Review: Bells Two Hearted Ale

Drink Date: 11/3/2010
Review Date: 11/3/2010
Grade: A- (4.2 out of 5)
Top100: #86

IPA’s aren’t my thing, but I still enjoyed this one. Had it out of a bottle on the same day that I got it in the mail. Yes, that’s the state of New York distribution. We can’t even buy popular year-rounds like this.

There’s a ton of head, and the light amber hue sits nicely underneath it. The smell is flowery, and the hops and hop citrus are fully present, but if you’re an IPA fan, the hops in here might not impress. The taste has a bit of nutty/burnt sweetness to go along with the hops and citrus, making for a nice balance. It’s crisp, light to medium bodied, well-carbonated, and at 7.1ABV, this is one of those that’ll creep up on you at happy hour.

I hope to have that chance soon.

BA Link: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/287/1093/?ba=afksports

Review: @CigarCityBeer Peach IPA = A+, and I’m in Love

What’s up all. Another boring review here. But I had to write about it, because you must try this brew. I had it at Get Real NY Cask festival. It’s the favorite craft beer I had during NYC Beer Week. Probably one of the favorites I’ve had ever. Ever ever? Ever ever. Where can I buy more of this and how. I will.

The appearance is akin to the Jai Alai IPA. Not much different about the orange and red hue with a finger of head. Still, it’s as appealing as you’d expect.

The aroma is absolutely delightful. You’ve got the typical IPA smell of hops, a scent of florals coming in, and then a huge blast of peach. An orchardful.

The taste has the same batch of peaches. Somehow when you get fruit in beers they overpower everything else and you feel like it’s juice. In IPA’s, I feel like too frequently it’s just all hops. Or there’s sweetness of malt but nothing to balance it. This has it all. The peaches are present, but tempered by the hops, which bite at the finish and keep it clean.

Mouthfeel is just as well done. Carbonation and a thick medium body keep it interesting.

Best part about this for me is the drinkability, probably because it’s an IPA variety that I can finally enjoy. A++. Can’t wait to travel to Tampa.

BA Link: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/16504/50885/?ba=afksports