Tastings on Tap

Tap, draft, bottle, can....the first two are the same, I realize, but the terminology can be daunting for a newbie. Fun fact: my first few times at the bar, I hadn't realized "tap" and "draft" meant the same darn thing (don't judge - 20 year old American girl in an English pub many moons ago).

The means of serving can alter the taste, albeit more subtlety than the means of production, which lends itself to the different "styles" such as IPA, APA, porter, lager, etc. Some of the terms may seem inherent, such as a "sour" is quite tart, but some may seem more confusing. This is what I enjoy about trying so many different beers and diving into this world of beer. It's rather titillating as someone who thoroughly enjoys learning.

In the past few days I've been able to branch out a bit on tastes, brewies, towns, and flavors. With a broken heart a girl's gotta throw herself into something new - in the name of science and knowledge, of course. Snitz Creek Brewery, Babe's Grill House, and Beer Express experienced my patronage and with what I found, they did not disappoint me. Brace yourselves - I'm highlighting a lot of goodies.

Babe's Grill House, if one does not possess a thoughtful eye or is consumed by the intermittent detours on 422, can be easily missed. Their beautiful interior is something worth admiring, whether it's upstairs for a nicer meal as Phillip and I once feasted upon eons ago or the gorgeous hardwood floor and semi-oval bar to which I've become more familiar. Tonight was a night of catch-up with a dear friend; Taylor runs Seventh Wave Studio, a place which I've come to know on multiple occasions, now multiple ownership, multiple heartaches....I digress. Tonight we toasted to her and her accomplishments and lamented to my pain in the form of the Orange Dream by Otter Creek which tasted like a still-cold melted creamsicle **drool** and the RiNo Juicy American Pale Ale by Epic Brewing, a beauty in its own on the opposite side of the spectrum. The night was for the girls ;)

Snitz Creek Brewery in Lebanon, PA was started by an LVC alum (go Dutchmen!). I was first introduced in my last semester as an undergrad in fall 2014 when they were the sponsored brewer in the alum tent, to which I scored tix for my former beau, Phillip, an LVC alum, and for my thirsty (for him at that time and beer) ass. I liked them then, I liked them at a prior visit, and I liked them again. They also make me happy as they offer flights - if you're new to the blog, flights make me happy as they're much smaller of a commitment when trying new territory and unsure if you're quite ready for that full 16 oz.

This was a lunch date with me, myself, and I: a delicious burger with a 4-figured flight comprised of primarily IPAs, my favorite style. I still haven't met a comparable rival to Stone's Double IPA, but I'd say these single IPAs definitely hit the mark - so full of flavor!! Dem hops, man...that's what I love about an IPA.

• Opening Day IPA: I went all in on this flagship cinema with previews. Full of those hoppy flavors which made me fall in love with my first IPA. Hints of citrus make it fairly well-rounded

• Grape Gose: this made up the first of my four-some (that sounds so dirty out of context!) and it did not disappoint with its sour tones. Ultra grape-y grape with minimum damage of 3.8% ABV

• Hopper Dopper IPA: hoLY hops, in a good way, of course. This IPA had a nice balance with some orange and mango undertones. Honestly think mixing some fruit with your hops can only earn you brownie points on the flavor test

• Line Breaker 2x IPA: let's just say that only a sample was needed. Delicious double IPA but with boasting a 9.9% ABV, we'll leave it with my first comment

• FogLite IPA was a recommendation from the bartender and this is why you make friends with the bartender. I might be somewhat of an introvert, pushing omnivert status, but beer is makes for a common ground with which even introverts can discuss without feeling out of place. Oh, and the beer! Delish

Beer Express was last my trio of brewski purchasing venues. Only three notable items in this stop and one included a swig of something I ended up pouring down the drain. At university, some may consider this a "party foul" but as an adult, purchasing their own drinks, why torture yourself with a drink you don't like? I forewarned you this would be a long one.

• Fire Rock Pale Ale by Kona Brewing Company in Hawaii: 5.8% lovely with a heck of a taste. Hawaii should be proud of this one
• Brooklin Sorachi Ace: this Farmhouse Saison was the one I just couldn't finish. Never be ashamed of not finishing a beer - other innuendos, well... to each their own - but this one, I could not get down. Perhaps it takes a special palette to handle, but it clearly wasn't fine - and as a beer explorer, this is perfectly permissible!
• Summer Golden Ale by Sarana Brewery: 5% ABV and smooth like butter on warm toast. Absolutely delicious

"I can resist everything, but temptation." -Oscar Wilde (I'm sure a good beer qualifies)