Well, I’ve got a red-eye leaving in four hours. I’ve got a fold-flat seat in a pod, so I’ll be able to grab a couplethree hours of shuteye on the plane. What else is there to do, other than pre-load so I’m good and sleepy by the time we go wheels up?
Angel City India Pale Ale – American IPA at 6.1% ABV | 65 IBU – 6/10
Appearance: clear pale gold, short-lived off-white head, patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, pine, caramel. (6/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (6/10) Medium body, moderate-low carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter finish. (3/5)
A fairly “traditional” A/IPA, with less-than-pronounced aromas tending somewhat malty. Nothing too terrible, but also nothing too exciting. (12/20)
Calicraft Brewing The City IPA – American IPA at 6.4% ABV | 67 IBU – 6/10
Appearance: clear medium gold, short-lived off-white head, patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: floral, citrus, pine, caramel, earth. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (6/10) Medium body, moderate carbonation, slightly tongue-coating and astringent bitter finish. (3/5)
This one’s commercial description is trying awfully hard, but I would never have guessed nine hops (including an experimental) went into this. The orange peel, yes, absolutely: it comes through as a bitter and astringent tongue-coating orange oil, especially in the finish. The blackberry root I’d’ve flat-out never guessed, but I’ll chalk up the earthiness to that. Though, that being said, there might actually be a hint of berry in there. Really not much to write home about, though. (12/20)
Napa Smith Brewery Golden Gate IPA – American IPA at 6.1% ABV | 66 IBU – 5/10
Appearance: slightly hazy medium gold, short-lived off-white head, no lacing. (2/5) Aroma: floral, caramel, faint citrus & pine. (6/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (5/10) Medium body tending thin, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium bitter finish. (3/5)
Not much good to say about this: too much malt emphasis on both the nose and the tongue, and a pretty anemic hop character. (10/20)
Well, that’s enough of that – might as well go through security and see what else there is to find. Drinking free whiskey in the United lounge is better than this!