Lucky U IPA

 

While in the OBX this weekend, we stopped for some brews we hadn’t tried; Breckenridge IPA “Lucky U” was one of them.  As you can see by the number of caps I have, we kinda liked it.  😉  It wasn’t as hoppy as I expected, being an IPA – but in my case, that’s good!  I prefer beers that are hoppy, but yet well balanced with malt flavor.  “Lucky U” delivered that nice crispy hop flavor without going overboard.

I do believe we were the “lucky” ones, picking this tasty brew!  Having this beer as my first Breckenridge beer, I’m excited to try their other flavors – like their Autumn Ale!  Cheers!

 

Clown Shoes – Good Beer, Even Better Names…

 

Yes, I admit it, I picked up this beer mainly because of the name and the picture.  I chuckled to myself in the store when I spotted it, and couldn’t resist its charm!  The only down fall, is the cap is just gold – no imprint.  I’ll forgive them that though, as the label is so photo worthy!

If you haven’t tried a beer by Clown Shoes, you should.  This brewery seemed to come out of nowhere with their clever names and tasty brew – and I’m glad they did.

The “Tramp Stamp” is a Belgian Style IPA, using Belgian yeasts and still packing lots of hop flavor.  It was a bit citrusy tasting, brewed with a little bit of orange peel – but over all it was pretty mellow and tasty.  The Belgian style yeast gives the brew a super bubbly mouth feel – one that I enjoy.

I’m into Clown Shoes lately, so be on the lookout for more pictures of their labels!

Brew Free or Die!

 

I love the illustration on these cans – it’s awesome; I always knew Lincoln was a cool guy!

From 21st Amendment, here’s an IPA that totally packs a hoppy punch!  My husband really loves it, but he really enjoys lots and lots of hops – I, on the other hand, appreciate that it’s a clean, crisp, well brewed beer (a little maltier than the average IPA, and I do love malty) but it’s way too hoppy for me.  It’s smooth up front and packs a wallop of hops in the finish – which made my tongue a little tingly!  I think if I drank a whole one of these, I may not be able to taste anything else afterward!

The fact that they package this strong IPA in cans though, is too cool!  It’s been said plenty – but we need a bigger selection of cans out there for our summer trips to the pool and beach!

If you love IPAs, you really need to check out this one – plus, with this awesome packaging, how could you resist?

Cheers!

Kennebunkport IPA – A Trader Joe’s Find

Whenever we visit Trader Joe’s, we look in their beer/wine section, as they’re always sure to have something new, special and affordable!  We found this Kennebunkport IPA – around $6 for a six-pack – pretty cheap for a decent IPA.  Evidently this beer is brewed by Federal Jack’s Brew Pub in Kennebunk, MA.

Over all, the flavor was really good, crisp – like an IPA should be and wasn’t overly hoppy or grapefuity.  I wouldn’t say it was my favorite IPA, but it was pretty good (especially for the value).

Make sure to try out some of those cheaper beers at Trader Joe’s as you may be surprised!

Going Rogue

Okay, so I realize this isn’t a “real” Rogue beer cap… but use your imagination.  I thought for SURE I had a Rogue cap in my collection, so I had a Rogue beer on tap this afternoon to blog about.  When I got home, I was astonished to find there was no Rogue cap in my collection… what??  Anyway… like I said earlier, use your imagination!

On tap at The Capital Ale House in Midlothian, VA, I tried the Rogue “Brutal Bitter”.  I believe it was their IPA, but it was crazier than most IPAs I’ve tasted.  If you like a glass of grapefruit, order this.  I’m all for a little bitter – but I don’t want to make that crazy “puckering face” after I have a beer.  Personally, I didn’t care for it – and thought that the name “Brutal Bitter” was appropriate, as the bitterness was certainly brutal.

This isn’t to say that I don’t enjoy Rogue beers… I happen to know for a fact that the Dead Guy Ale is delicious.  That reminds me, I should have one of those again soon… besides, I need a Rogue cap for my collection.  Cheers!