A taste of… Pugsleys Signature Series XXXX IPA

Shipyard Brewing Company
86 Newbury Street
Portland, Maine, 04101
United States
phone: (800) BRE-WALE

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Shipyard Brewing Company in Portland, Maine. The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: This is a bright copper colored brew with obvious carbonation of tiny bubbles that form a sparkling lightly knit rocky light tan head.

Aroma: As soon as this beer was poured the aromas of floral hops and a candy sweet undertone. At first impression there is a mix of roast malt and grassy, flowery hop aromas. A second visit brings out more of the sweeter aromas while the hop aromas don’t diminish one bit. The final moment between lip and sip revealed nothing new.

Mouth feel: This brew is full bodied but not buxom. Think woman’s roller derby.

Flavor: The first impression is a tang of citric bite and then a rush of roasted toasted grain. The warmth in the belly is quick, soothing and on an empty stomach might prove dangerous. The second sip brings the citric flavors forward again and this time they don’t fade away. The third sip finds my taste receptors sinking into a soft warm sensation that the stomach is insisting is a good thing that should be embraced… another sip please!

Finish: There is a grapefruit tang that stays a while and slides down the gullet reluctantly.
Comments: She-it! I am saving this one for a bit while I get to the next tasting. And then I am going to slowly sip it and let Neal Young take my mind away.

Food Pairings: Although it would be a fine after dinner beverage enjoyed with some nuts, cracked of course, you know what I mean… making sure everybody gets a nice four ounce serving in a snifter. You must know at least four nuts to properly appreciate this brew. Stilton cheese would also make a fine companion to this brew.

The Brewery: http://www.shipyard.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/139/48578

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/shipyard-xxxx-ipa-pugsleys-signature-series/103518/