Great Lakes Commodore Perry IPA

Rindy citrus aroma. Clean and bright. Medium bodied, again clean malt flavors to go with the bright, sharp (not catty-focused) hop flavors. This is pretty fun, I’d like regular access to this one. Thanks Eric!

Bottle from Canals. Clear straw like pour with thin white head. The aroma was a little too fruity and sweet for me. The flavor was a little too fruity too. I was hoping for a little more hop but it was just ok for me.

Sample at West Lakeview Liquors, Chicago, Great Lakes Tasting. Orange-amber color with small off-white head. Aroma is a little bit stronger citrus but more subdued malt and also a touch of pine that wasn’t in the APA. The flavor is very much the same with well balanced dry caramel malt flavors, the flavor is so similar to the APA, I am surprised I was not served a more fresh verison of the previous. Medium body with good carbonation. Overall another well balanced brew from GL.

Floral hops, subtle pine and citrus. Lots of sweet malt, heavily bittered. Definitely a hop head’s beer, but with good balance.

Golden pour with a red-brown tint and a nice white head. Lots of hops on the nose. Very piny with a hint of malt. Very bitter hoppy flavor. Typical bitter IPA. There is a hint of fruit and sweetness. Some malt on the finish. Good and balanced.

Dark amber orange body with a lightly off white head. Aroma is classic grapefruit and almonds. There is a nice floral character to the hops. The taste has some rich pancakes and hints of vanilla. There is also some muted grapefruit behind that character. A nice full mouthfeel, but it is not alcohol laden as I may have expected. Great Lakes continues to impress. Not for those that want a slap in the face, hop wise, but a great, well balanced IPA.

Bottle, best by 6/13/08. Pours an attractive deep, clear golden with a thick white head. Floral, citrusy nose - kind of subdued, with.... a hint of butter, uh-oh. Flavor has a noticeable diacetyl character which detracts from the beer. Also are notes of nice maltiness (munich perhaps?) grapefruit, citrus and ample bitterness. Very nice, full and round body with moderate to lively carbonation. Has elements of a good beer with one unfortunate flaw. I would like to give this one another shot.

Bottle: Pours a very light, translucent gold color with a nice-looking white, pillow-like head. Aroma hints at hops...yes, hops and more hops. Some light citrus tones noted. Medium-bodied mouth feel. Nice bitter start leads to a slightly sweet, caramel like finish that is in and of itself quite bitter. Good stuff.