Russian River Bravo

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

Draft at the brewpub (6.74%). Aroma was very unusual - brett and angostura bitter came to mind. Dark golden color with a white head that ringed and left delicate lace tatters. Thin to medium body with mild carbonation. Lightly sweet herb flavor with complimentary bitter. Three of us tried it, and no one could put a finger on a name for the principal flavor. Let’s say floral/herby hop. Nice lingering bitter finish. Good stuff, if puzzling.

From a growler thanks to general_gao. Gold colored body with a creamy white head. The aroma has a sweet note of oranges along with some grass and leather. There is also a toffee undertone. The taste has some grapefruit rind along with some Juicy Fruit gum. There was also a little bit of pine. Nicely done and relatively subtle.

On tap at the BP Pale golden in color with anattractive creamy white head. golden Belgian with plenty of IBUs and a decent ABV BITE.

On tap at the Brewpub. This was listed on the board on the Belgium side. I was a little surprised when it smelled and tasted like an IPA, and now that I am here to rate it I find out why. It was an IPA. Nose of floral hops this clear amber colored brew had nice smooth mouthfeel and good flavors of caramel malts and hops. Good bitter finish. A very smooth and drinkable brew.

On tap @ the brewery. I’m an IPA fan, so I liked this one. Very smooth and clean, surprisingly with less complexity than one would expect from a RR brew, but still good. I would have again if on tap.

Tasted on tap at the 2nd Annual Drakes IPA Festival. This IPA pours a slightly hazy light gold color. Small sized white foamy head. Aroma is floral and yeasty. Medium bodied India Pale Ale. The malts are fruity and sweet. The hops are floral and earthy. This one has a lot of yeasty and fruit esters in it. Very smooth tasting. Milder bitterness. Mouthfeel is full. Finish is clean and smooth.

draft: hazy golden orange. Aroma has some hefe notes, but came off as arguably the worst beer I had on the sample platter. The hop presence is there, floral and citrus hops. Well made, but maybe not my thing.

Draft at the brewpub. Also had it a second time out of a growler. Poured a clear golden-light orange color. Head was rocky and white with good retention and lacing. Aroma was of flowery hops and subdued clove. There was also some fruity candy. Dry on the tongue with a light spicy clove note and mild to moderate hop bitterness. Flowery/grapefruity hops and subdued fleshy fruit (mostly apple) dominated the flavor. Good beer.