Thursday, February 19, 2015

Alaskan Icy Bay IPA Review

Alaskan Brewing Company
Juneau, Alaska, USA
                            
           
6.2% abv
65 IBU

Appearance: a misty golden hue with a one finger white head that leaves some sticky lacing on the glass.

Aroma: light floral citrus note


Flavors and Mouthfeel: nice touch of pink grapefruit; oily feel; fine carbonation gives it a nice crisp feel; floral note; touch of sweet grains to keep things in balance; pleasing bitterness on the palate that lingers;

To the Point: a pleasing IPA; easy to drink; nothing bold here but, it has a nice flavor; looking for a session IPA this could be the one


Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Alaskan Freeride APA Review

Alaskan Brewing Company
Juneau, Alaska, USA


5.3% abv
40 IBU
American Pale Ale

Appearance: clear shiny amber body with very little head and not a trace of lace – Uhm, looks just like their Winter Ale.  I just put them side by side and I can’t tell the difference while riding a horse.  The Winter does have a light touch of copper

Aroma: very faint; light citrus note but I really had to do a bloodhound job to notice anything here


Flavors: light yet pleasing citrus notes; a touch of grapefruit with orange peel; firm malty presence in the mix;  

Mouthfeel: crisp; refreshing; a fine fizzy feel to the carbonation; simple on the flavor front; thin in body; watery edges; medium at best; not much of an aftertaste; easy to drink

To the Point: there seems to be a pattern here with the Alaskan brand; simple; thin; light on the aroma; made for the average beer drinker; these seem like they would be good to use to introduce somebody to a craft beer;

I have just tried three of their beers; the Amber, Winter Ale and this one.  Nothing special on any of them. I can see why a regular bar has been putting the Amber on tap – a Bud or Miller drinker can probably handle having one.  I’ll pass.  


Sunday, February 15, 2015

Alaskan Winter Ale Review

Alaskan Brewing Company
Juneau, Alaska, USA


6.4% abv
22 IBU
Ale brewed with spruce tips
Winter Seasonal

Appearance: clear shiny copper body with very little head and not a trace of lace


Aroma: malty amber ale; very faint; no spruce or pine

Flavors: sweet grains; faint spruce tip; soft hoppy note to keep the malts in check


Mouthfeel: sweet but not cloying; hops present but not noticeable; crisp up front; light-moderate carbonation; medium body at best; soft bitterness on the back; semi-dry finish; the sweet malts mingle with the hops for a nice aftertaste 

To the Point: a nice light olde ale; the spruce note could be a little more pronounced; pleasing sweet grains; easy to drink; easy to forget about – nothing special