Deschutes Brewery's -- Hop in the Dark C.D.A. (Cascadian Dark Ale)

Deschutes Brewery's Hop in the Dark was the second best beer reviewed by Wine Enthusiast magazine in 2010. Some beer writers are saying that this year, Hop in the Dark is even better!

6.5% ABV and 70 IBU's

Review:

Appearance: This beer looks just like a stout as it sits in the glass. It is seriously black with a dark tan head. The head retention is great and leaves lacing down the entire glass. My guess is that there are wheat and oats in this beer.

Aroma: Strong cascade/citrusy hop aromas. Behind that, there is just a hint of sweet malt. 

Taste: 

First sip-- hops, then rye bread, then roasted coffee notes.

Second sip-- hops and then roasty notes.

Third sip -- hops and then more hops.

Every other sip-- hops and hops and hops. 

The hop character is citrusy and grapefruity up front, with an earthy middle and a gritty Chinook-like feel late.

(Side Note: Cascadian Dark Ales are an emerging style that is new to the commercial market. It is my humble opinion that this trend was pushed by home brewers who were concerned with making something tasty to drink -- and unconcerned with how to market or make money on a beer that doesn't fit in the style guidelines. Commercial brewers who make their money by marketing beer took a while to come around to this innovative style. If you enjoy this beer, and how different it is from most other beers on the market, you may enjoy making your own beer.)

Overall: 

This is a great dark IPA or CDA or whatever you want to call it. It is very hoppy but not so much that you laugh at how ridiculous it is. Kanaka who like malty beers will be disappointed, as this beer is not balanced between hops and malts. This beer is balanced by setting a roasty mouthfeel against hops, and balancing the aggressive hops with earthy hops. 

On Deschutes website it states that it took the brewery 22 experimental batches to get the right combination. I believe this is probably true. Overall this is a well crafted IPA-like CDA.

Grade: A

Barrel Man says,

"As dark as a 

well-digger's hole

on a moonless

winter solstice."

(Bottle purchased at Liquor Collection)

Rogue Mogul Madness

Rogue's Mogul Madness is labeled as a "Winter Ale" by the company, but I would call it a Cascadian Dark Ale. It has 15 ingredients and is, to say the least, complex.

 16 degrees Plato = 6.8% ABV(estimate) and 68 IBU's

Review:
The weather outside may be frightful (currently 75 degrees F here in O'ahu) but this beer is so delightful. Even on this snowless isle, "winter warmers" have got to be the highlight of the brewing year.
Similar to Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale, this beer is dominated by hop character. As soon as the crown is pried, the delightfully citrusy aroma of the Northwestern hops hit your nose. The off-white head floats atop a burgundy tinted liquor. Hops dominate the flavor from the beginning to the bitter end. The website states that the hop character will linger for at least 15 seconds, and sure enough it does! Some notes of nutty/coffee flavors appear as the beer warms.

(Side Note: Rogue offers two beers specifically for winter: Santa's Private Reserve, and Mogul Madness)

Overall Impression: There are certain styles that I object to paying $6-7/bottle for (e.g. lawnmower ales). This beer is different. Call it a Winter Ale, Winter Warmer, Cascadian Dark Ale, Black IPA, or whatever you wish....in the end, this is just a tasty, hoppy beer. This is a beer that, come next winter, I will remember to purchase.

Grade: A

(bottle purchased at Whole Foods Market, Kahala Mall)