Real Ale Lost Gold IPA

 

The Dirt

Once only available on draft in select bars and restaurants, the Lost Gold IPA is now a mainstay in Real Ale's line. I once had this cask-conditioned, and loved it, so I'm very happy to see it bottled.

The Lost Gold pours a golden color, perhaps a little lighter than your average IPA. Its appearance almost resembles a Dogfish IPA. But don't be fooled, it definitely fits an IPA profile. Over the first few sips, the great dry floral and citrus hop notes dominate, and slide away smoothly at the end of the beer. A hint of biscuitiness is there at the very end as well. Further tasting reveals a slight caramel sweetness amongst the hops. A very balanced beer, with medium body and a perfect helping of hops. Very drinkable, but retains the IPA label.

Worth it?

This may be my favorite year-round Real Ale beer. If you're in the mood for a refreshing IPA, or want to get into IPAs, this is a good start. I can't buy this anymore since I'm no longer in Texas, but will certainly order one whenever I return.

The Final Word

Dogfish Head Squall IPA

The Dirt
Drinking a Dogfish beer is always a treat, especially when you've never had it before. However, this guy will seem strangely familiar if you've had the 90-Minute IPA. From what I could deduce, it seemed like a slightly less carbonated and bit sweeter version of the 90-Minute, which I'm told may be because this beer is bottle conditioned versus aging in a tank.

The brew pours a thick, deep gold color that's cloudy from being unfiltered. It has pine and citrus tones up front, followed by that trademark Dogfish IPA sweet middle. It's not really a malty sweet...kind of its own sweet...like what I'd imagine a candied hop would be like if such a thing existed. Both flavors then merge and slowly wash away on the back end. Like I noted, very similar to the 90-Minute, but I'd have to taste them side-by-side to tell the official differences. I could almost say this one may be a little smoother than the 90-Minute.

Worth it?
First and foremost, this is a delicious beer. However, at $10 for a 750mL bottle, it might be better to buy the 90-Minute 4-pack. I need to have this next to a 90-Minute to compare. But in the end, you'll be quite happy with either purchase.

The Final Word

 

Sam Adams Revolutionary Rye Ale

The Dirt
A recently added beer to the Sam Adams lineup, most recently in the spring variety pack. Unlike some of the other rye beers I've had, rye is the focus of this beer (versus being a pale ale or something). This is clear while drinking, as the spice and grab of the rye lingers throughout the beer. That combined with the traditional ale nature of this beer brings a well balanced brew with a sweet finish. You also get a hint of dry hops in the middle, giving it a bit more character. A very tasty medium bodied brew that's refreshing.

Worth it?
I bought this as part of the spring variety pack, which is always worth it given the other beers that tag along. I've bought this on draft too, and would definitely buy again. A good beer to relax with and to identify the rye difference.

The Final Word

 

Shiner Ruby Redbird

The Dirt
I will admit, when I saw this on the shelf, I frowned a little. But my roommate brought back a couple from a BYOB gathering at Salt Lick, so I thought I'd review something I wouldn't normally buy.

Once poured, you can instantly smell the ginger. After a few sips, you wonder if you're drinking a ginger ale with less fiz and alcohol added in. There's a hint of the grapefruit on the backside of the beer, but isn't too noticeable compared to the ginger. Very dry after the initial ginger taste.

Worth it?
I will always keep an open mind to any beer I try, because some can truly surprise you. But this one lived up to the expectations. It was free for me, and there's another in the fridge. Safe to say, I won't be drinking it. I applaud the creative effort and old college try, but Shiner, please return to crafting tasty renditions of classic German beers.


The Final Word