Austin Beerworks Heavy Machinery Half IPA

So, it always sucks when you're stuck on a new brew and they don't have it at your local brewpub. For me, it's been Ballast Point Fathom IPL...and well, it wasn't on tap today. For me, the thing about IPAs, is my palate just doesn't completely appreciate the bitterness of some hops. I'm not worried. I just stick to less hoppy beers. I tried this one today, and it's great. It's actually an American pale ale, as opposed to an IPA, hence the name. Very refreshing, citrus-y, great hops on the front end without the lingering bitterness that comes with IPAs. Looks like this one comes in at 5.6ABV, which makes it a nice choice to include in your daytime drinking. Would also make a great drink poolside. On tap currently at Hopfield's.

Ballast Point Fathom

It's been months since I blogged, mostly because I came to conclusion that beer was making me fat...so now that I have that under control, let's get back to business. I had this beer for the first time at Hopfield's in Austin. It's called an IPL, an India Pale Lager. Say what!? So, it's got the hoppiness of an IPA, but a much softer finish, as opposed to a bitter one. This beer is smooth, delicious, citrussy,

and one you could kick back a few times. This is definitely one of my new faves. It comes in bombers and is 7%. Get you some! 

Ballast Point Sextant Oatmeal Stout Nitro

Wonderfully delicious stout, just as good as Left hand milk stout nitro. Very smooth. That's all I got for you. Delicious. Also, I think it's a limited edition for San Diego beer week, so we probably won't be able to find in Texas. But if you're in Cali and like stouts, get some! 

Ballast Point Victory at Sea Imperial Porter

This is a coffee vanilla Imperial Porter. I unfortunately took a huge first sip- wow was it strong! I had to let the flavor settle down. This is definitely a porter with very pronounced coffee and vanilla tones- similar to drinking a pretty stout black coffee. It's got a bold chocolate tone, with some caramel-y hints and a bitterly flavorful aftertaste. This is a delicious beer for fall/winter time sipping with a friend. Would pair nicely with a sweet dessert or after dinner drink. 

Saint Arnold Pumpkinator

We are making our rounds on the pumpkin beer as we can. This stuff can be hard to get your hands on (TWSS). This is an imperial pumpkin stout, nice and dark, mildly bitter, with exceptional pumpkin flavor. It isn't as spicy as some of the other pumpkin beers. Very nice. I like this one much better than the Harpoon. That one nearly put hair on my chest. #texascraftbeer

Stevens Point Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale

Omg. This stuff is so bomb.

- that's my review. So much flavor! Reminds me of the pumpkin pie ice cream from Baskin Robbins. On draft at Hi Hat Public House in Austin, TX. Get some! 

Dogfish Head Theobroma

A pretty sweet ale, with some hints of chilies. According to the label, it is made with honey, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, ancho chilies, and annatto. I couldn't quite pick out the cocoa nibs and powder. Not sure I would buy again....not bad, but pretty sweet. Purchased from Spec's ~$15/pint.

Ballast Point Indra Kunindra

This is a Limited Release India-style export stout....whatever that means. According to the label, this beer is crafted with curry, cumin, cayenne, coconut, and Kaffir lime leaf. I was pretty skeptical and figured I wouldn't like, but boy was I wrong! This is an amazingly smooth, mildly sweet stout packed with so much flavor. To me, the coconut hints are the most prominent followed by a mild hint of cayenne,probably bc my pallet isn't used to the spices used. This was the last one on the shelves at Spec's. I would give it a whirl if you're able to track one down. I'm impressed! 

R & R Coconut IPA

I was sooooo excited when Chris tracked down this hard to find collaboration brew.  We popped it, and well, drumroll please: it had zero coconut flavor. We both agreed it is just a fruity hoppy IPA. :( bummer. I couldn't taste a single hint of coconut! Well, at least we were limited to just one! 

Southern Tier Imperial Pumking

I've been anxiously awaiting the Dogfish Head Punkin Ale....yup, you start to feel like you might have a problem when you learn the delivery dates of beer trucks at more than one of your local liquor stores, just because you want to make sure you don't miss out on a delivery. I gave the Harpoon Imperial Pumpkin a shot, but it was like pumpkin motor oil, not my cup of tea. But I gave this Pumking a try, and wow, amazing pumpkin flavor, lots of great fall spices. It can definitely compete with Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, and if I don't get in on any of it, i might be okay with it. If you like beer and pumpkin with a punch, give this one a whirl! Found this at my local Spec's, ~$8/ 650mLs.