In what has become an annual affair, Stone released their 16th Anniversary IPA this summer. Loaded with lots of rye, but according to them not enough to warrant the “Rye IPA” name, this Double IPA also features Amarillo and Calypso hops. Finished with lemon verbena and European specialty malts, this one sounded intriguing enough to peak my interest (and Stone rarely lets me down).
I made another trip out to Albuquerque New Mexico not only to visit family, but to try and find some beers I can not get back East. One of the beers I picked up comes from Epic Brewing Company in New Zealand. Their Armageddon, an American IPA, can hopefully live up to bold giant red letters on the label and creepy 6.66% ABV.
I have always been a fan of the Denmark based Mikkeller, as all their beers are interesting and of quality. While Shane and Mike have been busy reviewing some of their other unique darker beers, such as the Rauch Geek Breakfast, Jackie Brown, and Beer Geek Breakfast, I always gravitate towards their Imperial IPAs. I found a bottle of their Hop Burn High Double Imperial Pale Ale, and although their beers tend to gravitate a little more to the pricey side, this one is worth the sticker price.
Traveling family is really a wonderful thing, especially when they travel to states with good beer. My sister was recently in Wisconson and brought me back a sampling of beer from a few breweries. First up is the Moon Man APA from New Glarus Brewing Company. Billed as a good session beer with a blend of five hops and a malty backbone, this should be a nice refreshing beer.
One of my favorite breweries that simply doesn’t distribute to Philadelphia is Ska Brewing Company in Colorado. They make, in my opinion, one of the most delicious hoppy IPAs out there, Modus Hoperandi. When I was on vacation I picked up two 12 ounce bottles of their Pinstripe Red Ale, which is part of their flagship line.
