Reflection Post

Keeping up with Draft My Craft has been a fun educational process for me this semester. What started as a class assignment, quickly morphed into a fun outlet to share some of the new beers I've been trying lately.  Although my time with English 320 is coming to an end, I have decided that I'm going to keep the Draft My Craft blog running for a time.  I would like to thank all those who have been following this blog from its beginning and invite you all to keep checking in.  There's plenty of good beer out there to be reviewed.

Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA

The Fresh Squeezed IPA is an Oregon based craft, coming from Deschutes Brewery.  With 6.4% abv this IPA doesn't pack the punch that my past reviews have, but it makes up for it in its satisfactory flavor. 
Fresh Squeezed IPA drips with juicy, citrus flavor and aroma thanks to an extravagant amount of Citra, Mosaic and Nugget hops. An unimposing malt profile of Pale, Crystal, and Munich malts allow the citrus stars to shine making a delightful, easy to drink IPA that dares you to have just one.
This brew was formerly exclusive to the brewery’s Bend and Portland Oregon brew pubs, but this year, the beer will be available across 25 states in six-packs and on draft.  Lucky for us PA is in this group.

• Bitterness - 4
• Unique Factor - 5
• Strength - 2
• Foam -5
• Clarity - 3
• Price - 4

With a total score of 23 Fresh Squeezed IPA is a clear winner.

Verdict: Draft

Response to Open Thread

I am excited about all the responses on the open thread asking about your favorite beer.  It is now evident that not one of my readers has bad taste in beer.... they were all great picks!  Unfortunately, there was no clear winner of the next beer to review on Draft My Craft, but your comments have given me some beer choices to review in the future.  I am particularly interested in the Allagash White; I have heard of this brewing company, never tried this beer so look to see that review coming soon.

Open Thread

Whats Your Favorite Brew?

 

This week I'm reaching out to my viewers and asking what's your favorite beer to relax with on a warm day?  Reply to this post with your top choice and the beer with the most mentions will get a special review article.

Young's Double Chocolate Stout

The first time I got to try Young's Double Chocolate Stout was over an Italian meal in New York.  This was a mistake, but not on the part of the beer.  Stouts are known for being a heavy beer, colored dark and packed with strong flavors.  Young's stout takes this to the extreme.  On top of all the pasta the beer was so filling it was almost as if I had a second serving.  Besides its consistency, Young's stout brings a rich chocolate sensation to the table; no other beer will satisfy your chocolate cravings like a Double Chocolate Stout.  The thick consistency of the beer pours a thick head of foam in glass or mug, adding a frothiness to the experience.  Definitely worth a try.... just choose your meal pairing more wisely.

• Bitterness - 3
• Unique Factor - 5
• Strength - 3
• Foam -5
• Clarity - 1
• Price - 3

With a total score of 20 Young's Double Chocolate Stout is rather low on my scale but this one sneaks by on its  uniqueness. 

Verdict: Draft

Scouting Report

Hey beer fans! I am looking for a scouting report of potential craft beers that deserve a spot on my team.  So I'm asking, what beers would you have on your team?  Comment or upload your favorites and they might have a chance to be featured on my blog.

Racer 5 IPA

 

 Wave the checkered flags, the racer 5 IPA is a quick win if you're looking for a new craft brew to kick start your evening.  Bear Republic Brewing Company brews the racer 5 out of Cloverdale, California and uses their state animal as their logo.  Packed with flavor (and alcohol), the racer 5 is on the strong compared to most domestic beers, but you can't tell through the taste. One of the things I found great about the racer 5 is that it's not over done with hops, so the after taste it leaves in your mouth is more sweet than bitter.  It is a beer I could drink everyday and not get sick of the flavor; just very smooth and satisfying as a beer should be.

• Bitterness- 2
• Unique Factor- 5
• Strength- 4
• Foam- 4
• Clarity-5
• Price- 3

The bitterness of the beer is its lowest score, but it is actually a plus side in my review of the beer overall. Too much  hops and the beer would be totally different. 

Verdict Solid Draft