Archive for March, 2016

Review: Oakshire Watershed IPA

Author: Jason Harris
March 19, 2016

Oakshire Watershed IPAFor today’s glimpse at a local beer, we head down to Eugene, Oregon to Oakshire Brewery. This beer has been around for a few years and is one of Oakshire’s more well known brews. While Eugene is most well-known for Ninkasi Brewing, Oakshire turns out quality beers on a consistent basis.

What does it taste like?

Oakshire Watershed IPA pours medium gold in color that has a slight orange hue – you can see through this beer as it leaves its one inch ivory head. Your nose instantly picks up on the strong-citrus smell accompanied by a hint of pine.

When you first sip this hop-forward IPA, the taste mirrors the smell as you first sense a grapefruit hoppiness and strong, bitter piney aftertaste. Because this beer has moderate carbonation, it amplifies the tangy and spritzy flavor.

The piney aftertaste dissipates really quickly, making the taste profile of this beer remarkable, in a word. This IPA is super dry, making it strongly appealing.

Should I buy it?

Absolutely. Pick up a bomber like I did, you won’t be disappointed if you like hop-forward beers!

Review: Emily’s Ember from Seven Brides

Author: Jason Harris
March 6, 2016

Back in 2011, I reviewed Emily’s Ember and gave it a shrug. However, I’m returning today with a refined palette and second look at this locally made red ale.

Emily’s Ember is made from Seven Brides Brewing in Silverton, Oregon. The beer is a classic American red ale, which means it should have a higher degree of malt profile to compliment its hoppy boost. This is a lighter ale at 4.5% and only 35 IBUs and therefore should appeal to most beer lovers as it’s not too bitter.

How does it taste?

Emily’s Ember pours a deep reddish brown color and leaves a light head that quickly disappears. It has a unique smell of caramel and nut tartness that makes you excited to take your first sip.

The taste is malty – with hints of nut and caramel. There’s a very dry taste to this ale as you pick up on the hint of hops and bitterness at the end of your sip.

Keep in mind though, this beer does not a strong taste, one way or the other. It’s a beer that will appeal to many because it’s not too hoppy and not too malty – just smooth all around.

Should I buy it?

Yes, you should absolutely try Emily’s Ember. It’s great for a pint if you can find it on tap.