Tag Archives: American IPA

Steve Austin’s Broken Skull IPA by El Segundo brewing

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11064647_10103030123245690_6307354638756236756_o 12491756_10103030123759660_2925438282763516112_oRating: 4.75/5

Steve Austin’s Broken Skull IPA by El Segundo brewing is a 6.7% ABV American India Pale Ale.

Label:
A bad-ass 6.7% IPA designed by Steve Austin and ESBC for the working man & woman. It features Citra, Cascade, and Chinook hops to deliver big flavor with an easy finish. Now stop reading and start enjoying this awesome beer! Cheers! Steve.

==Introduction==

So, Steve Austin from WWE got together with one of my local breweries to brew a beer… I nearly lost my shit! This was some freaking bad ass news! I know the theme of different celebrities and bands getting together to brew beer such as Will Wheaton on W00tStout or Iron Maiden’s Trooper beer. Hell, even Cyanide & Happiness had a beer. So in the spirit of collaborations with other popular entities other than other breweries, I say keep them coming! Heck I hope one day I get to collaborate with an actual Anime or Manga artist that likes beer. I already make actual Anime themed homebrews and labels. Ofcourse I can’t sell them but my good friends and family seem to love them. Anyways, On with the show and let’s see if this brew is a Stone Cold Stunner!

Aromas:
Super dankness, grapefruit, herbal, floral, piney and grassy hops, tropical notes of mango, passion fruit, honey dew melon, dragon fruit, kiwi, raspberry, prickly pear tunas and biscuit bread.

Flavors:
Dank, herbal, grapefruit, floral, grassy and piney hops, Orange peel, lemon candy, lemon peel, starburst candy, honey dew melon, some tropical notes like dragon fruit, passion fruit, prickly pear tuna, raspberry, kiwi notes, biscuit bread, tangerines, mango hints, strawberry hints and caramel hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with some lingering herbal and grassy hop notes, tropical fruit hints and grapefruit peel. No alcohol in the taste. Light Straw Body, crisp, clean and refreshing mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good IPA, and that’s the bottom line! Very refreshing and pretty close to easy to drink. Since Stone Cold helped with this creation, he definitely has good taste and has definitely moved on from the cheap cans he used to guzzle down in wrestling. Certainly a change for the better and definitely something that many IPA lovers will enjoy. This brew was limited to select markets so if you are able to find it before too long, give it a shot. Go find this brew! Cuz, Stone Cold said so!

Anime Corner:
Original characters were used in this pairing to go with the aspect of the Broken Skull from Steve Austin. Back in the WWF/WWE days of late 90’s and early 2000’s, it was the “Attitude” era and the black and red were pretty influential colors in wrestling. With that being said, I was looking for art would that would basically show a skull but was also bad ass. I think with this I was able to find a good pairing for the beer.

Sources:
http://images3.alphacoders.com/649/649990.jpg
https://files.yande.re/sample/9cae7cebe292c86bf221f6a37477a73b/yande.re%20334156%20sample%20halloween%20kagehana_%28artist%29.jpg

Cyanide & Hoppiness by Flat Tail brewing

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11885034_10102776716285270_7261195933923887677_o 11951666_10102776716644550_6130806354670477979_oRating: 5/5

Cyanide & Hoppiness by Flat Tail brewing is a 7.5% ABV American IPA brewed with Apricots.

Label:
*Does Not Include Actual Cyanide
You hold in your hands the perfect fusion between a beer and an internet cartoon. One half hops, barley, and a stainless steel, the other half digital comedy transmitted across the world via electric cables. As you take your first sip, you’ll be transported to a world of offensive stick figures and puns, hop cones, and golden waves of grain. Tasty beer meets tasteless comics, Hops meet Cyanide, Cyanide & Hoppiness.

Get it?

==Introduction==

Originally brewed for the San Diego Comic, this beer was a collaboration with Cyanide and Happiness Comics and Flat Tail Brewing. I was introduced to the comics when I first started my new job about a year ago. My fellow coworkers Anthony and Luna showed me these hilarious stick figure comics that reminded me so much of the Oatmeal. Who knew they would ever come out with an IPA? Which is really awesome because as different genres of entertainment and hobbies start to mix with the craftbeer, we get to see more and more pairings. I for one take stand at introducing the genre of anime and beers with my reviews, pairings and even my home brews. Hopefully one day I can bring about the genre close to those that really love both! Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich stone fruit apricot and peach aromas, pears, mango, pears, kiwi, apples, exotic dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee fruit, grapefruit, citrus, tangerine, sweetened condensed milk hints, guava, tropical papaya, pineapple, tres leches/3 milks cream hints, vanilla, coconut hints, strawberry, raspberries, prickly pears, gummy bears, toffee, vanilla, biscuit bread, grassy, herbal, dank, floral and piney hops

Flavors:
Rich citrus, stone fruit peaches, apricots, pears, apple hints, mango, kiwi, guava, tropical papaya, pineapple, exotic dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee fruit, grapefruit, citrus, tangerine, sweetened condensed milk hints, vanilla, biscuit bread, grassy, herbal, dank, floral and piney hops, strawberry notes, tres leches/3 milks cream hints, vanilla, coconut hints, raspberries, prickly pears, gummy bears, toffee and wild flowers.

