Russian River Pliny the Elder

Russian River Pliny the Elder, originally uploaded by adambarhan.

A – Poured out a somewhat cloudy, orange color with golden highlights. It had a small, thick, foamy head that left soapy trails of lace.

S – Tons of grapefruit aroma; really amazing! There were mild notes of pine and caramel.

T – It hits you with a tart ruby red grapefruit taste and sweet orange peel flavors. The burnt toast caramel flavors add balance to the strong fruit taste.

M – It was crisp and sharp with a dry finish. A medium bodied ale.

D – A very hyped beer, very good but not worth all the hype although I feel like I need one every time I see it.

Serving type: bottle

Russian River Blind Pig



Russian River Blind Pig, originally uploaded by adambarhan.

Appearance: Pours a hazy light amber color and a fluffy white head that leaves great lacing

Smell: Nice citrusy grapefruit aroma

Taste: Grapefruit flavors dominate the taste buds with a subtle amount of caramel malt in the background; the finish is long and resinous

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation

Drinkability: Very smooth and surprisingly flavorful for a 6% beer; exceedingly drinkable fruity IPA

Russian River/ Sierra Nevada Brux

Appearance: Pours a hazy honey color with a modest head that fades rather quickly leaving lace behind

Smell: Bready, with orchard fruit (apples, pears and peaches) with a bit of barnyard funk

Taste: Opens with a bready character that persists and grape flavors add tartness; in the background, the orchard fruit adds another angle. The funkier flavors arrive and the Brett dries everything out in the finish

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate to high carbonation

Overall: Clearly an entry point to Brett beers for the uninitiated, this beer brings a fair bit of complexity, as well; it will be interesting to see how this develops

Serving type: bottle