Mendocino Brewing Company

I've seen Mendocino Brewing Company's White Hawk Select IPA on local shelves for quite some time, I figured it was about time I tried it. This micro-brew is actually pretty big considering that it is in fact made by a microbrewery. It can be found in large chain grocery stores and local liquor stores alike. I figured since the brewery is popular enough to be distributed in large grocery chains, it must be good.

Description

The beer poured a medium gold color with a bright white lingering head. There were plenty of micro-bubbles,  the head kept through half the pint. The aroma was not too strong. There was a distinct citrus smell, but overall I was not impressed with the scent . The taste was a lot like the smell. Although there was a distinct hop flavor, I felt like the whole experience was rather bland. It almost tasted like a watered down IPA. Although I wouldn't consider myself a total "hop head" I would say that this beer just wasn't complex enough for my taste. With that being said, I understand why this beer seems so popular. Many people are not big on bold flavored beer, in fact I know people who turn their nose at any smell of hops. For those people, a mild IPA would be better for them to cross over from light yellow fizzy beer into a "mans" beer. If I wanted to drink three or four IPA's then this could be a go to beer, being not as bold as others I wouldn't be bombarded with hops from drinking multiple.

The Brewery

Mendocino Brewery is located in... you guessed right, Mendocino California. The brewery is big for a microbrewery, they distribute to many different grocery chains. For that reason they must brew large quantities of beer to keep all their accounts stocked. The brewery started in 1983, making it a relativity young beer company compared to many others. All of their year round beers are named after birds (namely hawks except for their Blue Heron), for example Red Tail Ale, and White Hawk IPA. Their website is outdated and hard to navigate. Hopefully in the near future, they make a more up to date homepage.

Russian River Brewery: Amazing!

While browsing my favorite beer rating site I came across a brewery that had great ratings from the community, Russian River Brewery. After reading such great reviews I set out to try the brew. Luckily San Diego's Tap Room keeps a few of Russian River's brews on tap. I ordered the I.P.A. and let me tell you, the beer lived up to it's reputation.

Description

The beer pours a golden orange color with a decent cream color head. It was well carbonated and left some lacing on the pint glass. The beer smelled of citrus, pine, and fresh grass. What really impressed me was the taste. The beer hits your taste buds hard, bold hops and citrus dominate the taste with a subtle taste of alcohol and malt. Many I.P.A.'s have a lingering finish, which in some cases can be unpleasant; this beer had a great clean finish that left your mouth refreshed and wanting more.

The Brewery

The brewery is located in Santa Rosa California. Although its a microbrewery, Russian River has a big following. They have multiple beers on the Top 100 Beers in the World list and are well distributed throughout California and neighboring states. Their beer is in fact so popular, that in the past they have had limited release beers go for as much as 400 dollars on eBay. With such an impressive reputation one would think of a large company, but in fact, the brewery stays true to the word microbrewery. One critique that I believe needs to be addressed is their website. It can be difficult to navigate, and seems a little too simple. But in all honesty, who cares about a website, when their beer tastes amazing. I highly recommend this brew.

Firestone Double Barrel Ale (DBA)

Firestone Walker Brewery is located in Paso Robles California. The brewery has become increasingly popular over the years and can be found in restaurants and bars throughout California and it's surrounding states. Although this brewery is known for their quality brews, I must admit that I just wasn't impressed with this beer. The double barrel ale is fermented in a oak barrel brewing system to give it it's unique taste. The beer is crafted as a British Pale Ale and is the flagship of the Firestone Walker Brewery.

Beeradvocate.com, a reputable beer rating site, rates the DBA an overall B; with that in mind, I went out and purchased the beer thinking it would be something enjoyable while giving me something new for my palette. The beer poured a nice rich amber color with a crisp white head, although the head seemed to diminish quite rapidly. The aroma was herbal and toasty with a distinct oak scent there were also hints of vanilla and pine from the noble hops. The taste was just not what I was expecting. Although there was a taste of malt and oak, it was not very complex. It was light and crisp, but almost tasted like a watered down ale, the hoppy pine smell did not transfer over to taste.

Stone Brewing Co. IPA

Well, as I stated in my last post, I was so impressed with Stone's Arrogant Bastard that I wanted to try some of their other brews. This time I was lucky enough to try their IPA, and let me tell you it was another pleasurable experience. It poured a beautiful blond with a hint of red accompanied by a nice white head. There was a nice hoppy aroma that literally made my taste buds tingle. The IPA had just the right amount of malty flavor to offset the zesty hops. I.P.A.s are not usually one of my favorite beers, but now I'm starting to think it just took me a while to try the right one. After having two different brews from Stone I have noticed a very distinctive taste in both. It is hard to put my finger on, but I will try to explain. It is obvious Stone Brewing Co. likes their hops, as their beers are on the hoppy scale. Most new or "social" beer drinkers don't really like hops because of their bold flavor, but Stone has found a way to blend their hops into their brews in a way which creates a perfect balance. The hops are cut with a nice sweet flavor leaving no bitter taste in your mouth. I'm very impressed with this company.