McMenamins Hammerhead Ale

Brewed by McMenamins Pubs and Breweries
Style: American Pale Ale
Portland, Oregon USA

Serve in Lager glass, Shaker, Tulip

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Appearance – pours a dark amber in color with a small half a finger of head that disappears rather quickly. When held up to the light it turns a bright orange. This looks a tad bit dark for an APA. Smell – Smells good, like a weak IPA. This has a strong hop smell up front with lots of caramel backing it up. Taste – This is pretty dry and has an off-putting taste about it. The hops start off in full force, and as they begin to fade, the malt follows, with that unpleasant taste I mentioned before. Although as this beer warms up it becomes a hell of a more balanced and tasty beer. Mouthfeel – Has a heavier than normal feel to it when it is in mouth, but feels lighter as it goes down my throat. Drinkability – Pretty good beer, not the best by far though. It has an “I’m trying to be an IPA” feel to it that makes me just want to get an IPA.

On tap at Kennedy School location. color was amberish, with a creamy head. Aroma of citrus and caramel; the aroma was actually quite good. Flavor wasn’t as great. Earthy, biscuit, citrus and flowers. A solid beer for the style.

another solid, but not stellar offering from mcmen. i really like these guys and think they have a pretty good feel for good beer.

Tap at Mill Creek location; nice balance; aroma and hop taste matched well; all around good ale; worth going back with a growler.

Of the three McMenamins I had this night (Nebraska and Terminator) this was the better, but that’s not saying too much. Murky yellow orange and white head. Light aromas of faint hops, fresh strawberries and orange juice. A sweet beer for a pale, with a very mildly bitter backbone.

The worst thing about McMenamins ale is the fact that there are 20 some odd brewers that brew it. resulting in a varied and scattered style. Sometimes the brew can be amazing (which signifies my rating) and other times it can be horrible. That being said, when this beer is made right, the cascade hops dominate he palate and aromas of malt and hops intermingle nicely together.

22oz bottle from my boy Josh. Real nice looking brew, kind of dark orange with a liitle brown thrown in, pretty nice off-whit head. Very nice hoppy nose, more like a DIPA aroma. Flavor wasn’t as intense, but very smooth and drinkable. Not too bad.

Light grainy and hop nose, amber color. Fairly full body with a light roasted taste, also a little nutty. Broad, rough hop end, fills the mouth. Medium body, gritty mouth feel.

UPDATED: NOV 7, 2009
Date: January 10, 2009
Mode: Bottle
Source: Tasting, HMoG
Appearance: hazy orange, fine off white head
Aroma: sweet malt aroma with floral and citrus hops
Flavor: sweet crystal malt flavor, lots of citrus hops, plenty of balancing bitterness

Aroma: 6/10; Appearance: 6/10; Flavor: 6/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 11/20
Rating: 2.9/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: *4

Name: Hammerhead
Date: September 07, 2009
Mode: Draft
Source: Brewpub, Dad Watsons
Appearance: hazy amber, fine beige head, drippy lace
Aroma: sweet caramel malt aroma, light fruityness, light citrus hops
Body: creamy body
Flavor: sweet malt flavor, nice balancing hops, light bitterness

Aroma: 5/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 5/10; Palate: 7/10; Overall: 10/20
Rating: 2.8/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: *4

Hoppy zestiness dominates this beer up front, a certain profile for Cascade. Citrus and caramel overtones are complemented throughout, with slight tangerine, grapefruit orange and even lemon in the nose , while biscut and toffee serve as the backbone. A great fresh beer in a one of a kind setting.