Aftertaste:
Rich apricot, tropical notes, mango, grapefruit, grassy, piney and floral hops, gummy bears and oranges. No alcohol in the taste, hazy tang colored light to medium body, silky, syrupy, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel and a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Hot Diggity damn, such a damn great IPA! So much of the tropical fruits that I love from an IPA are pushed more forward into the flavors than absolute hop bitterness but actually balances out. For a 7.5% ABV, it is not overpowering in some aspects. I feel even the most novice of craft beer enthusiast will have a special place for this one. You should definitely look for this one if you can find it.

Anime Corner:
Tenshi Hinanawi Touhou project was used in this beer pairing as I wanted to pair with the colors of the label but just the crazy amount of fruit flavors and freshness that are in this one. The summer is almost over but this one has been one of the top for the summer for sure. As a bonus, I wanted to through in a little tribute and do a pairing with Cyanide and Happiness and their anime comic they did. Perfect pairings!

Sources:
http://orig06.deviantart.net/9e25/f/2014/189/4/e/tensi______________by_peonymochi-d7pqrsg.jpg
http://explosm.net/comics/1355/

Photosphere Phil by Clown Shoes brewing

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11209606_10102559766190000_4896817392146577969_nRating: 5/5

Photosphere Phil by Clown Shoes brewing is a 7.5% ABV American IPA

Label:
Most humans recline on a chaise lounge by the pool, or at the beach. Not Phil, the Clown Shoe rep for CA. Phil motors up to the photosphere of our sun, where a temperature of 6000 K does not defeat his epic ability to chill. The beer is built off the recipe for Space Cake, but with a lower ABV, more crisp body, and Citra hops.

==Introduction==

A California only Clown Shoes release. I was kind of hoping we saw a Unidragon variant, but oh well. Maybe next time. Never the less, I still wanted to bring this one forward as it is a lighter version of the Space Cake but with Citra hops. I obtained this one at the local Ramirez Warehouse in Boyle Heights. I really liked Space Cake so I am definitely curious to see how this one changes with less ABV. Let’s check how the session feels with this beer.

Aromas:
Mango, oranges, orange peel, lemons, grapefruit, piney, floral, grassy and citrus hops, tropical fruis like pineapple, dragon fruit, guava, lemon peel, papaya, lychee, cherries, tangerine, biscuit bread and berry notes.

Flavors:
Citrus, lemony, grapefruit, piney, floral, grassy and dank hops,Orange peel, great amount of tropics of guava, mango, passion fruit, dragon fruit, honey dew melon, papaya, pineapple, strawberry notes, lychees, sweetened condensed milk hints, caramel, raspberry hints, biscuit bread, caramel, toffee, tangerines, peaches apricots, chocolate cherry hints, cream-sickle hints, vanilla, gummy bears and prickly pears.

Aftertaste:
Tropical fruit notes linger, lots of orange, grapefruit, stone fruit hints, biscuit bread, sweet cream and cherry hints. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, golden honey light body and easy to drink.

Overall:
I don’t know what to say but this beer is just as awesome and more drinkable than Space Cake. A perfect IPA!! Some of the elements I enjoyed from space cake are there for sure and while some of the flavors are hinted than they were in Space cake, the other citrus and tropical notes are more forward. This maybe a California only beer but I’m sure you can get this online before it is gone. In fact, get several as this beer is very easy going!

Anime Corner:
Koriand’r a.k.a Starfire from Teen Titans was used in this pairing as I wanted to find a character that would pair with the fiery sun but also the whole Space Cake aspect of the beer. Her colors go well with the color’s of Phil’s couch and just lounging. Starfire is as strong as the strength of the hops but is also as gentle as the drinkability and lighter side of the space beer.

Sources:
http://sakimichan.deviantart.com/art/Starfire-Teen-titan-511386913

Deviant Dale’s India Pale Ale by Oskar Blues

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10891515_10102372781513790_7496257806159314368_nRating: 4.95/5

Deviant Dale’s India Pale Ale by Oskar Blues is an 8% ABV India Pale Ale.

Label:
Sippin’ On A Tall Boy
Pack it in, Pack it out

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
This beer is intended to be a sensory assault for hop lovers. At 8.0% ABV, four hop additions during the brew process, and a final wallop of excessive Columbus dry-hopping, this beer is meant to say one thing: MORE HOPS! Perfect for these cool winter nights, The Deviant is a returning favorite from the little brewery in Lyons, Colorado that started the Canned Revolution!

