First of all allow me to reintroduce myself. I have been a bad and absent blogger.
I can blame it on a heavy work load. I can blame it on my computer dying and taking my time to replace it. Sure I got the apps for my phone, but must be a sign of age that using the phone to create and post blogs seemed a bit too involved. But I have a new laptop and I'm back!

For my initial re-introductory post I've chosen a brew I discovered this summer, Island Hopper, from Thimble Island Brewing Company here in Connecticut. I have had some of the beers from this brewery before and have found them decent and above average.

Maybe it was the sign at the package store imploring customers to please limit themselves to one four-pack that caught my attention. Sure, it was probably a marketing gimmick, but it piqued my interest. And it must be a limited release. I checked the website this afternoon and it is not listed as one of their available beers.

The first thing you notice is the hazy appearance signaling an unfiltered brew. Then as you bring the glass closer you notice the strong scents of citrus and hops. Then you detect a hint of pine in the aroma.

The first swallow confirms the hoppiness offset by a touch of malty sweetness. A foamy sensation fills your mouth. Eventually you get the sensation that you could chew this beer. It is that substantial.

There is a slight bitterness in the swallow, but not as much as you might expect from the strength.
A look at the can afterwards confirmed it was 8% abv, which explained the strong body and "chewiness".

As the can proclaims, Island Hopper is "Money" and "not your average IPA". This is definitely truth in advertising. Island Hopper is a bold, flavorful IPA with body to spare.

I gave Island Hopper 8 mugs out of 10.

Don't know if Island Hopper is a seasonal brew, or a special offering that may or may not be repeated. But if you find some stray four packs hanging around yet, take advantage while you can.

Until next time, which hopefully is sooner than 9 months in the future, drink well!
 

Today we look at a beer I sampled a few weeks back. It came from a collection of ales from the Heavy Seas brewery in Maryland. This one is called Loose Cannon and is a triple-hopped IPA. Hence the ales nickname of "Hop3".

As you would expect from an IPA there was a strong citrus aroma from the brew with maybe a hint of pine. 

The flavor was malty and somewhat on the earthy side for me. There was a slight bitterness but it was very subtle. As you swallowed you could detect the citrus flavor in the aftertaste. A couple of times I detected a slight sweetness in the brew's taste.

This was definitely one of the better balanced and more mellow IPA's I've come across recently. But mellow does not mean it was light. Far from it, Loose Cannon was very flavorful and able-bodied.

The other beers in the collection included a Pale Ale with the name "Powder Monkey" and an Imperial Stout called "Peg Leg". 

If you're detecting a nautical, and more specifically pirate, theme, then you're spot on. 

The web site for Heavy Seas is fun and informative. And the beers I've had were all very good. If Heavy Seas is available in your area the brews are worth checking out.

And I give Loose Cannon from Heavy Seas 8 mugs out of 10. It certainly sits atop the rankings of my favorite IPA. But I'll keep looking for a better one. It's a mission.