Mikkeller, Simcoe Single Hop IPA

Mikkeller's "Simcoe Single Hop IPA" is, "the first in a new series of single hop IPA's from Mikkeller." 

This beer rumbles up at 6.9%ABV and (a solid #!) IBU's.

Review:
This is not the first "simcoe single hop IPA" I've tasted. I believe that Bison Brewing Co. made one a year or two ago.  A home brewer I know also made a delicious example. Based on these two previous experiences, I was very excited to try this new beer.
The head was light, but acceptable and the aroma was very nice. In my experience, the Simcoe hop can lend a couple of characteristics to a beer depending on how it is used. The aroma can be "Piney or Woodsey" but can also smell like passion fruit. This beer definitely had more woodsey/citrusy notes in the nose. The flavor is a bit bready, but the balance leans toward bitterness with a stout amount of hopping. If  Mikkel or Kristian are visiting Hawaii and reading this blog, guys, tune down the caracrystal malts!

Overall Impression: A nice example of an American IPA. It is fun to taste the full expression of a hop and see what it has to offer. (If cloudiness bothers you, well, see the photo above.) However, I still think that it is a nice beer to sit, sip, and think about.

Grade:B+

(Bottle purchased at The Liquor Collection)

The Liquor Collection

I thought it only fitting that my first post be about the Liquor Collection. This store, located in the Ward Center shopping mall, has what is probably the best selection of quality beers on the island. They say that they use all of the island's distributers to fill out their selection, and based on what they stock, I believe them. Their stock rotates pretty fast, and seasonals come and go, but even so they maintain around 200 different beers at a time. If you are in Waikiki, Ala Moana, or if there is a beer that you just HAVE to have, this place is worth a stop.

(Side note: I overheard the manager discussing how he was going to save their only case of Ballast Point's Sculpin IPA as gifts for the employees. That's a boss I'd like!)

Highlights: Good selection of Rogue beers, Maui Brewing Co., Mikkeller, BrewDog, Sierra Nevada, and some surprises from Mad River Brewing Co!

Missing: Mehana Brewing Co.

Selection: 9/10 (gotta leave room for improvement!)
Location: 9/10
Price: 7/10
Friendliness / Beer Knowledge: 10/10
Over all grade: A