Redhook Long Hammer IPA

Came home just a bit early today to meet a man about a fence.  While waiting, I decided to go with one of the filler beers from the other day, so I chose Redhook Long Hammer IPA.

First, let me say that I really do like most of the Redhook brews that I have tasted.  They do a pretty good job for the amount of beer they brew.  Let me also say that this isn’t one of those beers… at least not in the bottle.  I seem to remember visiting their brewery several years ago and really liking this beer, but tonight it just didn’t sit right.

First, this was a very light IPA.  Probably one of the lightest I have seen.  Second, it just didn’t have that general IPA duality that is hard on the intitial swig, but soft on the way down.  Instead, this one just kind of stayed hard but underwhelmingly so… to the point that it just kind of muddles around in your mouth wondering what type of impression it should leave.

JBB6 Rating: Middle of the Road

Redhook Blonde Ale

The beer fridge is officially on line and in production.  That being the case, I had to stop by the store and get some filler beer to make sure I had something for folks to drink if they came over.  I have designated a shelf for my tasting and the rest of the fridge will be for general consumption.  Seems to be working so far, although I am going to make a sign just to be double sure.

One of the beers I purchased tonight was Redhook Blonde Ale.  I love Redhook and I have been a fan of their ESB ever since I had it, but I haven’t ventured out into the other ales much.  So this and their IPA were sitting at the gas station and I thought that would be a good start to the fridge.

A job well done, if I must say so myself.  Redhook’s Blonde Ale is a solid blonde with plenty of mild flavored goodness for a chilly spring day.  I enjoyed it while the kids played in the cul-de-sac, sipping back 2 or three and giving neighbors some of my other beer stock.  All in all, the mild flavor and gentle kick of hops and malt brought this one home for me and made it hit the spot.

JBB6 Rating: Will Buy Again

Redhook Copperhook Spring Ale

Last night was a fun night.  After a wonderful high class dinner at TacoTime, we came home to snow showers and our neighbors having a Hawaiian dance party.  Good thing about our neighbors is they always have a well stocked beer fridge with plenty of beer to go around.  Great thing about last night was that they had some outstanding beer, including two I have never had before.  Thanks guys!

Amongst the Drop Top and W’08, Redhook Copperhook Spring Ale poked its shiny head out at me.  I eagerly took this spring seasonal for a round after procuring a good sized mug from our hosts.  Good thing I did as this beer hit the spot and turned the night into a very welcome Friday night.  Of course I had already started it out right at work, but indeed I did want to continue the trend.

Copperhook is a clean, refreshing spring ale with just the right mix of citrus, spice, hops, and malt.  A light colored beer with medium head, this beer is really meant to be enjoyed on a warmer spring night out on the front porch while the kids play in the cul-de-sac, but I will take what I can get.  A great spring seasonal that will surely make it back into my fridge in the near future.

JBB6 Rating: Will Buy Again

 

Redhook Blackhook Porter

Ah… what a crazy Easter Sunday.  A fun filled day of cooking, eating, hanging out with friends, more cooking, more eating, a beer, a movie, and the blog.  Tonight’s choice was the only beer of the day… Redhook Blackhook Porter.  A fine, mellow porter that tasted just right with the home made tamales that I slaved away making for most of the day.  At least I was making tamales when I wasn’t at the neighbors enjoying their fine spread of turkey, chicken, asparagus, red beans and rice, pasta salad, potatoe salad, rolls, garlic bread, veggie trays, home made ice cream, strawberry shortcake, brownies, and that is about it.

This truly was a mellow porter.  It is rather low on the ABV at just over 5% and you can definitely taste the smokiness and hoppy bitterness that generally comes with the territory.  It didn’t have much of a head and if you held it up to the light, you could see through it to some degree.  A good beer, but not a stand out for sure.

JBB6 Rating: Middle of the Road

Redhook ESB

Perhaps one of the greatest beers ever crafted, Redhook ESB makes it onto the blog tonight.  A fine brewery and a fine beer… the perfect mix of hoppiness and smooth, smooth beer love.  Not too strong, not too light and with just the right alcohol content.

 Even better on tap, but out of the big bottle and into a mug tastes mighty fine, as well.  Also great for boiling some bratwurst before you put it on the grill, as well… trust me.

Bottle and pour: