The Orange Curtain
Barley Forge Brewing Co.

 

 

12 oz. can -

Pours golden. A pillowy white head leaves lacing.

The smell is of musty citrus, herbal notes, leafy spicing.

The taste is of musty citrus, tea-like herbal notes. Spicy, soft bitterness in the finish.

It hits medium-bodied.

A decent, standard "old school" American IPA. Nothing "off" but nothing really stands out, either. It would get lost in a mix traditional American IPA's.

Pours golden yellow with white head. Notes of light citrus. Good standard IPA with strong hop flavor and subtle citrus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First few sips were really pleasant, but halfway through I tired of the lack of taste. Nose is vaguely fruity, and initial bitterness is strong but does not linger. Aftertaste is almost nothing. If I had ordered a half pint I would have been very happy. Not sure what happened in the last 8 oz.

IPA 6.2% ABV | 96 IBU

This baby pours out a nice thick 2 inch foam of bubbly head with great lacing and a perfect golden color.

On the nose you are hit with instant hops and maybe a light hint of caramel. After letting her sit for a little while I did catch some light fruit.

You initially are hit with a rush of bitter hops, nice carbonation and a welcoming thickness. It finished smooth and leaves you with a lasting taste.

The taste on this one follows the nose and mouth. A very hoppy, bitter taste that doesn’t overwhelm you. Every few sips I would catch some caramel and some fruit but it wasn’t consistent for me.

Overall this is a good beer that I could sit down and enjoy a few of. You won’t be disappointed and the beer reps THE OC well. This solid IPA delivers in the bitter/hoppy profile you would expect with any IPA and finishes smooth that makes you instantly reach for another sip.

Looks is orange clear
Smell is hoppy resin
Taste is hoppy and pretty bitter. It's pretty good.
Overall, not a bad choice but just above average

 

On tap a the the brewpub, < 1 week old. Soft and subtle with orange blossom, honey, and orange zest. Special thanks to Max the bartender for the heads up on how fresh it was.

 

Type: 12-oz. bottle
Glass: Beer Nerd tulip
From: Bine & Vine Bottle Shop in Normal Heights (San Diego), Calif.
Price: $1.98 (with 10 pct. ABV off)
Purchased: Jan. 6, 2017
Consumed: Jan. 6, 2017
Reviewed as: American IPA
Misc.: Bottled on Nov. 29, 2016

Had seen a few beers from Barley Forge before at Bine & Vine and decided to try this one and another as part of the 10 percent off deal they offer for a 6-pack. No expectations for this one.

Poured a medium yellow hazy color with three fingers of rocky white head. Lots of bubbles coming up from the bottom of the glass. World-class foamy spotty lacing. World-class foamy retention. (Sight - 4.25)

Smelled orange blossom, cantaloupe, peach, orange rind, citrus zest and grapefruit. Can’t nail down any hops, but kind of getting a skunky flavor. (Smell - 3.50)

More flavors in the taste than the nose. Getting orange blossom, sharp red grapefruit, citrus zest, sharp bitter orange juice and peach, tasting more like an APA than an IPA. I think Centennial for the hops, but also some spiciness. (Taste - 3.75)

Medium body. Oily texture. Average-to-lively carbonation. Abrupt bitter finish. (Feel - 3.50)

This was a decent IPA. Gets the job done I guess. (Overall - 3.50)

3.65 | 83 | B

Overall this is decent IPA with no crazy appeal. For the price it is worth it to grab a six-pack butt with so many options I don't think I would go back to this one soon. I wish the sierra October fest was still available.