Thunderhead IPA from Pyramid Brewing. A traditional India Pale Ale with an ABV of 6.7%

The beer pours into a pint glass with a nice light yellow color but certainly cloudy as well. The head is slow to fall and lacing is present. The aroma is very forward, standard to the style. The hops give it a nice floral note without being overbearing. And my cat Kody seemed to like the aroma as well.

The mouthfeel is light and dry, almost smooth for an IPA

The taste is hard to describe. It is definately a well hopped IPA but it really lacks the bitterness of really good IPAs. It is tart and fruity but not terribly lingering. Personally, I find it more satisifying than most IPAs in that regard. It had enough flavor to speak to me despite being in the 5th position of a night of varied beers. Would recommend it.

Nice IPA. Smooth and not too agressively hopped. I’d drink one or two any night – at most. It rates higher than most IPAs for me as I usually find the style a bit overbearing after one. The final grade…

B-

Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss from the from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company is an American Pale Wheat Ale with an ABV of 4.9%

Poured into a pint glass, the color is a pale yellow with a white head. The head pours tall at a decent 1″ and falls slow enough to be respectable. No lacing. The aroma is that of a standard macro on a hot day at the ballpark watching the Buccos. The glass continues to stream bubbles well after pouring, 20 minutes plus.

The mouthfeel is quite carbonated which is a saving gracve for this otherwise disappointing beer. Its a shame since it followed the night’s highlight, the Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat.

Taste is average, and not at all sweet for being brewed with “Real Wisconsin Honey.” I haven’t had an opportunity to drink any beers made with “Fake” Wisconsin Honey – and I doubt I could tell the difference.

Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat is from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. This is the first of two Leinenkugles on the menu tonight. This is the beer followed the Shock Top, which is also a fruit & coriander infused summer wheat beer. Witbeir if you will.

This beer is everything the Shock Top is not. Poured into a chilled mug so I can’t really comment on the color much. The white head is frothy and leaves after a respectable moment. The aroma is pleasant with lemon notes. Mouthfeel is refreshing, dry but not over staying its welcome.

The taste is light, refreshing. Dry and crisp. Citrus is present and doesn’t linger. The spice is still missing for me, but overall – a nice drinkable beer. I’ll be suggesting this when I see it on a beer menu. At only 4.9% ABV, I could drink a lot of these only any given night.

I need to get a bottle of this into Nicole’s hands. I would be curious to hear her impressions. The Leinenkugel’s website suggests adding a slice of orange, which I did not. I’m not sure I’d need it. I enjoyed it that much. On the negative side, after I finished the beer – my throat was coated in a way that made me want another. That might not be a good thing.

A case of this beer would make a great house-warming gift. This is good. As close to very good as you can get. It lacks the depth to grade it higher but the Final Grade is…

B+