What a day was Wednesday! You may have noticed that I didn't have time to do a post. (So, too, last Wednesday, with the Surly event.) Way too busy all day long with the Harriet release. Huge turnout, although it appears I ordered too much beer, which now means that the Nile is the only account until another batch is turned out. I can't complain about that, especially when interest is high, and I am very proud of the product, and happy to pour it. Who can say exactly how many folks turned out for the initial draft release for the first Minneapolis brewery (not brew-pub) in almost a decade, and truly a micro-brewery in every sense. I just did my first notes (maybe they'll be revised if I have more to say?)now, Friday night.
West-Side Belgian-style IPA.
From the website:
Harriet's West Side is an eclectic ale brewed to balance the brightest West Coast hops with a prolific Belgian yeast strain. It pours light copper with a vigorous white head. Subtle malt gives way to a fruity, citrusy, and slightly spicy aroma and flavor. Light bodied, effervescent, and seductively approachable.
ABV 6.5%, IBU= 40, OG, 15.5, TG=3
On tap in a swell Harriet Brewing glass, casts a pale apricot hue, hazy, under a solid creamy-toned head, starts big and slims down, stays solid.
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| Left: Jason Sowards, right: Me. |
Taste: Hoppy bitterness grabs immediately, pins down the palate, delivers a jolt of vibrant hop bitterness, in the famous Pacific Northwest variety (I know there's Cascade and Amarillo in here, forgot the third hop.) It pales just a bit, and then the lush malt, and the unique flavor of the Belgian yeast kicks in, delivers just enough of a funky twist. Spins deliciousness throughout the palate, hoppy flavor never quits, good mouthfeel and texture, light-bodied, with a soft, long, hoppy finish.
In conversations, Jason often compared this to Raging Bitch from Flying Dog, and I definitely get that now, though I'd be curious to compare it to others in this style, like Victory Wild Devil, and the like. I do prefer this approach to the one taken by Belgian brewers, for it feels more like a true Belgian pale ale, in flavor, with the extra touch of American hops up on top.
Wonderfully drinkable, with a consistently delivery of hops throughout the drink. This is a treat for hop-heads, as well as Belgian beer lovers, the best of both worlds. An excellent flagship brew to represent Minneapolis latest micro-brewer, bent on putting out excellent interpretations of Belgian brews.
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