Brew Detective: Windows Up IPA

Windows Up IPA | Alpine Beer Co.

Hiatus is an understatement; I may not be reviewing as many beers as in the past, but I have been enjoying my fair share nonetheless. Not only have I been consuming the cornucopia of California's beer scenes; I recently binged on the mecca that is the Carolina's—Mmm, Burial, Hi-Wire and the rest of Asheville's bounty is extraordinary. My favorites list is growing strong and will show  up on eightychoices down the road. Today's quick hitting and delicious review will focus on Alpine's new-ish IPA, Windows Up.

The nose is quite dank with the slightest notes of peppercorn. The scent reminds me of Pliny The Elder (an ultimate compliment).

The initial taste also took me to Russian River, conjuring a flavor reminiscent to Blind Pig. Amazing combination, I know. The pour created a billowing head, you could lay a 50 cent piece on it. After each subsequent drink I began to register stone fruit, most notably apricot. The colorful liquid gleams copper-yellow and orange peel. My senses were being pleased and I wanted to nurse this beer, it kept revealing new layers of itself. Alpine did a wonderful job with this IPA (7% ABV). If you see Windows Up at your local bottle shop or grocer, I highly recommend picking up a six pack. Enjoy responsibly and stay cool.

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Union Jack vs. Duet

Two of my favorite beer producers within The Golden State are Firestone Walker and Alpine. Northern California has a bounty of amazing beer, so I thought it only fitting to compare two India Pale Ales from elsewhere in the state. Pitting Central versus Southern seemed a reasonable task. Both of these breweries epitomize quality. I personally feel as though they're comparable to one another, strongly representing west coast style IPA's. Remember, craft beer is never a contest, but rather a cooperation of like minded innovators, aiming to enrich their communities. Union Jack vs. Duet...

Duet | Alpine Beer Co.

Pouring this gem, you instantly notice the grapefruit and spice bullying your nose. Duet possesses good clarity with soft carbonation. The color resembles sunlight beaming through liquid pine sap. Initial dankness hits your palate, finishing bitter with the aforementioned spiciness. I'm amazed by the bite of this ale considering the subdued bittering units. Simcoe hops help to push the taste, while Amarillo hops mesh in harmony to create an exquisite IPA—West Coast Style. 7% | 45 IBUs

Hops: Simcoe & Amarillo

Union Jack | Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

As the bottle emptied into the glass, an off-white foam sat atop the whiskey-kettle coppery ale. Union Jack holds your nose, clean with hops. Nestled alongside the distinct citrus is a slight bitter kick. There's nice gravity without too much sweetness considering the softened blend of four different malts. Multiple stages of hopping help to define this West Coast IPA. This is the favorite. 7.5% | 70 IBUs 

Hops: Magnum (bittering), Cascade and Centennial (late kettle), Amarillo, Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, Citra & Simcoe (dry hops).

Drink responsibly,

eightychoices.