==Introduction==

First tried at my friend Richard’s house, I had not tried this one since then. Oskar Blues makes some really great beers and this one was one that was definitely awesome so I had to pick it up for a review. I may include their Dale’s Pale Ale here as well but we will see when. For the meantime, you can find this one just about anywhere they sell craft beer and Oskar Blues products. Let’s see where this IPA category this one falls under. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dank and garlicky notes, piney, grapefruit, floral, herbal, citrus and grassy hops, caramel, biscuit bread, tangerine preserves, mango hints, strawberry hints, rye bread, tangerine candy, orange peel, dragon fruit, toffee, biscuit bread and sweetened condensed milk hints.

Flavors:
Citrus, grapefruit, piney, grassy, herbal and floral hops, caramel, biscuit bread, tangerine preserves, oranges, orange peel, butterscotch, rye bread, tangerine candy, orange preserves, dragon fruit, mango hints, dank and garlicky notes, strawberry hints, toffee, hop oils, lemon candy, sweetened condensed milk hints and pineapple.

Aftertaste:
Rye, tangerine candy, caramel, biscuit bread, orange peel, grapefruit, piney, grassy and herbal hops.
No alcohol in the aftertaste, Crimson Gold light body, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good example of an India Pale Ale with it’s strongest characteristics on being balanced with malt versus grassy and piney hops. This one falls under the malty, citrusy and fruity aspects of IPA and less into the herbal but still carrying its weight in hop complexity. I would recommend this one if the citrusy IPAs are your favorite.

Anime Corner:
Battleship Symbiotic Hime from Kantai Collection/ KanColle was used in this pairing as I wanted to bring about the name of the beer being Deviant Dale. Essentially not only does this character look like she’s up to no good, she looks like a little devil. To summarize the colors of the beer as well as the colors of the label from the can, this art compliments these items well. She is one smooth criminal that steals at your taste buds and emotions with a hoppy burn but pleasurable sweet bliss!

Sources:
http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2014/280/6/d/battleship_princess_by_asuka111-d81yehg.jpg

Hopped on the High Seas by Cigar City

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1620465_10101626284834120_1775691900_nRating: 4.5/5

Hopped on the High Seas by Cigar City is a 7% ABV American IPA dry-hopped with Ahtanum hops.

Label:
A tropical IPA dry-hopped on the high seas with one of our favorite hops: Ahtanum .
___

This is the second IPA I try from Cigar City brewing. The first one was the Flagship series. I was able to get this one from luekensliquors.com which always sells very good goodies from Florida. Awesome stuff.

Aromas:
Herbal, grassy and piney hops, mild grapefruit, biscuit bread, pineapple,honey, citrus, melon, passion fruit, melon and mango.

Flavors:
Grapefruit, grassy, herbal and piney hops, citrus, honey, kiwi, biscuit bread, mild garlic, passion fruit, melon, caramel, tangerine, apricot, mild hints of coconut and dragon fruit. 

Aftertaste:
Citrus, piney, grassy and herbal hops at the end. No alcohol in the taste, easy to drink, crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
Very good IPA and very refreshing at that. Coming in the can helps out a lot since the flavors are really fresh. For this being my second IPA I try from Cigar city, it is definitely one that is very good. I liked the flagship one better but either way this one is good too. I am familiar with other great IPAs that are easier to find in the West coast so if you don’t find this one, I am sure you can find others just as good or even better than this one.

Anime Corner:
Shiori Tsuzuki from Witchblade was chosen in this IPA to pair with the colors of the can. The Blue and grey colors from Shiori pair with the colors of the can and her blade is like a wave splashing in the ocean. She is arrogant and bitter at times which is the same way an IPA is but she also has strong feelings for her employer in the series which is part of what the tropical flavors in this beer are all about.

Columbus IPA by Hangar 24

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603766_10101160624665830_1031701729_nRating: 3.9/5

Columbus IPA by Hangar 24 is a 7% American IPA brewed with Columbus Hops

Label: 
Bitter and bold. This single hop American style IPA features 100 percent Columbus Hops for an intense citrus, floral and spicy aroma and flavor. Five different malts form the rich backbone that balances the hops’ 77 IBUs. The resinous mouthfeel is followed by a clean, dry hopped finish that refreshes and satisfies.
___

I’ve tried Hangar 24’s Double IPA but have never tried their regular IPA. So I got this one to give it a go. The aromas are definitely grassy, piney, floral and citrusy. Not tropical but definitely citrusy and grassy. The flavors are not as intense as they are with the double IPA but it is actually more towards the grassy, floral and herbal type of hop flavors. The citrus, orange and lemon peel are there but come later as you keep trying it. It is not as grapefruit bitter but more grassy bitter but crisp. The caramel and biscuit is there but subtle. Overall I think it is a pretty IPA. I have tried other worst ones and with this one I did not find nothing too bad, in fact I found some pretty dead on awesome stuff however, it is just that I like more tropics in my IPA is all :P. For those that love grassy, piney and more toward herbal or floral style of IPA, then this one is definitely a beer you may enjoy. West Coast awesome style here. Easy to find her in California. The place down the street has this. In fact, if it’s the only IPA I can find, then I will be getting this one most of the time now, unless I get Arrogant Bastard 😉