Upslope - Pale Ale and Twisted Pine - Hoppy Boy

Upslope – Pale Ale

Upslope is a start-up brewery based in Boulder and I have tried their IPA and brown ale.  Currently, one more is available in cans and that is the Pale Ale (5.8% ABV).  Upslope’s Pale Ale pours orange / gold with a lacey head that quickly recedes.  I am not sure of the IBUs on this pale ale, but I do not think they are very high.  Upslope has brewed a well-balanced pale ale and the upstart can compete with some of the seasoned veterans.  I still want to do some side-by-sides with Sierra Nevada and Oskar Blues.  I look forward to more offerings from Upslope as they grow.

Twisted Pine – Hoppy Boy

Twisted Pine is another Boulder-based brewer and Hoppy Boy (6.2% ABV and 65 IBU) is their IPA offering.  Hoppy Boy is the “flagship” beer for Twisted Pine and it is very good.  Hoppy Boy pours almost the same exact color as Upslope’s Pale ale – orangey gold with a lacey two-finger head.  This IPA is very well balanced and I really liked it.  Twisted Pine describes Hoppy Boy as “It pours a hazy pale orange and has a dry, tart taste with an earthy bitterness.   Pleasant grapefruit and citrus notes are provided by the addition of Cascade hops.  This classic American IPA is brewed with medium caramel malts that play.”  I have tried, and liked, their Big Shot Espresso Stout.  I will try more from Twisted Pine and they may be the next Colorado brewer that I focus on sampling. 

Stone IPA

Stone Brewing in Escondido, CA is known for pushing the boundaries and they have a great product line-up.  I have tried a number of beers from Stone and purchased a 6er of IPA.  Stone IPA has an ABV of 6.9% with an IBU of 77.  This one pours a gold / light orange and has a nice head.  There is a nice hop aroma and bitterness in the taste.  The hops are from the NW and this has a nice citrus aroma and grapefruit taste.  Stone describes their IPA as “An "India Pale Ale" by definition is highly hopped and high in alcohol - you'll find our Stone India Pale Ale to be true to style with a huge hop aroma, flavor and bitterness throughout. If you're a hop-head like us, then you'll love our Stone India Pale Ale! Medium malt character with a heavy dose of over the top hops! Generous "dry hopping" gives this beer its abundant hop aroma and crisp hop flavor.” There are a number of good craft brewers and there are a few great ones.  Stone is one of the great ones.  The next time I am in San Diego, I will stop by the Stone Bistro to sample the excellent beer and the wonderful food.  I have liked everything from Stone that I have sampled.