Russian River Blind Pig IPA

Brewed by Russian River Brewing
Style: India Pale Ale (IPA)
Santa Rosa, California USA

I think I enjoyed the Blind Pig a little bit more than Pliny. It’s a little weird to say that, but I think it’s true. This IPA really blew me away. It poured a light amber color with a very generous white head. The head leaves a great amount of lacing around the glass, as well. The nose is full of grassy and floral hops, as well as sweeter notes like caramel hops and citrus. There’s even a little wood note with some bread thrown in for good measure. The flavors are downright delicious, featuring a big hoppy and spicy profile, but balanced terrificly with an outstanding malty backbone. There’s definitely enough hops to go around in the body, with hints of bread, caramel malt, wood and citrus. The finish beckons you to get another glass, with spicy and dry notes, along with the same sweet malty balance. This is one heck of an IPA!

On Tap at the BP Clear light yellow/orange with a full creamy white head tha lasts leaving dense thin lacing. Citrusy hops on the nose and a nice light but quite hoppy flavor. Surprised to see so many (72) IBUus listed for it on the board. Bright abd lively IPA that doesn’t feel that big.

Bottle. Pours a hazy light orange. Aromas of fresh citrus and a little mango or something. Flavor is a good mix of caramel malt, grapefruit and oranges with a little bit of abv warmth.

by way of psprings cause he felt bad letting this sit around... bottled 7/22/2008. in all fairness this is going on six months old. still, fantastic though not optimal.

pours a hazy orange gold iced/ tea color with a soft white head. lots of citrus on the nose... grapefruit, orange and pineapple blend with caramel and non resinous pine. the flavor is the same... tart pineapple (not the golden ones), tangerines, caramel/maltiness, grass, floral hops and an earthy finish which is persistently parching. very clean. pleasant medium body with a creamy mouth feel. the malts are balanced nicely hoppy dryness and near bitterness. it’s nice now. i can’t imagine it fresh! 7/3/7/4/16/3.7

Bottle, bottled six days prior to purchase from Toronado SF. Amber color, thin even white layer of foam. Peppery hop aroma with some citric background. Very tasty - darkly citric hop character plays on the palate right away,followed by some malts. The hop finish lingers nicely. Very nice.

Re-rate 6/09: Bottle sample. Thanks Yafit! Slightly hazy golden with a white head. Aroma of tropical fruits, flowers and some candies. Flavor starts slightly malty and sweetish and quickly turns into a very pleasant hoppy bitterness with grapefruits and a bit of other fruits. Medium-bodied. 8/3/8/4/16=3.9

(10/20/08) Draught at Monk’s Cafe in Philadelphia. Clear golden with a big stable white head. Aroma of big citrusy hoppiness and a bit of caramelly malty notes. Fresh bitter hoppy flavor with some flowers, grapefruit, orange hints and malty undertones. Great long citrusy bitter finish with light resinous notes. A great highly-drinkable IPA. 8/4/8/4/16=4

Sampled at Russian River in mid-June 2007. Clear golden, almost light copper with a white head. Sharp, citrusy/centennial hop nose - very nice. Flavor has notes of pale malt, grapefruit, cascade/centennial hops, and a light hint of caramel. Has a proper level of bitterness for an American IPA but not too crazy. Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Quite enjoyable.

Bottle courtesy of xmarcnolanx (thanks Marc!). Bottled 7/22/08. Pours a light orange with a thick foamy white head. Aroma of bitter bitter hops. Flavor is quite bitter initially with some orange peel. Drinkable, but this beer is lacking a good malt backbone to balance out those super bitter hops. Just ok for me.