Iron Hill's Rising Sun IPA

Stopped into Iron Hill West Chester last night to catch the sports tripleheader we had going on TV and sample what was new at the brewery. You almost never go wrong at IH. The Stout was strong, the Saison just spicy enough to be interesting but the Rising Sun IPA made my night. The beer is brewed with Sorachi Ace hops, originally grown by Sapporo in Japan, and it gives the taste quite a lemony kick.

It pours a golden oranage with a small white head but that lemon aroma hits you almost immediately. The taste is bitter and zesty on the front end with the lemon and other citrus notes pushing through, then a dry almost peppery feel at the finish. Pretty smooth and creamy for an IPA checking in at 7.5%.

Overall perhaps the best IH brew I have had in awhile. Definitely worth a trip. B

UNO Chicago Grill has good beer?

For a chain restaurant, I have to say UNO Chicago Grill has an
impressive tap selection. Stopped in to the fairly new Newtown Square
location and was shocked to find enough choices to appeal to this beer
geek and my Budweiser loving companion (I know I know). From the
standards like Hoegaarden and Stella to specialty domestics like Bells
Oberon and Rogue Chocolate Stout to classic imports like Palm and St.
Bernardus. The usual big beer suspects are there as well but the
breadth of selection makes this a great choice for dragging those
mixed groups of beer friends, from basic to advanced.

Orlando is a beer wasteland

Day three in Orlando and I have yet to find a decent beer bar anywhere. Yes I know this is tourist central but even some tourists must want something beyond a Bud or Blue Moon. And what about the locals? Don't you people need a good beer after dealing with us all day? Even the big local chain, Miller's Ale House, is lame. Seriously Orlando - get your act together!

Avery Maharaja

This Imperial IPA from Avery is Colorado is a serious beer. It weighs in at 10% ABV to start. It pours with a huge fluffy head and an enticing dark amber color. The aroma is intoxicating. It may be the best smelling beer I have ever had. The malt and alcohol mix with some wonderful citrus scents, namely graprefruit, to create an overwhelming musk.

The taste begins with a hop explosion on the tongue. Not only does this beer smell strong but damn it tastes strong. The piney bitterness is strong and lingering, only giving way at the end to some malty sweetness. Amazing.

Considering the ABV this brew is fairly smooth with a good level of carbonation. This is one terrific beer and may be the best thing I have tasted so far this year.

A

Kiss-off for wine kiosks

No this column in today's Inquirer is not beer related but I love when simple common sense is used like a machete against the PLCB.

Two Months and Counting....

Tick.....tick....tick