One more review before we get to the #FWIBF ones that I will sprinkle throughout the rest of January. This is Head Over Heels from Rob Ruben’s Distillery and Brewery. I found a bottle of this IPA at Sunset Beer before I knew that the El Segundo based brewery was bottling. HoH pours a dark orange color. Initially pine aroma that has a sub-layer of some citrus. Woodsy taste on the first sip. Pretty good bitter bite overall. But that woodsy/earthy note dissipates and I am left with something that is a little too heavy and a little too carameley for my tastebuds. Nothing about this popped out but it holds on to stay in the middle of the pack for this crowded style.
(sorta) new from Karl Strauss
It’s good to see Karl Strauss back in the game rather than resting on their laurels and it’s good to see a pale ale!
“Karl Strauss Brewing Company is releasing the next installment of their seasonal program, Pintail Pale Ale. The company has brewed Pintail Pale Ale for over nine years, however, this is the first time it will be available in bottles.
Pintail is a classic American Pale Ale, loaded with pine and citrus flavors from a blend of Newport and Cascade hops. After fermentation, Pintail is dry-hopped with a pound of Amarillo hops per barrel, for a distinct grapefruit aroma and flavor. The vibrant hoppiness of the beer is balanced by a blend of Carapils and caramel malts, creating a firm backbone to support the lingering, dry finish. Brewer Paul Segura says, “We’ve got a lot of hop heads who love this beer for its intense grapefruit flavors.”