The Old Sow
Finest Made Ales

April 15th, 2015 - Butcher's is a new brewery in town (and at the time of actually writing this review, it has since faded from the scene) and I'm loving what they're putting out. The Old Sow's label makes me think this might be a deep, smokey and bacon flavored beer, but this is not the case at all. Instead it is a light colored blonde brew with a thick inch of sloshing foam, and a light floral scent Lychee is also in abundance on the nose, weaving through and through my nose. The flavor also expresses a huge surge of lychee, but the sensation is short, disappearing quickly in the aftertaste. The lychee quality is more dry than sweet, making this a simple, clean, tropical beer that's easy to ingest.

 

 

Drank froma bomber purchased from Von's.

Grassy waft gives way to a pleasantly hoppy taste (as advertised). Definitely on the lighter side of an APA; refreshing beer for a hot summer day.

 

 

I don't really drink pale ales but this one is alright. Pretty hoppy and crisp

 

 

Very cold pint from Phil's BBQ in Santee. Had to wait a bit for any aroma and flavor beyond an indistinguishable bitter. Once to temp, a grassy hop aroma came forward. This is a pretty light AIPA, an easy drinker. Assertive grassy hop that leaves the palate quickly. No real malt to speak of, letting the hops do all the talking. Perhaps an intro beer for those wanting to dip their toe into the San Diego Style IPAs.

On draft at the tasting room.
There are only a couple of pale ales that can really hang with the big West Coast IPA styles that I so love... Zombie Dust by Three Floyds and Babyface Nelson by Alpine come to mind. Old Sow is in that same class. Yes, it's that good! The listed IBU of 35 just doesn't do this beer justice. The massive dry hoping results in a brew that just explodes with hop flavor, though somewhat less bitterness that it's bigger IPA brethren. I usually choose to drink the bigger, higher ABV IPAs that are so available here in San Diego, but I never feel like I'm 'settling' when I want a brew with a lower alcohol and Old Sow is available. Thirst quenching and satisfying, this APA can hold it's own with anything on the market.

 

 

 

 

I've had this pale several times now. After the 3rd time I'm ready to review. Pleasant hop nose with light Malt backbone, very balanced hop profile.

Well, this is a nice surprise. All these dozens of breweries of every size and shape in San Diego County and they keep turning out interesting and drinkable beers.

Dark golden color in the big chalice with a modest but attractive foam. Pleasant fizzy and tangy mouthfeel. This is a light American-style Pale Ale with a big aromatic hop presence. The bitterness emerges strongly after some sipping, but it's still moderate and friendly. There is a British-style fruity taste to the hops. Straw and something vegetal like cooked green beans, and maybe even a hint of avocado.

Thoroughly drinkable brew with a kiss of hops but a sweet, shy demeanor. But a dark sting at the finish. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Best Damn Beer Shop in downtown San Diego.