3.8 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
On tap at Brewery: They have again changed the level of hops in the brew, now at 63 IBU. Light copper hue, small fizzy head and good lacing. Piney aroma with a hint of wood, toasted malt, herbs, citrus, and vanilla. Major hop rush, who stuck the pine tree in my face? Aggressive at the beginning, some malt sweetness in the middle and finished with a bitter bite. Medium-bodied with a dry and lively mouthfeel, slight metallic feel. This sure has changed (for the better) since my last visit. A hop-head delight. Head west of Valpo on IN-2 and try this beer. Outstanding.
2.6 AROMA 5/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 5/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 10/20
I don't know what happened to this IPA. It was never over-the-top good, but now it's just weird. Overly bitter is not what an IPA is supposed to be about, especially one that I named under the previous regime. The body is underbalanced. The color and head seem ok, but a sour yeastiness blasts right through. For an IPA, that seems impossible. Is it conceivable that they need to clean their tap lines? If so, that's a horrible sin for a brewpub.
3 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 12/20
Tarnished gold color. strong hop-ish nose, with a hint of cheese? Slight citrus. Hops are found in the long finish. Subtle IPA and certainly no where near the big and bold variety found today. More of a bitter or pale. Creamy with a distinct amount of hops.
2.7 AROMA 5/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 5/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 11/20
Just enough ingredients to make this an IPA. Light amber with an ever-so-slight grapefruity hop aroma. A bit light on my palate, this is my least favorite selection at Aberdeen. They need to make a more exciting hoppy ale for this Midwest market in my opinion. Even though it is a decent ale, overall, it was presented to me at a craft brew dinner alongside the mighty Three Floyds Alpha King. The Queen's less-than-50-IBUs made it seem tame and timid.
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