Rogue Juniper Pale Ale

This is a light bodied ale, reminds me of a more well-bodied and flavored Stella Artois. For a lighter beer though, they've done a great job of mixing the hops and malt for just the right balance. I feel like I'm at somewhat of a disadvantage not being very familiar with what Juniper berries taste like, but I'm assuming it's the sweet residue in the aftertaste that lingers in your mouth. It's a nice touch, to an all around decent beer.


Juniper Pale Ale: ***1/2

Alaskan Smoked Porter

A common trend and popular beer these days is the Smoked Ale or Porter. In general, I'm not a huge fan of this style because most people tend to overdue it and your beer experience ends up being a little more like eating a cigar. Alaskan's 2008 Smoked Porter isn't that overwhelming, but there is perhaps a bit too much smokey flavor for me, which feels a little like eating applewood smoked bacon; maybe a breakfast beer?? The porter consistency and color is nice. There's a little bitter hops you can taste before the kick that seem well flavored, but very subtle. Overall though the smokey bacon is your aftertaste, which is strong at first but settles nicely. Definitely grows on you as you drink it too. I also want to credit Alaskan for refining this beer. I tried their 07 smoked porter and was really not a fan. This year they've toned it down some and ended up with a better result.


Alaskan Smoked Porter: ***

Port Brewing Old Viscosity Ale

Port Brewing refuses to classify this beer under any beer style, but I'd say it's closest to a stout, and at 10% alc probably not far off from Imperial. Pours a beautiful dark color, close to black. Front end is smooth and unassuming. As it rolls back on your tongue you start to taste the slightest hint of bitters, but very contained and still smooth. The final flavor is sweet with the bitter hint of unsweetened chocolate. As you finish, the hints of chocolate turn to a subtle linger of smoke and sweetness. The ale is aged in bourbon barrels which definitely contributes to the oak and smoke taste. A great beer!


Old Viscosity Ale: **** 1/2

AleSmith Old Numbskull Barley Wine

Unfortunately, I forgot to write a review of this one when I drank it, but it was very good. AleSmith has been making some very tasty and creative brews recently and I'm a big fan, this barley wine was no exception.


Here's my Dad tasting it, not sure why he's wearing a I heart NY shirt in LA.

Sonoma Farmhouse Hop Stoopid

I don't know much about the Sonoma Farmhouse brand that Lagunitas created a few years ago, but their motto is "A traditionally brewed non-traditional all-malt ale." I know they've brewed a couple different styles, and I'm assuming this is their hop heavy version. It's a beautifully orange/ambered colored beer, not a lot of head, at least in my pour. The aroma is a pleasant sweet malt with just a hint of hops. The taste is similar to the aroma except with a hint of hops on the front end. But most of the flavor is a mellow malt that's great for sitting back and relaxing with.


Hop Stoopid: ****

Russian River Brewing Co. Blind Pig IPA

What's most impressive about this beer is the way they've managed to mix the malt and hop flavors for a very pleasing result for both tastes. There's a little bit of history behind the name that you can read about on the bottle, little details that I'm always a fan of. This beer tickles your tongue on the front end with hints of the hop flavor. As it hits the back of your tongue the first thing you notice is the malt and grain flavors, which then blend and finish strong with great flowery citrus hops. There's one final kick of bitterness to remind you it's an IPA. Suprisingly, this beer is only 6.1 % alv.



Blind Pig IPA: ****

Angelino Heights, Victorian IPA in the making

I've already finished and tasted my IPA, but I'm a bit behind in posting pictures of the process. So I'm posting some pictures of the 2nd fermentor and the bottling process here, and I'll talk about taste and show you the final brew in the next post.

In other news, I've decided to start calling my pseudo brewery, Angelino Heights, after my neighborhood, and this new brew is aptly being called, the Victorian IPA.

2nd Fermentor






Bottling