Citra Pale Ale

I'm a BIG fan of Citra hops, so of course this caught my eye. This has a really nice hop aroma. The taste is mostly hops and bitterness, with a slight hint of grain to give it some body. Definitely a citrus flavor, but distinctly different from the flavors I craft with Citra. Still, this is a satisfying drink. MB

12oz can, 5.75% ABV
Oddside Ales
Grand Haven, MI
purchased at Kenwood

Grapefruit Sculpin IPA

I've always liked citrus flavors in my beer, but initially didn't know that was usually hop flavor, and once brewed my own beer with a citrus salad added. This has a nice aroma and flavor due to the grapefruit juice added. Easy to drink, and just tasty. I'm a fan. Also, they make a version with pineapple juice added, so I'll have to try that next. MB

12 oz bottle, 7% ABV
Ballast Point Brewing Company
San Diego, CA
purchased at Kenwood

1Z Enuff Imperial IPA

Sweet, but with a good bitterness. Decent body and flavor, just overall a bit sweeter than I'd like, but still drinkable. And you probably can't much escape that sweetness when you're delivering this much booze! ID

12oz can, 100 IBU, 11% ABV
Revolution Brewing
Chicago, IL
purchased at Kenwood

Labatt Bourbon Barrel Ale

I definitely prefer an ale to any lager. I bought this cause it was cheap. It is an ale with a nice toasty malt backbone. And the bourbon flavor makes me think I spilled a half shot in my beer. I'm not really a fan of the bourbon barrel aging idea, but this is tolerable. In fact I just took a shot of Jack Daniel's No 3 and chased it with this beer and they blend perfectly together! I don't always suck down shots of whiskey with my beer, but when I do, I'd like to do it with this ale. ID

12oz shorty bottle, 6% ABV
TM Labatt Brewing Company
Rochester, NY
purchased at Kenwood

Enjoy by 04.20.16 Double IPA

Gotta love both the freshness and appropriateness of the date on this beer, from a brewery full of potheads! Bottled on 3/15/16 and I'm drinking it well before 4/20. This is a tasty, strong IPA. Good, hops, good body, silky smooth texture. Another winner. ID

12oz bottle, 9.4% ABV
Stone Brewing Company
Escondido San Diego County, CA
purchased at Kenwood

Francis' Big Banging IPA

This was way over carbonated or else pretty old. Otherwise it has a nice flavor. But nothing spectacular. ID

11.2oz bottle, 7.1% ABV
Rye River Brewing Company
Kilcock County Kildare, Ireland
purchased at Kenwood

Luponic Distortion IPA

This has a very nice hop flavor!  Being an IPA the body is just a touch heavier than the hoppy pale ale I've been drinking lately from Pipeworks. A solid ale that's likely to be a regular for me for as long as I can find it. MB

12oz can, 5.9% ABV
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Paso Robles, CA
purchased at Kenwood