Jude's Beer
Berryessa Brewing Co

a solid ipa, but not my favorite hoppy beer i have had from berryessa, and not a standout in increasingly crowded ipa scene out here, at least in my opinion. clearish golden from the tap under a pretty inch of lace white head. the hops smell and taste somewhat muted and faded or something, like, they dont pop to me, and even if its a more conservative recipe, its almost like the freshness isnt quite there. grassy and slightly peppery, a little heavy with the grain, still really simple, autumnal in some ways, balanced, but not at all distinct to me, old school and sort of plain, but the bitterness is well restrained and this is mighty easy drinking as they go. a swirling oily texture to it, but dry in the finish and beautifully carbonated. in the absence of an obvious and common citrus profile to to the hops, more subtle earthy notes are i think a little more forward in the mix than they often are. a well made beer, but not their most compelling recipe overall i dont reckon. still, always a treat to drink berryessa beers!