Archive for February, 2016
Review: Vicious Mosquito IPA from Sunriver Brewing
“West Coast IPA” is a term that is thrown around in Oregon so much that it’s almost useless at this point. Even so, I was excited to review my first beer from Sunriver Brewing, a newer brewer in Central Oregon. Vicious Mosquito IPA is the company’s flagship IPA and I was pleased to discover it in 20 ounce bottles here in the Willamette Valley.
How does it taste?
I’m not sure where the name came from, but I’m sure there’s a story there! This beer pours almost clear and has a very floral, citrusy smell. This IPA is graced by five different hops including Warrior, Cascade, Centennial, Columbus and Simcoe.
When you first sip this brew, you are hit in the face with a grapefruit-like, overwhelming punch of hops. It’s a punch that is brief, but it overwhelms your palette and leaves nothing in the way of malt kick to counter the hop attack.
It’s too much of a strong hop taste and I don’t like it. This, coming from an IPA fan.
Should I buy it?
No, skip it. If you’re truly curious, get a taster.
Review: Portland Brewing Raise the Roost
I really like Belgian style ales. Because of the unique yeast and recipe formulations, Belgian (and French farmhouse too) are always special.
Today we’re going to check out Raise the Roost, a Belgian style ale from Portland Brewing. This beer was just released 2 weeks ago from the iconic Portland brewery that brought us McTarnahan’s Ale and others.
Raise the Roost is brewed using Liberty, Nugget and East Kent Golding hops, along with malts 2-Row Pale, CaraRed, Melanoidin, C-120 and Roast Barley. This beer is spicy and fruity in its yeast. Raise the Roost is 6.2% with an IBU of 30.
How does it taste?
You’ll first notice this beers amber red color and the aromas of apples and plums. This beer isn’t fruity at all as it has a roasty malt flavor profile that’s prominent when you take your first sip. There’s quite a bit of carbonation with a super dry finish.
This beer is super crisp and is a welcome addition to our Oregon Spring beer lineup.
Should I buy it?
Yes. Look for this beer at your favorite taphouse in Oregon and Washington. It’s also available in 22 oz. bottles in select beer grocers.