Alpine Brewing Thread

I got the original pure hoppiness too and even though it was brewed over 2 weeks ago and can't really compare it to nelson or duet since they are much different, you can just tell which was brewed at Alpine versus Green Flash.

 

Duet batches are unbelievably hit or miss.

 

Had my bombers of Hoppy Birthday and Duet last night, for me, this was the best effort yet in the GF making Alpine scenario. Yeah, I could tell it was different, but as "breadwinner" stated, it isn't 'out of the ballpark'. I would buy again. Wish I would have found a Nelson to try.

 

The Nelson is actually the closest to the original, just had a bomber the other night and it was very very good.

Cheers…...

 

Where in north OC are these bottles showing up?

 

Cracked open my bottle of Hoppy Birthday (again, picked up here in Arizona from the recent release). This'll sound crazy, but it oddly reminded me of a Stone IPA, just downsized a bit. The nose sort of hinted at the citrus/herbal/dank combo of the original, but it was just a bit weak. On the palate, that's where it really settled into Stone IPA Lite territory for me (hoppy, little bit of caramel crystal malt character, clean flavors, refreshing). Which really isn't bad in one sense; I love Stone IPA. But the HB I remember it was not. So, verdict is out, I guess. Tasty enough beer, but not the beer I remember.

Really thinking it's time to grab another one of those Nelsons though...

 

GF Nelson is $11.99 at my local Vista liquor store, which does run on the expensive side.

 

Green Flash Pure Hoppiness six packs, I'll put the over/under at $17

 

I believe they are slated to go for 18.99 per six, thats what I was told.

Cheers…….

 

To add to my post from Thursday. I just popped bottle # 2 of the new GF bottled Nelson and it's amazingly closer to the original, more so than my first bottle, this has that super soft juicy mandarin orange flavor, hoping that this continues.

Cheers…….

 

That would be quite aggressive given the legit Pure Hop was $6 a bomber, and given the more efficient operation and less expensive/labor intensive packaging at GF with six packs.

 

Well, $6 at the brewery that is. Alas, had a glass of Pure Hop at the pub today after grabbing a couple growlers and just now cracking a growler of the same. Waaay different than just two months ago. And noticing just now that I look at this thread that the other bottles I bought are GF. If this is the beer they release in 6 packs it will get crushed and destroy the Alpine name. Not really surprised though coming from GF, the masters of changing recipes but not names. Did I mention you Senor Swami from Solana Beach?? I put you in the same pool, but at least you know how to climb out; perhaps unlike the marionettes at GF.

 

I dip into a 22oz bottle of GF Duet. Nice beer but it's not Duet. My condolences to the Mcilhenney family.

 

LOL. You realize they wilfully and consciously sold their company, recipes, and trademarks, right? Offering them condolences after they made the choice to sell their company is hilariously naive.

 

It was simply my way of saying goodbye. Cheers.

 

Had a bottle of Hoppy Birthday tonight, a really nice brew. Please write "pale ale" on the bottle instead of this silly Session IPA thing.

 

A buddy brought over a couple of bottles of GF Duet & Nelson yesterday to watch a few games. He was so stoked about them so I didn't say anything. He thought they were both good but liked Duet better. I had a bunch of Nelson a month back maybe their last bottle run. The GF version is their best yet. To me Nelson was hands down the best IPA in San Diego. I no longer think that. It was a solid IPA but I definitely wouldn't spend anything over $7.99 on. Pupil now might be my favorite IPA.

Earlier in this thread I mentioned I had Duet in PA. Thought it was good but was never my favorite at Alpine. Having it side by side with Nelson and Duet might actually be better IMO. Nelson had the haze, a good aroma but something was missing on the palate. Worried about Pure Hoppiness. Took GF 18+ months to master Duet & Hoppy and they haven't spent nearly the same time on PH.

 

Enjoying another growler of Keene Idea on this fine hot Sunday watching the late afternoon games, fantastic batch.

Cheers……...

 

This is a great post! Thank you for your take on these beers. Being part of the GF here in VA, it is refreshing to see that Mike and GF is doing their very best to get these batches dialed in. I had a Duet last night and thought that it was mighty close to my past experiences with Alpine. Next up is my dual with Nelson!

 

I visited Alpine last year and had Nelson, Pure Hoppiness, and Duet. Hoppy Birthday was not on tap at the time. Tried a bomber of it on Saturday. Completely forgettable. I can't speak if it's better/worse than the "original" version, but I will not be purchasing another $8 bomber. Duet will be sampled tonight. That was my least favorite of the aforementioned three, but am willing to give it another shot...because Alpine. Can't wait for Nelson to arrive, as that's one of my favorite beers of all-time. Pure Hoppiness, if it's true about $18 sixers, NO THANK YOU. Way too many other options here in the same format for a fraction of the price.