As well as a Pliny The Elder, I was also given this, a Blind Pig, which came highly recommended, I’m confident that there are fewer people in New Zealand, or even within craft beer drinkers in general, that have had this over the the Pliny.Understandable of course.
Blind Pig is a prohibition-era term for a speakeasy. Our very first brewery was named Blind Pig Brewing Company which was located in Temecula, CA. It was here that we first fell in love with IPA’s and hops. Our Blind Pig IPA is generously hopped with hints of citrus, woody notes, and a lingering bitterness. Keep refrigerated and consume fresh to best enjoy this beer’s intense hop character.
A full-bodied, very hoppy brew with citrus, pine, fruity notes, and a nice dry, bitter finish! This West Coast-style IPA is true to its style as it is very hop-forward with just enough malt character and alcohol to balance it out.
Hop: low-moderate citrus (orange and grapefruit), floral, pine resin Malt and Yeast: Minimal contribution
I’m looking forward to this more than the Pliny, for reasons that may not be clear, but I feel I could be a group of one of my peers to have had this, particular in New Zealand.
The cheese and crackers have arrived and I’m just sidetracked with this at the moment.
So, What could possibly go wrong?
There’s not a large aroma when you pop the cap off, just beer.
Pale yellow straw colour beer with a lovely white fluffy head that seems persistent. There’s quite a nice citrus aroma in the glass when it’s had a chance to get some air around it.
Slightly aggressive initial bitterness that stays forward but washed out to a light prickling at the back, this is ‘fresher’ and ‘brighter’ in the sense that it seems more urgent and lively, younger more ambitious, keener.
I get the enthusiasm for this beer, it’s something you can enjoy as the beer, but I think it’s be an excellent beer to go with food, there’s refreshing, zing and liveliness in this that is quite something, the grateful citrus bitterness in particular is amazing.
Thepdubyah-o-meterrates this as10 of its things from the thing. An unusually good beer, in a good way, this has zest, zing and vigour about it that makes it rather compelling.
The double dip review
Where did I get it? This was aa gifted beer.
Am I enjoying it? Yes
Would I have another? Yes
Would I share with a friend on a porch and set the world to rights? This is an idea share beer.
Music for this: New Music from the Lumineers! What’s not to like?
American IPA
Today’s American India Pale Ale (IPA) is a different soul from the IPA style first reincarnated in the 1980s. More flavorful and aromatic than the withering English IPA, its color can range from very pale golden to reddish amber. Hops are the star here, and those used in the style tend to be American with an emphasis on herbal, piney, and/or fruity (especially citrusy) varieties. Southern Hemisphere and experimental hops do appear with some frequency though, as brewers seek to distinguish their flagship IPA from a sea of competitors. Bitterness levels vary, but typically run moderate to high. Medium bodied with a clean, bready, and balancing malt backbone, the American IPA has become a dominant force in the marketplace, influencing brewers and beer cultures worldwide.
Russian River Brewing is one of the classic craft brewers. It is located about 2 hours from me. I don’t get there often, but any time I see Pliny the Elder, Blind Pig or any of their other beers on tap at a restaurant or bar, I’m getting it. They do good things with their beer.
A life just as ordinary 
Russian River Brewing is one of the classic craft brewers. It is located about 2 hours from me. I don’t get there often, but any time I see Pliny the Elder, Blind Pig or any of their other beers on tap at a restaurant or bar, I’m getting it. They do good things with their beer.
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