Big Barrel of... | Brew Detective Best of 2020

Jackie Treehorn Presents:

The pandemic, police killing minorities, social unrest and protests, increased homelessness, the closure of far too many small businesses, and catastrophic fires along the west coast, were all tossed into one big barrel of WTF, better known as Portland, Oregon. To hell with an emotional state. My mind feels as though it's been overwritten. Things look fucked because they are. Time feels off, askew, now is a time for reflection, an opportunity to reconsider. 

Let's look inward to ensure a more positive direction moving forward. If we take action, if we prove that we care about one another, about the natural world, we will reap a more fruitful benefit. There's only one spaceship fit to fly us around the sun. We've been mistreating Mother Earth for far too long. Future generations are being dealt drastic doses of environmental deterioration. Reactive policies, tactics, and practices, have never been good enough. We have to do better.

Nature continues on, complete and perfect in its organic chaos, despite human influence. Time will not stop for us. We can make changes to give us new chances. There is so much to consider and I'm sorry if this was too sermon-like. I often use this platform as more of a digital journal, so as always, thanks for checking in. If you're still reading, hopefully my rambling reinforces the idea of, Do the Right Thing. Below is the positivity portion of this post. 

Buoy

I've assembled, for the first time in many moons, the best of Brew Detective. The list below showcases my favorite beers of 2020. Most selections were new beers released this calendar year, others were new to me. Having a tasty craft beer is one of life's pleasures — tastebuds need love too. Let's promote good energy through the rest of the year and beyond. Hopefully autumn feels kind, be safe out there. Enjoy these libations responsibly.

Best of Brew Detective | 2020

Dynamic Duo IPA | Ex Novo

Fanzine IPA | Fort George

Maiden West IPA | Little Beast

Eureka Pale Ale | Buoy

Panacea Pale Ale | Ex Novo

Pliny the Younger | Russian River

Jealous Butcher: Side A Pilsner | Fort George & Von Ebert

Farmers Annuary | Fort George \ Crosby Hops

Fields of Green | Fort George  \ Coleman Farms Citra Hops (canned: 9.25.20) \ 7.6% 

Shout-out to: Amalgamator IPA | BeachWood & Space Danger IPA | Fremont

Pale Ale | Beachcrest Brewing Co. 

Cheers, 

80choices

Pliny the Younger | 2020 | Apex

February 15th ...

My second straight year sipping Pliny the Younger in Portland was much like the first; no lines, bring your own food, just an average Saturday at Apex. Sounds nice doesn't it? Because it was. We munched sandos while leisurely enjoying the elusive Younger — later migrating to Blind Pig.

Younger 2020 produced subtle aromas and a bit more fruit in the initial taste. It was by no means too fruity. Added bitterness won out as tasting continued. This Younger really announced its freshness. A thin yet substantial foam lifted to a head in this super clean IPA.

Deli Sandwiches, kettle chips, dill pickle spears, Blind Pig and Pliny the Younger makes for a good Saturday luncheon. We enjoyed our local, hassle-free pilgrimage for Younger. Hopefully you did too.

Cheers,
80choices

Brew Detective: Pliny The Younger | 2019

Pliny The Younger |

Fifteen years of Younger, 600 miles away and still foraging for the tasty nectar, some things never change. By nectar, I mean Pliny The Younger, the OG triple IPA. Russian River holds a place in my heart. I remain loyal, especially when I can get Younger on my side of The Willamette. Below are some of our tasting notes from February 19th.

An apricot-like nose and sweet stone fruit. The clarity and carbonation are reminders of how Russian River can stand above the trends. Maybe because they created them? This year's batch is trouble because it's so damn drinkable. Agent M remarked, "I don't remember it being so smooth." Yea, what she said. There is so much going on in this Younger. It embodies an absolute mastery of their craft. It's so balanced that you forget you're drinking a triple IPA, well done Russian River. This Younger is so good. I'm stoked I was able to have some. It's safe to say I'm not alone in thinking that. For those who haven't had it, good luck finding it. Enjoy responsibly.

Pliny The Younger | 10.25% 

Hops: Warrior, Amarillo, Simcoe, Centennial, CTZ, Chinook, Crystal, Citra 

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Pliny the Elder

There's one beer in modern American micro brewing that set the DIPA standard. It's continued to be flattered by the ongoing attempts to be imitated. Thankfully I have the ability to indulge in this benchmark IPA, mostly because of who I know and where I live. Oh how I long for the days when no one was at the bar, and there were never any lines to get in. Pliny the Elder changed everything. 

Pliny was due for some PUB on eightyhoices. When the Elder cascades into the glass a beautiful head appears. The diligent nose was big and punchy, familiar, reminding me of home. As the foam disappears, a transparent quality shines through the golden and apricot hues. The Elder embraces its clarity. Just before drinking, the aroma oozes with pine and floral zest. Here's an oxymoron for you; it's smooth and bitter. Pliny starts off effortless, then at the back of the palate, the bitterness exacts its hoppy revenge. This beer is for those that want hops, not malt. If you find yourself bellied up to the bar at Russian River don't start here; work your way up, while preserving your taste buds. I recommend beginning with a Row 2 or Blind Pig. You'll impress the servers by being the only tourist not asking for a Pliny. 8%ABV 

Hop bill: Amarillo, Centennial, CTZ, Simcoe

eightychoices.

