Chatoe Rogue's First Growth Creek Ale

Maybe you've caught on and discovered that I'm a big fan of Rogue Brewery. Those guys keep it real and only brew beer that is worthy of appreciation and nothing less. They've recently began a project that they call "Grow Your Own (GYO)" and it is quite an interesting idea. Much like the wine industry, Rogue has taken a leap towards growing the ingredients needed to brew a handful of their beers. Chatoe Rogue produces the needed supplies and the beer makers do the rest.

The First Growth Creek Ale is one of the staples of the GYO series. While its listed as a pale, it pours a dark brown and has a relatively creamy, malty taste. Honestly, I can't figure out why its listed as a pale ale but I'm sure the guys at Rogue have a reason (probably because of how its brewed) and I won't mess with that, even though I'm pretty sure there's no way you'd sip this brew and think pale ale. In fact, its quite malty and has a hint of cherries, which are added in the brewing process. This makes the beer pretty unique in addition to the fact that Rogue used their own malts and hops. Its a little sweet, has a creamy head and makes for a good sip.

http://www.rogue.com/beers/chatoe-creek.php

Rogue First Growth Creek Ale
25 IBU's
15 Degrees Plato

Dogfish Head India Brown

Dogfish Head Brewery absolutely rocks! So it comes as no surprise that the their India Brown Ale is wicked good (they're from the NE). I don't usually like brown ales since they are very malty and don't usually have much pop to them. This beer, however, breaks the stereotype.

The color of the brew is a traditional dark brown, almost black. The aroma is warm and maybe a little chocolaty and the beer has a bit of a caramel taste, very common for browns. Where it differs is the bite. Its been dry-hopped like Dogfish Head's 60 and 90-minute IPA's so it has enough of a hoppy quality to keep crisp beer lovers, like myself, satisfied.

If you like dark beers, or especially if you don't, give this one a shot. Its a strong, creative effort from Dogfish Head, something they are very familiar with. There's enough dark beer qualities to keep the brown ale lover happy, but there's enough hops to make the beer enjoyable for those who like IPA's. Its a best of both worlds scenario, nothing to complain about.

Dogfish Head India Brown Ale
7.2 % ABV
50 IBU's

Don't Settle for Mediocre Beer!

I've a had a long affinity for beers from North Coast Brewery. Hailing from Norther California, this brewery has it figured out. Their beers are very crafty but also very drinkable. I'm all about unique craft beers but if you don't like drinking them, then what's the point? Don't worry, North Coast won't let you down, especially with their Red Seal Ale.

Red Seal Ale is a red ale with multiple gold medal beer awards to it's credit. Its got some hoppiness to it, which I love, but is pretty well balanced with malts as well. The first impression is a hoppy one, followed by a maltiness that balances the taste. Its finish is a bit hoppy to end the drink. Being a little spicy but balanced with a smooth maltiness, Red Seal Ale won't disappoint. Its a little spendy if you're unused to buying quality brews but its worth every penny and isn't anywhere near the top of the price spectrum.

Check out the website of North Coast Brewery for more information regarding this one, its special and the experts agree!

http://www.northcoastbrewing.com/beer-RedSeal.htm

Red Seal Ale
5.5% ABV
42 IBU's