Brew Review - Nectar IPA

Sweet nectar of the gods, this is good! Spring is here (finally) and it's time to give those spring flowers something to hope for. I rarely get the opportunity to enjoy a lazy Saturday afternoon, but I'm taking full advantage and assisting my attempt to catch up on some reading with a Nectar Ales Nectar IPA. The brew pours a light copper, orange with a good head that dissipates quick. It carries a clean hop aroma, but exudes more the sweet and floral as opposed to northwest pine forest. Makes me think spring/summer thoughts, where as the other IPAs tend to push me in the direction of pine and fall aromas. Yeah, the temp took a wicked spring dip into the 40s and 50s, but the Nectar IPA has a caramel backbone and medium body that suits the cooler spring days just fine. Clean finish and quite enjoyable. I will be picking up another 6 pack from Mike's Wine and Spirit soon. It's my neighborhood brew (crack) dealer...hope to see you there soon.

Serving Type: 6 pack/12oz bottle

Glassware: Tulip

Color (hue and head): light copper, orange; thick head, quickly dissipates.

Aroma: sweet, floral, hops.

Taste: fresh cut grass, spring flowers; caramel, light malt; medium body.

Grade: 93/100 (A-)

Musical pairing: Matt and Kim - Daylight

Surroundings: Lazy Saturday enjoying some brew, book, blog and boxer (dog).

Economic Win - Seeing Good in Bad

As gas prices increase at the rate of housing in it's prime, remember you can always get some good brew cheap. No, you don't have to sacrifice as your wife decreases your weekly beer allowance to fill up the tank. Pick up a Lagunitas Hop Stoopid or a Stone IPA. Both set at 3.99 (roughly the cost of a gallon of gas) will get you a bomber (22oz) of amazingly tasty brew. I can't argue with that! Just picked up two at Mike's Wine & Spirits at 85th and Wornall. If you got a few more bucks to spend, grab Stone's Cali-Belgique or a Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot (Imperial Brown Ale? WTF!?!?) at 5.99. If you're in saving mode, you don't have to settle for a 30 pack of watered down messiness. As things get tight, we can still get great micro brew at good cost. See you out there, kiddos.

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Mikkeller - I Beat yoU

Yes, that's what it's called and it does what it says. For those unfamiliar with Mikkeller, he's a Danish "gypsy" brewer, moving from brewery to brewery, forgetting the rules and creating some of the most unique beers around. He's like that friend we all have that is just good at anything...you know, he can wax the floor with you at your best game, and had never even played the game before. In this case, the aforementioned Dane has brewed an american imperial IPA, at Brewdog in Scotland, and then gave it the name "I Beat yoU"!!  ...bold, very bold, sir.

Pours creamy, gold with a hearty, ivory head that lasts and lasts. Buttery up front and pine in the back, the flavor is strong, but gentle on the tongue. I like very much. It reminds me of Avery's Maharaja...which is in my top 10 list.

Touche, Mr. Mikkel Bjergso. You have won this round. The brew name speaks for itself. Your fine ale beats most of the imperial IPAs i've had enjoyed to date from some of the best craft brewers in the states. I will continue to seek out your creations for further analysis.

Imbibilicious, out.

Serving Type: bottle, 11.2 oz, $6

Glassware: Tulip

Color (hue and head): creamy, gold, cloudy. Thick, ivory head.

Taste: Buttery pine, maybe some honeysuckle

Grade: 95/100 (A)

Musical pairing: Land of Talk - Hamburg, Noon

Surroundings: Wrapping presents, enjoying beverage(s).