First off, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a big Enlgish beer guy (Yet?). The Bass's, Newcastles Samuel Smith's and Old Peculier just don't do it for me. And While Left Hand is known for making (and making well) everything but English style Ale, they hit the nail ( in my book anyway) on the head with their 400 Pound Monkey English Style IPA.
I only bought one of these as (as I said above) I've never really fallen for the English (It must be their teeth). But the label and the fact that it was brewed by Left Hand Brewing spurred my interest. Before I get to the beer, I must credit Nathan Strong of Strong liquor in Minnetonka, MN for the recommendation. Ironically, Nathan attended my high school back in IOWA, something I did not know upon entering the store, a store I would recommend if you like mix and match 6-packs. Strong Liquor has a wide array of single bottles anything from Light Lagers to Barley-wines and the best part is they charge a flat fee regardless of what Six you pick ($9.99).
So how about this Beer? Honestly After my first sip I was like What The F%^&!!! Maybe it was just my ingrained disfavor of English beers, maybe it was the cheese curds or maybe it was just disbelief, regardless it caught me off guard. The second drink was much different than the first and again surprising. Smooth malty taste with a very green, pine coney hop taste to it. The 3rd and rest were exceedingly better and I have to admit that this 12oz. had me wishing I would have picked up a few more. The hop character is for the most part upfront, it does have a slight Citrusy taste but it fades quickly to the aforementioned pine cone/spicy hop aroma. This is by no means a Hop Heavy IPA.
With a really light amber color to it and 6.8% Abv this is a beer that most but not all will enjoy. If you like Face punching IPAs or Malty Blah English Ales, you will be saying WTF!! This beer on Tap would be really interesting and I look forward to getting into one again very soon.
Rating: 7/10
Slainte`
No comments:
Post a Comment