no foolin'

It was pushed a little on Instagram, a special arrival at Birra Y Paz.  From across the ocean, Sierra Nevada's Powder Day.  As temperatures were warming up when I was shopping, it looked like a good option with its frosty design.  It's also a double dry-hopped IPA, usually tense and flavorful brews.  Although it's a little colder, but sunnier, today than in the last few days, a 7.7% beer ought to keep the internal fires going.

It's probably too late for a snow day...probably

A piney musk practically explodes out of the car as the tab gives way.  It's a very clear, almost watered-down looking IPA, with impressive head, though.  It's bitter at first, it doesn't take long for a little bit of sweetness to kick in.  It isn't a light kind of sweet either, it's substantial and ready to roll around on your tongue.  Somehow, the beer maintains a very light feel, however.  I'm surprised there isn't more forest in the flavor, since the aroma certainly had its share, but this is really a showcase of a modern IPA.  Although there's a vague hint of fruit and wildness, the taste is based on hoppy bitter and real drinkability.  It's a wonderfully clean brew, it's only a shame that the weekend is going to be a winter throwback.  Sure, most people would be happy to drink an IPA anytime, and a double hopped one at that.  I understand, I'm like that with my stouts.  But I find Powder Day to be more refreshing and cooling than a beer that bundles you up from the inside, no matter what you might think the can is telling you.

Supplier: Birra Y Paz

Price: €4.65

no argument here

It's a little bit of a trip down memory lane to pick up a Sierra Nevada, a true craft success story.  Their brewery in North Carolina is a sight to behold.  And damn if they don't make fantastic beers there!  Like a lot of craft breweries big and small, though, you just can't get all the menu anyplace you want.  Pale Ale is pretty much always a good choice, a long standing standard. 

The just-opened bottle gives off a fresh, piney scent, and the beer is clear, although fairly dark for a pale ale.  Not too much head, but frothy and resistant.  The flavor is bitter, but with a thick, bready feeling, a slightly sweet aftertaste.  It feels a little heavy for a pale ale, impossible to ignore, but smooth.  After a few sips it takes on a peppery quality, getting a little less smooth and more spikey.  There's no build-up of heaviness with time and warming, it's a very balanced and regular drink.

Sounds like a family company, all right

Supplier: Labirratorium

Price: €2.95