AleSmith IPA

21. December 2007, 21:14 UhrBeer ReviewsJesse the Hutt

I picked up a 22 oz. bottle of this old favorite on the way back from the sperm bank. I’ve been a little low on cash lately, but surprisingly full of the “sauce of life.” To make a short story even shorter, I bought the bottle with my “winnings” and headed home to ice down my marbles.

First impression, the beer pours a nice dark golden color with a white/beige head. It is darker than AleSmith X, and ESB Ale; however, this IPA is not quite as clear as Stone’s, Lagunitas’, or Pliny the Elder from the Russian River Brewing Company (a personal favorite). At 7.75% a.b.v., AleSmith IPA is one of the heavier American IPA’s out there, a real Irie Pirate Ale!

This beer distinguishes itself as a winner with an initial burst of citrus and hops, which is then balanced nicely with the subtle tang of malt and vanilla. The bitterness is nicely rounded out with a hint of fruit. The beer finishes with a lingering malt stickiness that does not overpower any of the initial flavors. It is this quality that makes this beer a serious contender in the IPA category, and well worth the hefty donation left at the bank!

I imagine that this beer can be enjoyed most anywhere; it is a big, delicious beer for any season. If you are ever traveling in San Diego, don’t hesitate to pick up one of these impressive, hand-crafted IPA’s.

Score:

85 for drinkablility. 25 for AleSmith using no additives or preservatives and only premium quality hops and malt, including “precisely conditioned water.” Another 20 points for selling boxer shorts and a beer cooler chair through their online store.

Subtract 20 points for using the “live yeast strain” to produce carbonation in the bottles instead of pressurized CO2. Although CO2 would be considered an additive, their current method of carbonization leaves a less-than-desireable coat of yeast on the bottom which is easily mixed up with a bottle that is handled roughly. Subtract another 10 points for cost of one 22 oz. bottle, and 10 points for lack of creativity in bottle graphics and design.

That leaves us with an official BoozeReviews score of 90/100

L’Chaim!

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4 comments:

  1. J David, 22. December 2007, 17:34

    In order to avoid “a bottle that is handled roughly,” make sure your beer is still in the fridge while you finish yankin your chain for profit. Seriously though, last time I had this I wondered if it was a little over-carbonated. You? I remember we all felt like the Alesmith Yulesmith Summer (Double IPA) was way over-carbonated.

     
  2. Jesse the Hutt, 23. December 2007, 10:35

    I think the Yulesmith Summer could be classified as the “champagne” of the Double IPA world due to the over-carbonation. We ought to have a Alesmith tasting night soon and go through all of them. Anyone have a Yulesmith Summer Ale left?

     
  3. J David, 1. February 2008, 10:24

    Drank the Alesmith IPA again 1/30/08. It’s a big bitch of a beer. Does it sorta teeter between IPA and DIPA status? Full dose of malt (nearly red in color) and a bushel of bitter orange hoppiness. I think in the past (see above comment) I was mistaking the bitterness in this beer for carbonation.

     
  4. Jesse the Hutt, 29. March 2008, 9:14

    I agree with the super-bitter quality of this beer. I think that once you get over that initial bitterness, there really is a lot going on with this ale. Perhaps a 96/100 as an amended score?

     

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