Howe Sound Brewing Devils Elbow India Pale Ale

This beer just looks awesome and looks like it is going to kick your ass, and if you are lucky, the ass of a friend.

This is an amazing October day in Port Moody.  The sun is shining, and it is about 17 degrees out, which is even nicer with the patio heater cranked.

This is a one liter bottle, reusable and resealable.  This is going to look great on the hockey bench as my new water bottle.

There is a lively head that makes it challenging but fun to pour.

The head is thick and rich.  The beer is a little hazy, giving the beer a lot of body.  The aroma is subtle and citrus (like bitter orange peel).

The name devils elbow refers to a 4.0 rapid in squamish bc, implying that you are in for a bumpy ride.

What you get instead is an exhilarating and well balanced ipa with tje right amount of edge, and a satisfying bitter aftertaste.

This bottle is great to share, and is strong enough to keep you warm on a not so cold October afternoon.

[xrr rating=4.75/5]
4.75/5
g1

Phillips Amnesiac Double IPA

Phillips Amnesiac Double IPA

I am breaking with normal routine, starting with an IPA. This is, however, a big bottle, and at 8.5%alcohol, it may render me completely unconscious.

I don’t know why it’s called a double IPA… Could be twice as strong, or twice as big. Either way… Nice!!

The colour is amber and a little bit cloudy. The name prepares you for big taste, and the flavor has a nice fresh bite that fades steadily after drinking.

Overall this is a good fresh local IPA.

Also, I am enjoying this on my newly finished deck. The weather is perfect too, what a great afternoon!

PS, I also found out that phillips beer has a website, www.phillipsbeer.com, where you can access their blog. You can also follow @phillipsbeer on twitter.

This is an exciting beer that is very flavorful, and not for the timid casual beer drinker. For me, it has the character and strength to be a new favorite IPA.

[xrr rating=4.25/5]
G1

Bowen Island Brewing Artisan IPA

You have to love these guys. First they give me a trucker’s hat, then the case has a little card in it asking you to email them and let them know how much you like their IPA.

It’s a lot easier to give a good review when you know they care what you think. It’s also easier when they give you free stuff.

I happen to have great hair, so I am not a hat person, but damn, I also look good in their hat.

Anyhoo, despite the bribe, this beer is really good!

The head was moderate and the colour was amber and brilliantly clear.

The aroma was floral and moderately intense. The taste is really beautifully balanced, floral, and just bitter enough to be interesting.

It’s like watching a sunset in the spring, when it’s just a little cold outside: satisfying, but you don’t want to be out there for too long.

[xrr rating=4.75/5]

4.75/5

G2