Commodore Perry India Pale Ale

Great Lakes Brewing Company

Ohio

7.5 percent alc./vol.

$9.99 per 6-pack

Great Lakes is not a brewery that I am overly familiar with, however, I have found its Christmas Ale to be delicious. As far as the Commodore Perry went, I was happy but not impressed. Like most India Pale Ales, Commodore Perry pours an amber color and is fairly clear. I smelled pine and citrus, as well as a slight hop presence. The taste was pretty good, starting out slightly sweet but with a nice bitter and hoppy finish. The balance is commendable, but it really didn’t impress me. I would go for another if I couldn’t find anything else, but it was nothing to get excited about.

1.5 out of 4 mugs

Heavy Handed India Pale Ale

Two Brothers Brewing Company

Illinois

5.7 percent alc./vol.

$10.99 per 6-pack

I am not familiar with the Two Brothers Brewery, but upon smelling this beer I was in love. While the color almost looks like a muddy orange with an almost chestnut hue, the aroma given off by this beer is outstanding. The rich bouquet of caramelized grains and flowery hop goodness filled my nose as it led me right into the glass. The flavor was a small letdown from the smell, but I still enjoyed the bitter hops and spicy malt flavors. At 5.7 percent alc./vol., you can drink a fair amount of these and still enjoy it.

2 out of 4 mugs

Hop Head Red Ale

Green Flash Brewing Company

California

6.40 alc./vol.

$12.99 per 6-pack

Hop Head Red Ale certainly is right with its name, as this beer certainly packs heavy hop flavor. The smell of Hop Head gets you in gear for what is to come, with a full-bodied aroma of grassy, flowery hops. When tasted, the combination of heavy malt and hop intensity really makes this beer stand out. The bitterness is right in line, but with the well-balanced nature of an amber style. The bitterness stays on your tongue for a while, so this might not be a beer you drink much of. However, this drink is certainly delicious.

2.5 out of 4 mugs

Beer Bites readers: I am looking to step down from the holy position of writing about and tasting beers. If you are interested, e-mail me your favorite beer and why you want to write the column. If Bud Light falls into your favorite beer category, don’t even bother.

– Compiled by Will Halsey, asst. photo editor, wlhalsey@syr.edu

Published on February 10, 2010 at 12:00 pm