Brew Detective: Reubens' Brews Summer IPA

Reuben's Brews just keeps crushing deliciousness, this time it's their Summer IPA. Buy a six pack as soon as you see it, or get ye growler filled if ya live in the PNW. The Thrillist named it one of 21 beers we should be drinking this summer, so it's got that going for it, which is nice.

When this IPA hits your glass, you'll witness outstanding clarity and a fluffy head. Carbonation continues long after the pour. The nose is all IPA, not so juice-forward. This is a true west coast IPA, both in look and taste. The transparent nature of the ale does not surrender one iota of mouth feel. This IPA reflects so positively on Reuben's brewing team, they truly work toward crafting excellent beer. 

I really dig the cleaner, more clear IPA's. Those of us lucky enough to live within beer-crazed areas have ample opportunities to drink quality beer. As my fairy hop-father once told me, "life's too short to drink bad beer. If you don't like it, you don't have to finish it." With somewhere in the neighborhood of 6K breweries nationwide there's plenty to be had. Happy hunting.

Reuben's Summer IPA | 6.5% | 50 IBU

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Brew Detective: Reuben's Brews vs. Ex Novo

Tart Cherry Weisse vs. Marryin' Berries Gose -

Reuben's Brews and Ex Novo are two of the finest breweries in the PNW. Their takes on two German standards epitomize how classic brews can be rejiggered. Both glow, tinted by the fruit they were brewed with, they're attractive in the glass. These ales are best appreciated on warm days. Craving something a little sour and lower in ABV is far more palatable when the sun's out. 

One is brewed in WA, the other PDX. If you find yourself wanting to break free of the dearth of hop-driven ales, these are two fine fixes. Neither one is over powered by the fruit. The yeast is what's packing the punch. The sugary sweet of the fruit helps to balance the puckering elements in each of these beautiful beers. Obviously the tart cherry used in the Weisse offers a different nuance than the combination of raspberries and marionberries that are added to the Gose.

The effervescence of Reuben's is full of beautiful carbonation, it almost dances in the glass, as well as on the palate. The Tart Cherry probably wins out in the end, but they're both phenomenal. Reuben's weighs in at 3.2% and Ex Novo rounds out at 4.6%. If you're in the mood for a change of pace, grab these selections from your local grocer or bottle shop. Enjoy responsibly.

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Brew Detective: Apex Beer Bar

Portland has an abundance of great breweries, they also have some amazing beer bars. Apex is a must-go for anyone touring the beer scene in PDX. They have a live tap of about 50 beers. They also have a library of aged and hard to find bottles. It's a mecca for beer geeks. I was really impressed by their selection, as well as the friendly vibe. Agent M and I split three beers, two were NW natives, the third was Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale. For the purpose of this review, I'll be breaking down the NW selections.

Stable Genius | Hazy IPA | 6%

Level Brewing crafted this hazy IPA right here in Portland. This was our first time sipping on an offering from Level. My notes were as follows: hazy straw-yellow, dappled with dashes of orange; lingering foamy head with a dank nose, herbaceous mouth feel and desirable amounts of bitterness. Agent M's notes: mild and creamy, hoppy taste late, yum.

Bits & Bobs | West Coast IPA | 7%

This west coast IPA was brewed by Reuben's out of Washington. I've had one of their other beers, but never Bits & Bobs. Our takes on this IPA: almost pilsner-like in color with great clarity, plus carbonation, a floral nose, crisp with surprising bitterness. Agent M: balanced, drinkable, a perfect IPA.

I'll leave you with that, a perfect IPA.

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