Beer Review - Breckenridge Lucky U IPA

Still quite busy with work which hasn't left me much time for life. Also recovering from some kind of illness that had me launching my stomach contents into the toilet for a day long adventure. With that fantastic mental imagery in place... how about a beer review?!

Breckenridge Brewery - Lucky U IPA

Beer Type: American IPA

Appearance: 12 oz. brown bottle with a red and gold label centered around a horseshoe. Beer poured an orange-amber color with a nice thick head.

Smell: Sweet orange aromas with something a bit spicy in there as well.

First Drink: Bitter hops quickly followed by sweet citrus and malt. A lot hoppier than the aroma let on.

Mouthfeel: Smooth going down but a little light for my tastes.

Last Drink: A second hint of hops now but without the sweetness from the malt and wheat.

Drinkability: 6.2% ABV but you can't taste the alcohol. I could finish off a few of these with no problem.

Notes: This is supposed to be a year round brew but I haven't seen it around much lately. It is one of the brewery's more recent additions though, so it might just be in short supply.

Verdict: 3.5 out of 5. Not bad, but only slightly better than average.

Links: Beer Advocate and Breckenridge Brewery.

Beer Review - Real Ale Shade Grown Coffee Porter

Holy crap! It's been over a week since I last posted on the blog and it's been since right before Christmas when I last posted a beer review!! I am incredibly busy with my job and life at the moment but this is something that must be rectified! Here is a review of one of the last beers I had in Austin last year before I moved..

Real Ale Brewing Company - Shade Grown Coffee Porter

Beer Type: American Porter

Appearance: 12 oz. brown bottle with a Real Ale style logo that looks a bit like a bag of coffee beans. Beer poured a dark brown/dark red color with a thin head.

Smell: Coffee, chocolate, and something nutty. Smells a little subdued for a porter.

First Drink: A lot more flavor here than the aroma hinted at. First up is the coffee, followed quickly by dark roasted malt and chocolate flavors.

Mouthfeel: Thin and carbonated in the style of all the Real Ale brews I have had but it has a nice smooth quality.

Last Drink: The chocolate flavors really come through as the beer warms up and the coffee sticks around for a long time.

Drinkability: I can't complain. Not the best porter I have had but this is certainly one of the best Real Ale beers I have tried.

Notes: This beer was a limited edition brew. I only saw it in the stores in Austin for a few weeks before it vanished. I hope I get the chance to drink it again some time!

Verdict: 4 out of 5. Left me wanting more.

Links: Beer Advocate and Real Ale Brewing Company.