India Pale Ale
Alcatraz Brewing Co.

 

 

Poured off the tap when visiting the brewery in July of 2008. Nice and clear true amber color with an eggshell white head. Didn't lace well and little retention. Aromas were of floral hops and orange peel. Flavors were quickly tart, citrus hops, grapefruit, orange peel but not sweet enough to be called orange. Hoppy bitterness is there but misbalanced, needs more malt for backbone. The medium body and creamy mouthfeel were quite enjoyable. Bitter hop finish. Some elements of this beer are right on and with a little work it could be great but the flavors are just not quite right.

There wasnt a name for this IPA and the brewer said he just called it their IPA. It's released pretty much when the brewer brews it and he does use chinook.

My pint glass was filled with a rich solid amber/apricot color with a good finger of ivory colored head that left a nice lace. The aroma was a citrusy orange blossom, quite fragrant with a prominent up front boquet.
Flavors of tangerine, citrus blossoms with a good hoppy floral taste. Deep and penetrating and aggressive as expected of a west coast IPA.
Good carbonation on the tongue, medium body and just plain tasty and thirst quenching.

I rather expected not to like this place much nor their beers. Well, i was quite wrong. (i didnt try any other beers and stayed with 3 pints of the IPA)