PS. The Younger is coming February 5th-18th. Cheers!

PUBlication: Six Pack

mmm beer

I began writing about my beer obsession last year, so I'll continue on with it. As before, I will be ranking my favorite ales of the year that were either new to the market as a whole or simply, new to me. The list below will showcase my six pack of preferred libations. There will also be an additional little something for those that need to get their fix more regularly—not all of my faves are so easy to get your hands on. The more readily accessible shall be called, bottles and cans. Have fun this holiday season and enjoy these craft beers responsibly. Cheers.

Laurelwood Brewing Co. | Portland, OR | Workhorse IPA
Thankfully my cousin brought me down one of the more epic beers from Oregon. Workhorse is a former national champion IPA. Hops and malts meld to make an aromatic medley. This is a delicious ale worth finding and drinking. Don't age this one, just consume it. 7.5% | 80 IBUs

Kern River Brewing Co. | Kernville, CA | Just Outstanding IPA

Perhaps the most remote brewery on this year's list comes from Kernville, California. Kern River Brewing crafts an absurdly good IPA, so good, that it's aptly named Just Outstanding. This is one of the few India pale ales that embraces delicate smoothness. Thanks to my fairy hop-father who brought me back one from his beer journey south. 6.8%

Tap It Brewing | San Luis Obispo, CA | IPA

There is no name needed to further elaborate on this IPA. Tap It Brewing simply labels their IPA with those three letters. A Tropical nose opens up to a more fruit-forward flavor. If you're a hop lover, get your hands on this beer and drink it fresh. 7% | 70 IBUs

Hen House Brewing Co. | Petaluma\Santa Rosa, CA | IPA (Tropical)

Locally brewed and new to the scene, Hen House is upping their game as they continue to brew elaborate ales of all kind. I was able to enjoy this ale at The Garden in Community Market, it's great when your local grocer has a taproom—kegs of this beast went out in early October. The brewer's notes call this IPA, brewed with Pacific Jade, Chinook and El Dorado hops, a tropical fruit city. 7.9%

Russian River Brewing | Santa Rosa, CA | Ales for ALS & Hop 2 It Comet

Ales for ALS is an IPA brewed by Russian River that benefits the ALS Therapy Development Institute. This is a pub-only draft that is brewed with Citra, Mosaic, and experimental hops, HBC 291, 436, 366, and 344. This IPA was full of fresh exciting flavors, I'm thankful I had some. 6.4%

Hop 2 It (Comet) is a single hop ale that rotates hops each time it is brewed. Usually brewed from experimental hops from the Northwest that are so new that they are labeled with only numbers (see above). This batch however was made with Comet hops and thus the namesake. Of all the Hop 2 It's, Comet has been my favorite. 5.8%

Fulton Brewing Co. | Minneapolis, MN | Lonely Blonde

Once a year I tend to find myself in Minnesota hanging out with my brother-in-law as he begins to educate me on the finer ales and brewers within the burgeoning Twin Cities brew scene. Fulton Brewing Company was a newcomer to my world. I had it on draft a Matt's, home of the OG Jucy Lucy, it paired quite well with a burger and basket of fries. I also had my share via the six packs that my family had stocked. The Land of 10,000 Lakes has amazing fresh water, duh—no wonder the beer is good. The Lonely Blonde may just be the best American Blonde on the market right now. 4.8% | 29 IBUs

Looking for something to take home? Bottles and cans and just clap your hands...
Citrus Mistress | Hop Valley | 6.5%  80 IBUs
Hops of Wrath | Dust Bowl | 6.6% 50 IBUs
Soul Style | Green Flash | 6.5% 75 IBUs
Pinner | Oskar Blues | 4.9% 35IBUs

Happy Holidays,

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Pliny the Younger

Pliny the Younger | RRBC

Russian River Brewing Company released Pliny the Younger on February 6th. Annually this limited monster gets tons of hype, rightfully so. Luckily I got a chance to sip on this tasty draught this past Tuesday—it's who you know. The scene on fourth street has turned into a bit of a circus over the past few years, so much so, that the line to get in wraps around the block. Or you have friends in high places and swoop in through the back.

This year's Younger was very fruity up front and in the nose. It still had that toughness in the mouth, engaged by the seven varietals of hops loaded into this triple IPA. The finish is amazingly smooth, considering the ABV is 10.25%. Leisurely paces are encouraged with this beast of a beer, a pint of water per pour doesn't hurt either. Slower is a term I attached to this 11th annual Younger batch. By that I mean, all of its traits unfold a bit slower, it's not so in your face. The River did an awesome job of creating a more balanced, brighter Pliny the Younger, without sacrificing the punch it has become known for. Those who get in are limited to three Youngers or three hours...

If you do make your way to the brewery, be sure to taste some of their other fine offerings. For starters, both the STS Pilsner and the Simcoe hopped Row 2 pale ale, are a must-have. I recommend knocking back a Parking Violation, an in-house IPA they had not brewed in some six years—it's one of my favorites. Russian River Brewing Company is truly at the forefront of inventive and award wining craft beers. They rightfully deserve every accolade, as their reputation continues to swell. Enjoy SF Beer Week responsibly. 

eightychoices.