Chubby Bear Brown Ale

I've been drinking IPAs exclusively lately. So tonight when I ran out to the liquor store I grabbed a 4-pack of Chubby Bear Brown Ale from Opa-Opa Brewing Co. out of Southampton, MA.

It has a nutty nose, but its a bit bitter to the taste. After a few sips I gave it up as a bad bargain. My all-time favorite of the brown ales is Wachusett's Nut Brown, and sadly, this one pales in comparison. I have three more cans, so I'll give it at least one more go, but so far I'm not impressed, especially since Opa-Opa makes one of my go-to IPAs.

One Hop This Time: Simcoe IPA

I went down to the lake today on #NationaBeerDay with two cans of 6% ABV single hop IPA from Everett, MA's Night Shift Brewery. It's called One Hop This Time: Simcoe (from a series of beers I imagine), because it is made with only Simcoe hops. The beer didn't have an overwhelmingly strong scent to it, but once I had my nose in the pint glass, I could smell the hops. And the taste was fantastic, exactly what I was expecting from this particular type of hop. I enjoyed the beer while reading and listening to music (Tiny Fireflies and Slowdive) on the lakefront, and the time passed in a pleasant (and delicious) springtime haze...

Picnic Lightning IPA

Since I am on vacation beginning tomorrow, I decided to grab a four-pack of a beer that was new to me. So I snagged what turned out to be a great beer out of San Pedro, CA's Brouwerij West - Picnic Lightning IPA.

It turned out to be so yummy that I needed to drink it outside (the first warm day of the year, at 67 degrees). The 6.8% ABV Picnic Lightning is the smooth intersection between citrus and pine, and the hazy color is a cool surprise. Plus my nose has been filled with heaven! I am going to make this 4-pack last all week...

Ethereous IPA

As you may or may not know, for me the initial scent of a beer is hugely important. It sets the tone and expectation level for the flavor. Tops in this category is the ridiculously good Ethereous IPA from Proclamation Ale Company out of Warwick, RI.

The perfect co-mingling of hops and citrus, my senses where pleasantly overwhelmed. This beer was so enjoyable that I plan to have no more than one each time, to fully savor its perfection, though at a reasonable 6.6% ABV, it could make for a great afternoon in the sun. The final amazement was when I was rinsing out the can. Orange seeds!

I can't say it enough: I love this beer. ♥

Sherwood IPA

I had today off, and as I am wont to do, I had a beer that was new to me. I grabbed a 4-pack of pint cans of Sherwood IPA, a New England-style double IPA from Connecticut Valley Brewing Company. It is a hefty 8.2% ABV, but it goes down so smoothly that one doesn't notice until a few minutes later. It has a subtle floral undertone, and a fantastic tangerine-y zing. It smells fantastic.

I highly recommend this beer. It is already a new favorite!