Russian River Blind Pig IPA

This is the best IPA I have tasted. It is well balanced and the aromas and taste are great. I had my first pint on tap at the brewery. It is worth making a trip to the brewery.

I can think of at least three IPA’s (West Coast) that are as good as this one. Two things stand out from those other exceptional American IPA’s. First and foremost this is the most aromatic IPA ever for me. Second, the overall smoothness and balance. The hops are big and bold like many others but the orange/ pineapple and piney resinous hops along with enough sweet malts make this one a wonderful brew. From a 500ml bottle. date of bottling: 7/13/08.

Explosive piney hops with yellow pear skin in the background. Tongue scrubbing bitter citrus hop flavor.

Brilliant golden. Super intense hop aroma. Exotic fruity hop aroma--apricot, mango some sprucy hints. This smells delicious. Medium-light body. Bright clean bitterness, shines right through. More exotic hop flavors. This is truly delicious. Big thanks to my buddy Matt for sending this along to me.

Rich, intense aromas of pine/citrus hops and a touch of grass. Golden color that is perfect for an IPA. Flavor is pine hops (big surprise...), citrus, and green apple. Finish is smooth. Very good.

500ml Bottle. Pours a golden and slightly hazy orange with a medium white head. Aroma is all hops with strong citrus and subtle pine. Hoppy flavor with notes of pineapple and grapefruit. Noticeable and strong bitter backbone that is balanced nicely by crystal malt flavors. Mouthfeel is excellent with a slightly thin feel that shows off the character of the hops without being syrupy or watery. Finish is long lasting, dry and tart. An original and a classic that paved the way for most of the strong IPAs on the market today.

Bottle (Thanks BlackForestCO!) Pours a slightly hazy orange with a creamy off white head with wispy lacing. Extremely fresh west coast hop aroma- tons of piny/resiny character, perfumy orange spiciness, and only a touch of malt character in the back. Light body with mild carbonation. Flavor has tons of pine and resinous qualities, just a touch of cookie-like malt hints are detectable under the hop oils. Not much fruitiness other than a spicy/peppery citrus note and a very dry-piny, long finish. A generously hopped IPA, yet I’d like to see more tropical fruit character come though in the flavor.

Graciously given to me as a gift from Sparky27. Poured into a snifter, golden amber color with a nice head. Aroma of citrus hops. Taste is citrus hops, piney nice malt touch to keep it balanced but the texture is a little watery for my likeing. Basically a good beer but no Alesmith IPA... thanks E.****Update***bottle from josh... Nice IPA.. Grassy, fruity, citrus, all the typical west coast traits...