Apollo IPA
Auburn Alehouse Brewery & Restaurant

On tap at Beer Revolution in Oakland, CA. Mistakenly labeled as "High Water Apollo IPA," this is actually an Auburn Alehouse beer brewed with Steve Altimari (formerly of Valley Brewing Co).

A: Pours a clear burnt-orange body with excellent off-white head. retention is outstanding; the beer maintains a strong cap on the beer and leaves great lace down the sides of the taster tulip.

S: Grapefruit and orange rind that quickly progresses into pine and herbal characteristics, which dominate the beer. The green, organic flavors give the nose an overall bitter presence.

T: As noted above, grapefruit leads the way, but it progresses into bitter orange rind characteristics that segue easily into resiny pine needles and herbs. Strongly bitter, which pulls into the aftertaste for a lightly astringent finish.

M: Medium-bodied, with good carbonation. It cleans up fairly well, but there is some lingering bitterness that pulls into the aftertaste. Semi-dry finish. An ok mouthfeel.

D: Overall, it's good, but not great. I prefer my IPAs less bitter than this one. I'm reminded of the last batch of Uberhoppy, which was hilariously bitter; it almost tasted angry, even. I think Steve needs to dial back some of the bittering hops and give in to West Coast preferences a bit.