i>Sampled bottled at Man Land, Portland</i><br />Hazy blonde, no head, nose of bright cascades & other floral hops. I cant believe theyve lived up this long! The flavor is nicely bitter & sweet, well aged with a hoppy finish. Yum!
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