Copper Hook

Picked this up a couple months ago while visiting Plainfield to meet up with Jen. Her parents bought an assorted craft pack of Redhook, enabling me to try many of the beers I wouldn't otherwise get a chance to. Tasted Wednesday afternoon following a trip to the Outpost to research buying a tent and after a 12 mile run which included 6 x 800 repeats. Whew.
Snifter Served
5.8% ABV

Appearance: More of an amber color, but I guess it could fall for a copper by definition too. The head is a speckled film, with a larger accumulation on the sides. There is a prominent haze throughout, but nothing to completely inhibit transparency. As such, the occasional bubble races to the surface from the base of the glass.
Aroma: The scent is of biscuits and brown sugar with a lager yeast character. Very aromatic from a malt standpoint. Some floral sensations, but aside from that, the smell is rather straight forward.
Taste: The first thing that came to mind was...California-Common. All the flavor notes point in that direction. Light malt as the base, reminiscent of biscuit, brown sugar and a soft toast, followed by a crisp attenuation and lagered/steamed yeast flavor. Perhaps one could even draw a tartness from this beer, but that may just be the acidity...nevertheless it's nothing to take away from the overall experience. The finish and on into the aftertaste is grain base biscuity and smooth. Even some hints of wood tannins and hops are left on the palate.
Mouthfeel: A bubbly sting characterizes the first part of the feel, but it quickly fades to leave a medium bodied middle choked full of nice malt undertones. Remaining is a smooth crisp bite and a dry feel at the roof of the mouth.
Overall Impression: I'd say my ideal for a copper ale. All the factors I'd assume and expect in such a beer are followed to the tee. Malt heavy on the light malt side and still encapsulating a refreshing crisp flavor.

Redhook ESB

Whoa, this is my longest bloggless streak since starting beertotry over two years ago. Stuff has been really busy lately. Weekends are filled with festivals, while the weekdays are revolving around learning the whole new side of brewing (I got promoted into managing the D.milk cellar and sour beer program) and studying this ancient, and now revived form of brewing. Count that alongside running 80 miles a week and formulating kombucha to be released at the pub in a couple weeks....my schedules been booked.
Nevertheless I made an effort to get something down to relieve some guilt. Thanks to the Misewiczs' for picking up a craft pack of this a couple weekends ago while I was visiting plainfield.
Snifter Served
5.8% ABV

Appearance: A soft cream colored head erupts at the pour, but no sooner dissipates into the beer in a gurgling mix of large soapy bubbles. Carbonation looks to be strong against the amber backdrop, as bubbles accumulate against the edges of the glass. Lacing is nearly non-existent.
Aroma: Rich bread malt undertones complement a mild toast complexity. Some nuttiness can be found, but predominantly revolves around an up-front malt base scent. However, as the beer becomes warm, more of a cardboard scent emerges, an obvious sign of oxidation.
Taste: Like the aroma, this beer permeates malt. Bready and biscuit with brief notes of toasted caramel near the end of the palate. Rich malt and grain base flavors consume the majority of the beer. Towards the end some roasted nuts and brown sugar can be noted followed by an unmistakable characteristic reminiscent of chocolate! The aftertaste leaves grain tannins on the tongue.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied and smooth. The carbonation is held back, with fine micro-bubbles to provide a soft texture as it rolls over the tongue. The finish is left dry, encouraging a nice refreshing crispness to quench the palate.
Overall Impression: Heavy on the malt, but with a body to provide a rather drinkable malt-forward beer. I'd encourage first time tasters and even the advanced to drink this rather cold to avoid the tell tale oxidation in the scent, of which can be seriously off-putting to some.

Long Hammer IPA

The final six pack that Luke and I bought while on Madeline Island a week ago. It was the only IPA in the town's grocery store and the last six pack. And their new bottles and labeling caught my eye!

Appearance: Color is golden yellow and brilliantly clear. Carbonation looks to be quite high, yet appealing. Soapy foam white head with consistent patching after it dissipates a bit. Also leaves lacing that covers the entire side of the glass.

Aroma: Initially a fruity and strong piney scent. Alpha acids and a bouquet of floral hops emerge in a rush of appealing smells. Also some presence of sweet honey and biscuit malt complements the hoppy aroma.
Taste: Honey and biscuit flavor present in the foretaste as a mild sweetness and maintaining much of the backbone by which the hops blossom off of; it may also be even a bit bready. The midtaste begins to expose a wealth of floral and almost citrus flavors thanks to the hops. By the end, the orange (bittering) and pine complexities emerge spreading and quenching throughout the palate. Some pepperiness to the finish, but I really enjoy the tropical pine and fruit that are present.
Mouthfeel: Relatively on the lighter side of a body with ample carbonation. Finishes quite crisp and dry. Nothing to out of the ordinary with this characteristic.
Overall Impression: Incredibly refreshing and delightfully crisp. The balance between the malt sweetness and tropical, fruity hops is well worth fighting a hot day. Especially camping!

85/100