Description of the Gubna from the Oskar Blues website:

Emphasizing that complexity of character can arise from simple elements, this ale is made with 3 malts and 1 hop. Its light amber color and slightly spicy malt character are derived from the use of German Dark Munich Malt and Rye Malt respectively. North American 2-row barley combines with the other grains to lay the foundation for the hop onslaught to come. Summit hops are used exclusively in the boil for bitterness, flavor and aroma but it doesn’t end there. Post-fermentation dry hopping allows the 10% ABV monstrosity to gently coax the citrus rind and grapefruit aroma to join the 100 IBUs already present. This beer will greet you with a pungent citrus blast, provide a spicy yet round middle and finish with a brisk, clean bitterness.

Appearance:

The Gubna from Oskar Blues

The Gubna comes in a ruby red version of their classic can. It pours a light golden amber color with a creamy white head that leaves behind sticky lacing.

Smell:

There are sweet tropical and citrusy aromas of pineapple, peach, and mandarin oranges backed with earthy hints of grass, rye, and cannabis.

Taste:

There are strong and delicious citrus, floral, and piney hop flavors upfront that are complimented by ginger, caramel and nutty notes. These complimentary flavors help to balance out the 100 IBU’s found in this Imperial IPA.

Mouthfeel:

The Gubna is a medium-bodied beer that finishes dry and crisp.

Drinkability:

Dangerously drinkable….enough said.

Click here for the Oskar Blues website.

Lucky Kat by Magic Hat

Lucky Kat’s label has a picture of a huge pink cat that looks “up to no good.” I immediately thought of the cat from Alice and Wonderland. I was curious to find out whether this brew was a tamed house cat, or a bad street kitty. I was certainly hoping for the latter.

The Lucky Kat is a 5.8% ABV Pale Ale. It is amber in color and pours with a large, light tan head. The head quickly dissipates but leaves behind some nice lacing.

It has a hoppy aroma with undertones of citrusy fruits and sour apples. The taste is pretty straight forward, a little hoppy with tart and bitter fruit flavors.

This isn’t a very complex IPA, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In my opinion, this is more of a session beer. It is very easy to drink and goes down smooth.

The Lucky Kat isn’t quite the evil street cat that I was hoping for, but a pretty good beer none the less.

Brewery website: http://www.magichat.net/

Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

I had a few of these outstanding copper-orange colored brews before Monday Night Football (check out the post under events) in DC this year. Being 9% ABV, a few of these will definitely put you in the mood to watch a live sporting event.

According to the label, the 90 Minute IPA “is an Imperial Indian Pale Ale featuring a single, constant 90 minute hop addition. It’s balanced by a ridiculous amount of English Two-row Barley. Then we dry hop it in every tank.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

The 90 Minute is a magnificent copper color with orange hues and a shallow, light tan head. The combination of citrus fruits and spices give this beer a distinctive flavor and a strong, spicy aroma. It is a bit tart as you first sip, but mellow and smooth towards the back end. I personally enjoy the aftertaste, but there is a definite alcohol presence. This is not a beer for the faint of heart.

Dogfish Head produces high quality, interesting beers, and the 90 Minute is no exception. This is one great tasting beer that will definitely get the party started.

Brewery website: http://www.dogfish.com/