IPA 4 ALS
Ram Restaurant & Brewery

 

i thought this was awesome, i believe it said this is the fifth year in a row they have done this, or something like it, for the cause. its neat to see so many of these around on beer menus this summer and fall, its a nice way to raise awareness and all, and it sounds like there is a special hop blend just for these beers, which is also a cool way to draw people in. the beer is excellent, a mostly clear golden orange brew with an inch of white head from the tap at the boise location. aroma is really fruity, tangerine, pineapple, and ripe melon all come to mind, with some light vegtetal bitterness, and some west coast oiliness as well, fresh as can be. the flavor is just like the nose, some pineapple notes and even mango or passion fruit, maybe some mosaic, amarillo, and/or el dorado in the blend, i wish they told us! its not unfamiliar, but its super bright and really peppy and clean and forward in the beer, a very well made beer objectively speaking, and a real tasty one. the feel is nice, there is some malt balance but it drinks dry, and the high carbonation really makes it sing and seems to highlight the hops. i get some grape candy, peach, and papaya to finish, but this is bitter enough that it isnt just juice. well refined and overall very good beer, perhaps my favorite from ram to date. their riverside patio remains one of the best kept secrets in town.

Pours golden in color. Head is off white. Lacing is beautiful. Nose hints at the citrus flavors that await. IBU doesn’t seem 50, would prefer more. Great beer and great cause.

 

Shorty at Boise brewpub. Dark Amber with foamy beige head. Weak aroma and taste, but mostly darker malts come through. Big bitter finish, like 9 volt battery taste, no flavor, just bitter.