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There are not many transatlantic collaborations and of those, us L.A. beer fans don’t see them on store shelves. But maybe we will see the West Coast IPA, Under the Trees from Thornbridge and Urban Roots since they are from the state capital.
Someone at Urban Roots Brewery is a Whovian, in addition to a Bow Ties are Cool beer, there is also today’s reviewed West Coast DIPA in a familiar blue color…
Bigger on the Inside, a common exclamation for new companions upon entering the Tardis for the first time starts with a really light and see through yellow color. Getting a big grape aroma (no celery here). Lots of tropical fruit notes. Guava and citrus for me. And the 8.5% ABV is most certainly there. As strong as a Sontaran warrior. I do like the balance of strength and fruit flavors.
It comes down to a matter of degrees, which of the Czech Lagers from Urban Roots Brewery will I prefer? 12° or 14°.
12° – pours a orange yellow color. very crisp. getting a lot of mineral water taste that offsets the smooth mouthfeel of the lager. the barest touch of malt sweetness.
14° – Speciál Ležák” pours a slightly darker orange. fuller and sweeter. getting toast and strawberry preserve here. rounded mouthfeel.
Fourteen Degrees would be my pick. I think it would pair with a wide variety of foods and that bigger lager taste is more my thing.
The second pairing from the California Craft Brewers Association is another NorCal duo.
Bike Dog and Urban Roots from Sacramento bring us rainbows and poodles.
Starting with the Hazy Pale Ale – Guys, Gals and Non-Binary Pals which pours a haze lemonade color which is followed by a big lemon aroma. Guessing there is some Citra involved here. A bitter beginning melts into softness. Quite a yeasty filling character from this one.
Next is Make It Easy IPA from Bike Dog. This West Coast IPA pours bright yellow clear. Almost looks like a pilsner. A bit of cat pee on the aroma but that fades as you get a clean and crisp IPA.