#SippyTimeBeer Review – @BellsBrewery @DogfishBeer, @FirestoneWalker & @UintaBrewing

Bells Smitten Rye Ale

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.Smitten Golden Rye Ale – I’m confused by the titling and release of this beer. Bell’s says that it’s a spring seasonal but it’s on the shelves in January through mid-March. I’m pretty sure that’s the dead of winter. Mid-March would start spring time to me. Just to add to the confusion, I bought this in May which I would consider spring. Rye beers are still on the outskirts for me. I haven’t liked any of them until this one. It comes off as a Golden ale with a punch from the hops. I didn’t taste the citrus hops that were added. I do understand why they call it an interesting take on an American Pale Ale because it is similar but with a brighter base flavor. Bell’s is found from the center of the country to the whole east coast, so keep this one in mind for the, err, spring?

Dogfish Head NamasteDogfish Head Craft Brewery Inc.Namaste – I used this beer as the beer of the week in OHPA #4. It is from one of the earliest craft breweries in this fine country of ours. They are out of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware which used to be a common summer vacation spot for the DiFrango household. Namaste is a greeting or farewell in Southeast Asia similar to Ciao in Italy. Getting around to the beer finally, it is a witbier which makes it great for even the waning days of summer. To kick things up a notch, they include dried orange slices, lemongrass and coriander to great effect. None of the tastes seem to get top billing so they mingle very well together. At 20 IBU, the hops just peeks it’s head out of this beer which is as it should be. The 4.8% ABV makes it perfect to be a sipping beer. One can use their Fish Finder to figure out if they distribute in your area. I think it’s worth casting a line and reeling in this beer.

Firestone Walker Pivo PilsFirestone Walker Brewing Co.Pivo Hoppy Pils – This beer is the last one in my Instagram account attached to my trip from Colorado. When I was at the bar, I thought the name was Pivo Pils. It was much to my surprise then that hops hit my palate. I haven’t given this style of beer much of a chance recently because they don’t have much flavor in my opinion even when craft brewers make them. This one is an exception because of the inclusion of hops. At 40 IBU, it sits at pale ale territory for hops. I think the dose of hops helps the malt stand out more than normal in a traditional pilsner.  Pivo Hoppy Pils still has a traditional level of ABV sitting at 5.3% so you could keep on drinking this one which is more than expected after ordering another pilsner. This company is out of central California so if you haven’t seen it in your area (I haven’t) check here to look for availability.

Uinta Hop Nosh IPAUinta Brewing Co. Hop Notch IPA – I’m not sure which name is correct. I didn’t Photoshop my picture that says “Hop Notch” but their website says “Hop Nosh.” Whatever the case, it was still an IPA. Though they don’t divulge which kinds of hops they use, Uinta does say that they use an abundance of it to come to this flavor profile. I believe them and know for sure that they use at least one citrusy hop to help cut through the bitterness. They certainly test my limits with the hops considering that it has an 82 IBU. It does help to bring about the 7.3% ABV. This company is out of Salt Lake City, Utah so more than likely, you can find this fine beverage in your area. I’d suggest giving this one a whirl if you like IPAs.

My favorite beer news of the week is that Zauber Brewing is finally going to have their own beer on tap, all of the time. By upgrading to a twenty barrel system they will even be able to distribute some of their fine beverages around town. Their first tapping was yesterday. They have their Kitschy Kolsch, Berzerker Belgian IPA, Vertigo Hefeweizen and Myopic Red on tap currently. As usual, go out and enjoy your favorite local #SippyTimeBeer this weekend! –  Kevin

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