LBC

Went out tonight to Lafayette Brewing Co. for Dr. Jian Liu's celebration dinner. Had a couple beers, time to write it up.

First I had their seasonal IPA. The other IPA drinker and I were both a bit disappointed. IBU-wise this beer was weak for an IPA. Definitely lower then their Eighty-five, which rates, you guessed it, 85 on the IBU scale. An IPA with less than 80 IBU? Weak. Not saying it's a bad beer, it was possibly the best pale ale I've had. Very crisp, dry, with just a hint of bitter at the end. No off flavors. Mouthfeel and lacing were a bit weak, it was almost as if they put a keg on before it had matured. This beer went down like water after a hard day, which is probably bad because I think the only IPA characteristic this beer had was the ABV (upwards of 6 I'd guess).

Second beer was the aforementioned 85. This beer is good. It's sold as an "aggressive American style pale ale." Aggressive is an understatement. This beer comes very light colored, barely darker than Heineken. Head is small, smell is promising. Good bitter beer smells, pine esters and good malts. First sip will knock you on your heels. How is such a pale beer so hoppy? Fortunately it's not an abusive hoppiness, it is well balanced by the malt and mouthfeel. This is a very smooth beer, that still lets you know that you are drinking a beer.

LBC makes very fine ales. I'm sure eventually I'll record all of them. Especially since their 1L growlers are only $5 to refill. Almost 3 beers for $5? ($4 on Tuesdays) That's a great deal. Plus, Wed is their $2.50 pint nights, which is just awesome.

Tomorrow I'll probably troll for sponsorship at The Other Pub. Be back then.

Ions suck, drink beer.
-James