I’ve only discovered IPAs in the last year or so. I know I really like some of them, and don’t like others at all, but I can never remember which ones I like.
So I decided to do a taste test and record the results.
I went to Steve’s on McKee Road and was able to buy one bottle each of six different IPAs. You get 10% off if you get six singles, but at $12 for the six, it was some of the more expensive beer I’ve ever bought. No matter, it was what I wanted, and I probably won’t do it again.
I’m not a beer reviewer, so my comments will be in the vernacular and untainted by the jargon of beer connoisseurs.
Capital Brewery Mutiny IPA
In a word: bitter. Too bitter, nothing but bitter, bitter aftertaste. Some people may like that, and I like somewhat bitter brews, but this was over the top. Thumbs down.
New Glarus Brewing Co. Scream IIPA
First things first: According to New Glarus, the extra I in “IIPA” means it’s a double IPA.
Before even tasting it, it has a very fruity (aka hoppy) aroma. I liked that. It carries into the first sip, but gets lost soon after.
This is a good, BIG beer. It’s strong-flavored and probably has a high alcohol content (turns out to be 9% ABV — caution required when drinking on an empty stomach). I could see buying a six-pack occasionally, but probably wouldn’t want it to be the only beer that saw the inside of my refrigerator.
Uinta Brewing Co. Detour Double IPA
Nice head. Buttery smoothness, easy drinking — makes Scream IIPA seem harsh. Strong-flavored, but the flavor creeps up on you when you take a sip. Quite bitter when you get the full measure of it. Interesting. ABV: 9.5%. I’d definitely buy it again.
Tyranena Brewing Co. Bitter Woman IPA
Hoppy aroma, earthy taste, not too bitter (surprisingly). Very nice, approachable, middle of the IPA road. A smaller beer, less strongly flavored than the others I’ve tried, as I assume a single vs. double IPA is supposed to be.
I would be tempted to have two of these, if I had them. It’s one and done for the other ones I’ve tried so far.
Capital Brewery Grateful Red Red IPA
Fruity, hoppy aroma. Flat, steely taste, moderate bitterness. Unrewarding, boring, one-dimensional, and not something I really want to drink. Towards the bottom of the glass, becomes nothing but fizzy bitterness, and I ask myself, “Why am I drinking this?” I need to stop trying to like Capital beers.
The label, however, is fantastic.
Lakefront Brewery, Inc. IPA
Nice, thick head. Minimal aroma. First taste is pleasant, bitter, but not too bitter, with some subtle sweetness at the finish. I like it. The aftertaste is a little light…I’d like it to linger longer than it does. Overall, it’s a very clean taste. Much less intense than the Scream and Detour. I would definitely buy a 6-pack of this.
And so out of these six beers, you can’t go terribly wrong as long as you avoid the Capital brews. If you want a big, full-flavored, knock-your-socks-off beer, the Scream or Detour are the way to go, with the Scream being as intense an IPA as I ever want to taste. The Lakefront and the Bitter Woman are more everyday brews, excellent in a quieter way.
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