New Belgium Ranger India Pale Ale
ABV 6.5%, IBU 70
Color: Clear golden yellow.
Aroma: Nice hoppy punch to the nose.
Flavor: A little banyard funk followed by clean, straightforward piney hops.
Hops vs. Malts (Hoppy, Malty or Balanced): Hoppy
Finish: Mild bitterness.
Overall (Fantastic, Good, Mediocre or Bad): Mediocre
Bridgeport India Pale Ale
ABV 5.5%, IBU 50
Color: Hazy orange.
Aroma: Sweet malts with touch of floral hops.
Flavor: Lemon water.
Hops vs. Malts (Hoppy, Malty or Balanced): Balanced
Finish: Mild burnt hop bitterness with a hint of grain.
Overall (Fantastic, Good, Mediocre or Bad): Mediocre
Split decision: Neither of us were overly impressed by these, but in a bottle battle you have to pick one. I chose the Ranger which had a stronger hop profile. I have read much about the Bridgeport IPA and know many people that adore it, however, it just didn't do it for me. It almost seemed like a gateway beer to move people from Pale Ale to IPA. E preferred the complexity and balance of the Bridgeport, while she found the Ranger to be somewhat artificial tasting.
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"A little barnyard funk" is a wonderful description of a beer smell.
ReplyDeleteGreat concept and fun to read!
Bridgeport was a great gateway beer for me to ALL the "Grown-up" beers, and I still love it:)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see some TRAPPIST beer battles!