Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA

Sierra Nevada Double IPA

Sierra Nevada Weizenbock

Great Lakes Commodore Perry

Clown Shoes Muffin Top

Muffin Top poured a semi-hazy, copper color with a pen width, white head.  The nose has is big and malty with some faint orange notes but almost no hop aromas.  The body is big and malty up front, with a little sweetness and lots of grapefruit.  The finish had a very dry bitterness that sneaks up and hangs around for quite awhile.  

Overall, a nice Imperial IPA.  It is a little boozy, but Muffin Top is a fairly refined beer considering it's name and it's 10% ABV. 

Clown Shoes Tramp Stamp

Tramp Stamp poured a semi-cloudy, copper color with a pen width, white head. The nose is big, with apricot and candied sugar lying on top of plenty of malt and light hop aromas. The body is malty and short up front with a touch of sweetness. A little hollow in the middle, it quickly turns to bone dry with plenty of hops. The finish is full of pine needles and a long, dry, lingering bitterness.

Overall, a very agressive IPA, especially for one that is modeled around the belgian-style. The whole mouthfeel is light and the finish is a hop monster. This is decent, and has some very nice parts, but it seems a little disjointed and could probably use a little aging to round itself out.    

Newcastle Adds Winter IPA to Their Seasonal Lineup

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Newcastle Brown Ale, brewer of the legendary “One & Only,” today announced the launch of Winter IPA, the newest offering in its Limited Edition series. Following the successful Newcastle Werewolf, Newcastle Winter IPA is now available to adults at select retailers and pubs.

Newcastle Winter IPA stays true to the original, subtly hopped recipes of traditional 18th century India Pale Ales, maintaining the drinkability that Newcastle enthusiasts 21 and over have come to expect.

Marked by a strong hop aroma and a zesty character with hints of malt, Winter IPA features just a touch of sweetness to offer a delicate and creamy mouthfeel. Pouring a seductive copper color, the brew offers subtle caramel notes, a full body and a balanced finish.

“Newcastle Brown Ale has a rich history of carefully crafted and highly drinkable beers, and our partnership with the Caledonian Brewery for the Limited Edition series continues this tradition,” said Charles van Es, brand director Newcastle Brown Ale. “From the authentic recipe to the small batch brewing in open copper kettles, everything about our Winter IPA is a salute to original British IPAs. It’s our way of helping make the long winter months a little more palatable.”

Made with Super Styrian and Styrian Goldings hops, Newcastle’s Limited Edition Winter IPA has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.2 percent with 28 International Bittering Units (IBUs).

Newcastle Winter IPA will be available at select markets across the country in 6-pack and 12-pack bottles priced comparably to Newcastle Brown Ale, as well as on draught at fine pubs from Nov. 2011 through Jan. 2012.

About Newcastle Brown Ale

In 1927, in the Northeast of England, Colonel Jim Porter created uniquely crafted ale with its own distinct golden brown color, lightly hopped taste and character that quickly became a local favorite. Best served cool, Newcastle Brown Ale has since become a world favorite as a dark beer that’s easy to drink. Newcastle Brown Ale is imported by the nation’s premier beer importer, Heineken USA, headquartered in White Plains, New York. For more information, please visit www.NewcastleBrown.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/newcastle.

About Heineken USA

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the Heineken USA-sponsored Taxi MagicTM application from your smartphone. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Heineken.

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