New Releases-March 2010
R & B Brewing-Ice Holes Celebration Lager 5% abv (Vancouver, BC)
This beer is brewed in jest to Steven Colbert’s calling Canadians “iceholes” on his program. It also ran afoul of Vanoc, the Vancouver Olympic (Occupation) Committee for its use of the word “Celebration” which is apparently a word to be used exclusively by liscensed vendors. The malty aroma has gentle toffee notes, the lager is a brilliant sunny gold color with a dry finish accented by clean hop bitterness. Celebrate the end of the Olympics and the return to normalcy.
Upright- Cask Six with Long Pepper (PDX)
Long pepper is a peppercorn with an aroma that reminds me of well seasoned pine boards. The aroma has notes of honey and pine shavings, a sweet viscous rye mouthfeel and a chewy sensation. The flavor has notes of spiced sangria, citrus cinnamon, and vinous notes.
Phillips-Hop Circle IPA 6.5% abv (Victoria, BC)
Sweet malt and citrusy hop aroma, brilliant copper with a long-lasting white lace, hints toffee in the aroma. Full malt sweetness balances the crisp bitterness and citrusy hop character. A hint of toastiness from malt adds depth.
Upright Oyster Stout 6.25% abv (PDX)
Bright roast aroma, roasty and dry with a hint of earthiness, an ashy dry finish with a slightly salty note. The oyster liquor added to the boil gives it a nice creamy mouthfeel that contrasts well with the ashy roast barley notes.
Walking Man- Shin Splint Imperial Red Ale 8% abv (Stevenson, WA)
Fruity aroma, red raspberry notes pair with citrusy hops, beautiful brilliant ruby color, citrusy hops and sweet malt flavors balance the high alcohol so you’d never know it was there. The perfect way to ease the pains of a grueling Columbia Gorge hike. (Nearby Dog Mountain should do the trick, switchbacking up the canyon wall and affording gorgeous (pun intended) vistas of the river and southern shore.
Fort George- Murky Pearl Oyster Stout (Astoria, OR)
Sweet caramel malt in the aroma with a hint of roast. Round roasty sweetness with rich creamy body, creamy head, great balance. Hop flavor, roast, and caramel all balance eachother well, with a dry baker’s chocolate and cocoa note, and just a kiss of briny saltwater in the finish.
