So, I finally made the pilgrimage to Russian River. In order to maximize my bang for my buck (so to speak) I decided that I would limit my draft beers to ones that weren’t available in bottles. A very enjoyable afternoon ensued, and I have to say: the hype seems to be validated. (I say “seems to be” because I still haven’t tried Pliny, Blind Pig, Consecration, or Supplication – but will, shortly.)
Dribble Belt 1.045 OG 4.50% Hoppy Session Ale – 8/10
Clear pale straw with a short white head, light soapy lacing (3/5). Resiny pine, citrus, stone fruit, light tropical fruit (9/10). Moderate sweet, moderate high bitter (9/10). Medium-light body tending slightly watery, clean moderate bitter finish (3/5). Really bright and pleasant with a nose that’s all hops and no malt, but very easy drinking. Drops off watery somewhat rapidly and definitely not one to let warm up. Totally crushable. (16/20)
Happy Hops 1.053 OG 5.50% Pale Ale – 7.5/10
Clear pale gold with a short white head, moderate soapy lacing (3/5). Mild aroma, tropical fruit, pale malt, floral, citrus (8/10). Moderate sweet, moderate bitter (8/10). Medium-light body, clean moderate bitter finish (4/5). Not as bright and hop-dominant as Dribble Belt, but on the other hand, the malt presence prevents the body from dropping off in the same fashion. Not quite as crushable, perhaps, but still a very good beer. (15/20)
Row 2, Hill 56 1.055 OG 5.80% Simcoe Hop Pale Ale – 8.5/10
Clear pale gold with a short white head, light soapy lacing (3/5). Resiny pine, citrus, caramel, tropical fruit (9/10). Moderate sweet, moderate high bitter (9/10). Medium-light body, clean moderate bitter finish (4/5). Really nice! Takes all the good bits from each of the prior two, and none of the shortcomings. The bigger malt bill means it doesn’t fall off the same way Dribble Belt does, but the hop profile is much brighter than Happy Hops. This is a seriously good APA, among the best I’ve ever had. (17/20)
Salvation 1.076 OG 6.75% Strong Dark Ale – 7.5/10
Clear amber-brown with a short creamy light beige head, minimal stringy lacing (3/5). Mild dark dried fruit, cherries, raisins & figs, brown sugar, toasty malt, earth (8/10). Moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter, light tart. (8/10). Medium-full slightly slick body, mild bitter & warming finish (4/10). Solid BSDA, but very slightly understated, particularly on the nose. Definitely authentically Belgian, comparable to the various offerings I’ve had out of Quebec. (15/20)
Tempo Change 1.064 OG 7.00% India Pale Ale – 8.5/10
Cloudy, nearly opaque pale gold with a short white head, light soapy lacing (3/5). Juicy citrus, resiny pine, pale malt, tropical fruit (9/10). Moderate sweet, moderate high bitter (9/10). Medium body, clean moderate bitter finish (4/5). Hell yeah! RR does an NE/IPA! Bright and juicy, with a clean malt backbone that supports without intruding. (17/20)
