Russian River Pliney the Elder

The Dirt
I've been amazed with how hard it is to get this beer. Then again, with a 100 rating on Beer Advocate, I guess I can understand why. And after having it...twice...I really know why.

Billed by many as the best double IPA out there, I'm always reluctant to crown a beer "best ever". But I can certainly see why many say this, as The Elder is something special. Most double IPAs have intense hops at the front, and then return to normal levels with perhaps some biscuity sweetness on the latter half. The Elder is different in that its intense fresh piney and citrusy hop notes just keep going...and going...and going. Even when it's all gone, the fresh hops are on your tongue for another minute at least. The sensation is almost tingly, or maybe even spicy. It's hops Heaven really, but not in a bitter pucker-face kind of way. It's actually very refreshing with it's medium body, and the alcohol is hidden very well. Perhaps one of the most unique beers I've had, and one of the best too.

As the label says, drink promptly. This is one of the few beers where time is a real enemy, as you want all that fresh hoppiness for the full flavor impact. I read a lot about the possibility of aging The Elder, and concluded it to be a bad idea. There just isn't enough malt, and the intense hops (which is why this beer is special) will only disappear. And use a snifter glass if you've got one, as it'll condense the nose even more.

Worth it?
Yes. Yes and yes. Yes, yes, and yes. In case you're confused: YES. If you love hops, this guy is a must. If you don't like hops, it's cheap enough (or it was for me) to try something like this to reconfirm if you actually don't like hops. I paid a jaw-dropping $4.25 for each Elder. Why did I only buy two? They only had two left.

The Final Word

Sam Adams Third Voyage

The Dirt
Another entry on the Sam Adams experimental beer line, Third Voyage is a double IPA that uses Cascade hops from different regions of the world. The approach created a very good and drinkable double IPA, but was lacking some of the impact of other doubles I've had. Solid Cascade hop flavor at the front with a little biscuitiness on the back, but could use a little more of both. Like the Tasman Red, the Third Voyage gets better with warmth. But again, if left to become too warm, it gets a bit too bitter and the alcohol begins to dominate the taste profile.

Worth it?
A very good double IPA worth my time and penny, but didn't get me as excited as other doubles I've had. I think it may have been a little pricy given others in the market, but if you're like me, it's hard not to buy the whole lineup of experimental beers like this. But if you don't regularly buy beers like this, I think there are better for the price for your special purchase, such as the Dogfish 90 Minute.

The Final Word

Real Ale Phoenixx Double ESB

The Dirt
This is one of Real Ale's seasonal releases, which I've had before, but it's been a while. Beautiful color in the glass, with almost an IPA look and feel at first. However, my friend pointed out that the overall taste profile is like that of a barleywine, with that bite of alcohol in the back, but lacking the fennel/black licorice tones that are often present. Overall solid, but I'd suggest trying to age one of these for like a year. I accidentally did this once for 6 months and noticed a nice, more mellow difference.

Worth it?
It's a little raw in my opinion, thus the aging suggestion. Not sure what this is going for in 6-packs these days, but I do recall it being a little pricey. I personally prefer the other Real Ale seasonals, but like any other beer they do, it's quality stuff.

The Final Word

Shiner 102 Double Wheat

The Dirt
No, this is not a Shiner-only blog, I swear! At the same time that the spring beer hit the shelves, so did the Shiner 102 Double Wheat. I love wheat beers, so I had to do a double take when I saw this guy.

After admiring the deep golden color, the first thing that pops into my mind is "wheaty" (which one would hope). Light up front, but then that grainy sweetness of the wheat rushes in and slides away. Far better than what the Hef has become, which I contend has become waaaay too heavy on the lemon. Probably the best anniversary beer from Shiner in some time, and a step in the right direction. Still has a very slight penny taste at the very end sometimes, which has plagued new and lighter Shiner beers over the past few years. However, it’s very light in comparison to the 101.

Worth it?
Overall very tasty, and delicious with my burger that just came off the Webber. Would buy again, and kind of secretly hope/wish/pray it will take over for the current Hef, which I know is a long shot.

The Final Word