Forklift
Barley Brown's Brewpub

sturdy, old school, fresh, delicious, i could pick this out as barley browns beer from a huge crowd of these, they have their own flare, especially in the hoppy ones. this is really clean and good, hides its alcohol super well, and is a real sneak buzz in a glass. lovely clarity, bright golden shine, pretty inch of lasting white head with some lace too, well refined for sure. the nose doesnt show anything too unique on the hop side, a grapefruit sort of simcoe thing maybe, a woody a lumber-esque possible centennial element, but i dont know what hops they use, its just very classically northwestern to me, bitter enough in the flavor, but nicely balanced too by a malt profile thats very pale but also pretty hefty, with some sweetness leftover at the end that keeps this balanced. almost nothing from the yeast but just a hint of the fermentation profile late, a citrusy bitter wash to close, and a flash of honey from the grain. i like this kind of balance, not relying on heavier crystal or toasted malts to make the proportions work. slightly oily in the feel, delicious burps, and overall a really nice strong ipa that is immediately timeless to me. these guys do everything hoppy very well, and this was a treat to find on tap last night!

On tap in Caldwell ID; served in a snifter. Clear, darker gold in the glass with a foamy & creamy off-white head that laces well. Resiny, sweet hops are apparent, with a big malty base and lots of piney notes. Bitter, sticky, and dry on the finish, alcohol is invisible but its definitely there...this is a big double IPA in flavor and mouthfeel. There is a green, herbaceous note with a touch of spice and a hint of hard citrus hop candy with the malty sweetness.

 

 

Tap at Bar Gernika. Not much of a head, but tons of sticky lacing. Big fruity, hoppy nose, some apricot. Taste is rich and full, hops dominate but don’t overpower. Sticky, fruity finish.

 

 

 

I don't get the love for the beers these guys make. I've been excited to try their beers every time I see them on tap and every time I'm incredibly disappointed. This Forklift is exactly the same. On tap at Growler Guys in Meridian. Smell is off, not much hop aroma at all. Taste follows suit, very vegetal and almost oxidized. Literally tastes like it'a been sitting in the back of my car for a month. Borderline undrinkable. Maybe this is a bad keg but it in no way resembles a beer with a rating close to what it is. Mouthfeel is thin and alcohol is very present. I could see having this reaction to a bottle brewed three months ago at a brewery across the country but not in a keg in a town a few hours away from the brewery.

NBS BIF. Deep golden yellow. Caramel tan head that lasts for most of beer. Big tropical fruits, pineapple and pine. Dankness, pineapple, pine, grapefruits. Medium bodied, almost chewy.