Hop in the Dark – Cascadian Dark Ale

As some of you may know, I will be a married man in about two weeks. In part of that preparation, i have been dieting and almost 30 pounds later, im one hella shapely bastard. During this time, ive been avoiding some huge B’s – Big, badass burritos coupled with big, badass beers. When i hit the 30 pound mark, it was time to celebrate.

I went to my local corner beer mart (Whole Foods, believe it or not) and picked up a couple celebratory pints, (the other being Blind Pig) including Deschutes Hop in the Dark. At 200 calories per 12oz serving, i was ready.

As soon as i cracked open the bottle and poured it into my Imperial pint glass, i immediately stopped pouring. The beer was BLACK with a caramel brown head. What the what? I continue pouring, and i can say is “Stout, stout, porter, stout, porter…”

Hey, if it walks like a duck, and quacks like one….

But does it taste like one?

NO! It smells and tastes like an IPA. Imagine biting into a NY slice, expecting spicy sauce, greasy cheese and salty crust, and tasting only marshmallows. Its a little discomforting.

I like the beer ok, i just cant wrap my head around it. I get WHY its black…i get WHY it tastes like an IPA, but i dont get why the combo kinda works. Crystal and Munich malts give it the darkness, and the hops come from a blend of Centennial, Citra and of course, Cascadian hops.

Im probably new to this mish mash, but i gotta say, despite being thrown off at first, id be willing to take another plunge off the diet.

My score – 88 out of 100

Green Flash IPA

I was introduced to this hoppy Indian Pale Ale on the most beautiful spring day in Berkeley, CA.

I dont usually get alot of cohorts when i suggest an IPA on a hot day, because it sits a little heavy (kind of like a loaf of bread in your gut) but i wanted to try it, and my friends were down.

Sure enough, in addition to the super hoppy snap on the lips, there was an element of grapefruits and citrus that refreshed anything you once though was heavy.

Even your Aunt Ruth.

Im damn glad i found this one, and look forward to pounding a couple pints of these here and there.

My score is a sunny 89 out of 100.