Dry Dock Double IPA (AKA Seven Seas)

I'll admit my expectation on this DIPA was to be knocked over sideways with a rugby tackle of hops. I guess mostly due to the nature of how things are brewed around here. The flowers that I burp are there but mostly I get flavors of bright barley followed by a citrus hit that is the best part about it IMO. After a few sips you get that nice sugar affect (9% ABV) that makes your lips sticky as if you just downed a taqueria tongue (lengua, try it. It's great) taco. And like anything that Dry Dock makes the color is perfect for an IPA style brew. As I sit here and it gets a bit warmer some nice esters are starting to kick in that reminds me a bit of Avery's Maharaja. And man is it getting smooth. Not boozy at all for a bigger brew. I have a feeling this would be an amazing out of a firkin. Like hop juicy good with no bitterness as is characteristic of hoppier beers out of firkins. Maybe they have already done so at the tasting room. I'll have to inquire about that one. This is a good'n to have around when you feel inclined to have something hoppy but not too 'in your face'. Git it.

cheers

D

Dry Dock Apricot Blonde (Seasonal)

My experience with Dry Dock so far has been solid. Every beer I have had of theirs has not disappointed and this beauty is no different. I usually get whatever Dry Dock is pouring at my favorite pubs and as of late the Apricot Blonde has hit the kegs and shelves. As I write this it's a pretty hot day on the range so my first sip should be a good'n. Yes, it was/is good. The nose smells like a split open apricot shoved in your face. Common to other good brews with fruit adjunct it's a bit chewy as well. Kind of like the Pyramid Apricot Wheat. Yet this is not as un-filtered as that. There are subtle notes of coriander which is not un-typical for any type of Blonde. But it's the fruity goodness of the apricots that take center stage. It's quaffable obviously at a mellow ABV of 5.1%. Other beers made with stone fruits tend to bring out a nice bready flavor in the malt. Maybe it's a pectin thing. Not sure. Regardless, it's damn good. Enjoy it if you get the chance. They're going quick!

Napa has wine. We have beer!

Growing up in the Bay Area I was able, and still do, to enjoy many fine wines straight from the source. That's not to say I lived in the wine country but the access was always there. As accessible as a drive to the coast. When a good year amounted to stellar bottles coming out, many of them cheap bottles, the wife and I would enjoy some really great wines and pontificate on them. The nose, the color, taste, the source, etc. Well, after moving to Boulder, CO in 2001 we soon picked up on the bourgeoning craft beer scene that surrounded us and still does to this day at an ever-growing pace. I love beer and living on the Front Range has it's advantages for sure. I know the craft beer scene is all over the nation these days but it almost seems factual when I say the BEST beers just may come from where the Rocky Mountains end. Hence the name 'Front Range'. From Fort Collins up north to Colorado Springs down south. And I'll even throw in a review or tasting room experience from the Western Slope where such fine breweries as Ska Brewing come from.  

My goal is to catalog my experiences and the tastes I come across while enjoying craft brews in my surrounding area. Considering how many breweries there are and how many beers are produced I should be able to stay busy for many years to come. I just hope I can maintain the interest. I have confidence considering the subject matter. So I guess this first post is a quick intro as to what my intentions are and hopefully you'll come back once in a while to read up on what I think is good now, where it's available, and any other bits of knowledge I can share. Plenty of photos will be posted whether they be of beer or candids in a tasting room.

cheers

D