Tonight I had the worst experience with our beer choices. IPA's are my least favorite beers and thats all we had. Might as well get it out of the way!
IPA stands for India Pale Ale and dates back to the 1800s in England where it was first brewed. But age has not made this one a beer I prefer or even enjoy. Its IBU count is very high (tonight's were all 55 and over much like a buffet at 4PM) and at times made my tongue feel as though it were both convulsing and writhing in pain. I wasn't sure if I should spit or cry.
This isn't to say the breweries in question did anything wrong, its just that I do not like this type of beer. Not everyone likes all beers, its why they have variety.
However, we did choose a variety from a few breweries to give as objective an opinion as possible to a type of beer none of us enjoy.
Firstly was Lost Coast's Indica India Pale Ale and it made my tongue feel like the outside edges were going to commit suicide. Not a bad beer but so bitter I was unable to enjoy the taste. It smelled fabulous, but tasted like I was dead. This beer is a 6.5% ABV with an IBU of 57.
Second beer of the night was Alaskan IPA. This beer smelled as rank as the Lost Coast's tasted, but was surprising to taste as good as it did (considering my dislike of IPAs). I have to say this one was a decent beer if I were a fan of the type. It has an ABV of 6.2% and an IBU of 55. So slightly less bitter and a slightly lower ABV but overall not a beer I would ever consider buying on any regular basis.
Our last beer of the night was the Sierra Nevada Torpedo. This was my favorite of the night, a pleasant smelling IPA with a decent finish. Not an overly thick beer (most IPAs are not thick) but mildly enjoyable. I can't say I see myself buying this often but I would definitely give this beer a shot on another evening, especially on hotter days. The Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA has an ABV of 7.2% and an IBU of 70 making it the bitterest of the evening, but also the smoothest.
Check in every Thursday for new beers and new games as the two Steve's, Dan and William discuss beers, games and everything in between.