Birds of Prey Series Volume 1: The Peregrine Falcon
Western Collective

not sure why everything has to be a series with these guys, haze series, best of the west series, phantasy series, whatever that lager series is, now this, seems weird. this isnt my favorite from them, a red ipa type with a real robust malt profile that i think overwhelms much of the hop nuance, so its a malty and also bitter beer, but not a super interesting one, despite being a little different from what else is out there in the style for the most part. deep copper to brick red color, nice clarity, short off white head but nice lace and retention. the nose seems long boiled, both toasted and kilned, earthy and sweet, concentrated and with even a hint of smoke. in the flavor the grain is layered nicely, raisin and toffee, maple and bread crusts, medium body, not too much residual sweetness, but really bold overall. the hops dont even really come on until later in this, lightly piney which is cool this time of year, and relatively bitter on the swallow, maybe a little grapefruit zest thing, but not particularly captivating, much as i like it being bitter. as it warms i get a little ground espresso bean and roasted almonds in the malt, and a bit of a floral aspect to the hops, oily there too now, and it feels a bit full and alcoholic, not incredibly well carbonated either. overall this was pretty middle of the road for me, if you like some malt complexity this will appeal to you, but its not quite right as an ipa, even a red one, the way the hops and the malt interact. still, nice to see some new stuff from these guys of late, most of it has been excellent!

On-tap in Meridian; rich, coppery amber with a tiny off-white head. Very malty with minor impressions of caramel, spice, earthy hopping. More earthy notes emerge on the palate along with the big, bready malt backbone. Moderate hoppy bitterness. Smooth, easy drinking.

16oz can from Brewers Haven. Dark, clear amber pour, off-white head settles to thin skin, streaky lacing. Malty aroma, caramel. Taste is much stronger than aroma, full on maltiness, sweet, dry with a light bitter finish. Nice mouthfeel