Thirsty Bear Howard Street IPA

Brewed by Thirsty Bear Brewing Company
Style: India Pale Ale (IPA)
San Francisco, California USA

Draft @ the brewpub. Pours a clear golden amber color with a small white head. Has a malty hoppy citrus aroma. Malty hoppy bitter flavor with some hints of citrus. Has a malty hoppy bitter citrus finish with a slighlty bitter aftertaste.

Had this on draft at the Thirsty Bear and it is what you young’uns these days would call "da shiznit." Golden orangish-amber with an off-white head that sticks around. Hoppy and sweet malty aroma. Very well balanced and well-hopped with citrus notes and a crisp finish. It’s a little less flavorful than a Stone Ruination or Dogfish Head 90 Minute, but for my money that’s really the only way it falls short. If you disagree, go ahead and shoot me.

Poured from tap at brewpub an orange-amber with medium off-white head. Aroma has notes of citrus and a light floral hoppiness. Flavor is light with malt, citrus, and soft hop bitterness. Palate is light malty with light bitterness. An ok, easy to drink beer but just did not grab my attention.

Draft at the brewpub. Poured a clear medium orange color. The head was off white and left some lace behind on the glass. Nice balance of citrusy/resiny hops and malty caramel. Medium bodied and slightly sweet with moderate bitterness. Simple but pleasant flavor profile that followed the aroma.

On tap @ brewpub. Very average IPA on all accounts. Aroma, appearance, flavor, and palate are all as one would expect. A pinch of citrus, a whiff of pine, a touch of grassiness, a sprinkle of caramel. Not a bad compliment to the food but don’t go out of your way for this one.

Not the greatest IPA - going from memory this was a somewhat hoppy IPA, not the hop bomb that the WC usually produces. Goes well with tapas however.

great malt weird but balanced hop. A little thick. A little conservative, I worry that these San Frans are trying to play for to big of an audience. (Thats why I drive to Santa Rosa for good beer)

On tap at the brewhouse. One of their better beers I thought. It’s a straightfoward IPA but nothing too adventurous. Nice balance, but a little thin on flavors and body.