Greetings Hop Heads!
Today was the FIRST ANNUUAL IPA Day! What’s IPA day you ask? Well, I am very pleased to say that this fine day was created to promote craft beer. The Beer Wench, a fellow blogger, was influenced by the wine industry and their varietally chosen non-government affiliated holidays such as “Chardonnay Day,” and thought to herself, why not beer?
Well, I must say that I am fully in support of such a day that promotes the delicious elixir that is… craft beer. And to celebrate, I have chosen two beers to showcase for you today.
First is the 21st Amendment‘s Hop Crisis Imperial IPA. This is a limited release beer from 21st Amendment and happened to come out not too long ago. The brew presents itself with a pale orange hue and a large fluffy white head with great retention. The nose is fantastically aromatic with citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, as well as a little guava…or is it mango? There is little to no malt or yeast aroma to the nose, which is perfect for this particular style!
21st Amendment Hop Crisis Imperial IPA
On the palate, the Hop Crisis is remarkably balanced, without straying from the hop focus. The kiss of caramel is countered with the citrus notes and a piney resin character typical of an American IPA. This is a delicious IPA that is easy to get lost in. Yummy.
Thank you to Master Wigington for our taste of Texas this evening. A couple cans of Austin Beerworks Fire Eagle American IPA showed up at our doorstep yesterday, and for a brand spanking new brewery, it’s pretty darn good! This IPA pours honey-orange and clear, with a fine white head. The hops are again the star with citrus, and a bit of grass and pine.
Austin Beerworks FIre Eagle American IPA
The first sip of this Austin Beerworks brew came across with quite a bit of caramel at the front of the palate, but then faded into the bitterness of hop deliciousness. Thank you Austin Beerworks, and thank you Clif and Karen.
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Hoppy IPA day everyone!
~the Hungry Wino
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“A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it’s better to be thoroughly sure.”
~Czech Proverb
