You may hear the name “Double Platinum” and think of the less than desirable beer created by Budweiser, but the Starr Hill Double Platinum is quite the opposite. The Double Platinum is a 8.6% ABV Imperial IPA that is dry hopped with both Simcoe and Centennial hops. It looks pretty promising and hopefully the platinum lives up to its previous metal name.
There are few things in the world greater than a big, hoppy IPA on a summer night. Imperial IPAs provide immense flavors, a good bitter note, crisp refreshing mouth feel, and a larger ABV hit. Imperial IPAs have long been one of my favorite styles, and tonight I’m sampling the Ice Breaker from Lost Rhino Brewing Company. The description on the Lost Rhino website ends with “Drink with caution!” so this should be just what I’m looking for.
I’m not one to turn down a new (to me) IPA, especially if that IPA comes from a local brewery. The Northern Lights comes from Starr Hill based out of Charlottesville, VA. Being a fan of their beers I had to pick up a six-pack of the Northern Lights as soon as I saw it.
The Phin and Matt’s Extraordinary Ale from Southern Tier is billed as being a classic American style Pale Ale, and there is nothing wrong with any of that. Brewed with three types of hops and three types of malt there should be a good depth of flavor and balance. Being a standard Pale Ale, it should also be approachable. All this combined makes the Phin and Matt’s a beer that I’m excited to dive into.
Many members of my family went to college in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and Lancaster Brewing Company has been a must hit spot whenever we are in the area. One of my favorites to pick up is the Amish Four Grain Pale Ale which promises to be well balanced yet complex enough for the style.
