RnD IPA #4
Russian River Brewing Company

L: Pours a slightly hazy yellow orange with a small white head and no lacing on the glass.

S: A strong note of very ripe grapefruit followed by some kiwi and mango, smells tropical and sweet.

T: Strong sweet grapefruit with pleasant sweetness and a lighter hop bitterness, little less tropical than the aroma suggests.

F: Smooth creamy medium body.

O: Very enjoyable IPA where the aroma is slightly better than the taste.

 

IPA#4 pours a hazy orange color with no head. Bottled 050522 the aroma is fabulous. I think it’s the Sabro hops that bring out the sweet smell although it takes a hit on taste. A little overpowering but it lacks bitterness. It still tastes different but it ain’t all bad and craft beer is trial and error. It was a pleasure to try it and I greatly appreciate @RaulMondesi for sharing this remarkable beer.

Pours a slightly hazy golden straw, with a pronounce white head that lingers. The nose was predominately grapefruit with little bit of coconut. Sabro hops aren't really my thing, but the coconut wasn't overwhelming, mostly noticeable in the finish

Well balanced hops that taste like you'd expect from the nose.

Inevitably any RRBC beer is going to compared to Pliny, and this ain't no Pliny. It's not bad, glad I tried it, but it won't be in the rotation.

 

Pours a slightly hazy golden straw color with a white head that is fluffy and laces the glass nicely. Beautiful beer. The nose includes tangerine, berry, passion fruit, mango, and peach aromas. I didn’t detect any coconut, a surprise given the Sabro hops listed on the label.

The taste features the tangerine, berry, mango, and peach flavors most prominently, and there’s a nice resiny pine bitterness at the back of the palate. The mouthfeel is medium and drying, per the WCIPA style.

This is the lowest rating I have for a Russian River IPA - and I’m at 4.35. That speaks to their quality as a brewery in general, and very specifically to the depth and quality of their hop lineup. Excellent stuff, IMHO.

 

needs more carbonation....

Even with the greatness that is Russian River, when I come across the word ‘Sabro,’ it can cause a bit of hesitation for
Your main man. And what we have here in RnD #4, is Candice Swanepoel, but with a tramp stamp. Candice (Russian River), is still of course an ultimate hottie - but with this Sabro hopped beer, it’s like Candice with a butterfly tattoo just above her backside. It’s not exactly the most appealing. That said, regardless of butterfly (or Sabro), Raul is still quite pleased. I may not remember this beer on a cold dark night, but it’s ok for the time being.

Canned 21 March 2022
Clear golden straw in color. Fluffy white head. Solid retention with fairly thick lacing.
Aroma starts off with coconut milk then moves toward grapefruit zest, tangerine, and a creamy grain note.
Flavor begins somewhat earthy. Then coconut, blueberry, creamy tangerine, orange, and a mild herbal note along the lines of slightly peppery grass. A timid bitter finish.
Mouthfeel is on the lighter side of medium, good carbonation, between slick and fluffy. Finish is smooth.
Overall, I like this. And sometimes I'm a little put off my Sabro's coconut notes but this was well done.

 

 

 

 

Refreshingly complex.

 

 

 

 

On-tap, unsurprisingly delicious, and super smooth. Clean, easy drinking, can’t pick up the 7% like you can in most other (substandard) IPAs. A proper west coast hoppy beer that exudes quality.