I sauntered over to Mohawk Bend on Day 2 of the inaugural LA IPA Festival and was glad to see that all the beers sans the winner of the judging competition from Noble Ale Works was STILL on tap. So many choices, here are my tasting notes from what I tasted along with my Yea or Nay vote….
Merry Taj from Lost Abbey
Strong bitterness. Hazy amber. Kind of muddy tasting. Some fruit punch straining in the back. Expecting more from this brewery. Nay.
The Pupil from Societe
Looks like lemonade. Wonderful aroma. Grapefruit pith. Super light. Big Time Yeah. Love the lightness of this beer.
Fall IPA from Faction
Aroma is minimal. A bit harsh tasting. Earthy. Thumbs down. Not a good introduction to a new brewery. So, nay.
Flying Ace from Automatic
Smoked IPA? Light in color. Some citrus in the nose. Not very bitter. Another beer that I was expecting more from, nay.
Illusion from Refuge
Pours clear orange. Clove nose to it. Banana notes to it. Hops in the background. Tastes better as it warms and is nicely balanced. Yea to this and I hope to see more beers from Refuge in LA.
Sticky Fingers from The Brewery at Abigailes
Orange yellow in color. Foamy head. Great pepper melon aroma. Tinge of cat pee. Honeydew melon primarily. Treading a fine line but it works for me. It doesn’t show from those notes but it was my favorite in a close tie with The Pupil.
