October 1st and stoking up the BBQ and pouring an IPA by the lake, by Clear Lake to be precise. You know, Clear Lake Brewing, home of the largest beer spa in the world, that’s the one. When JT brought to my attention an article about the largest beer spa in the world my interest was piqued. I asked where exactly is this pint partaking paradise, this malt mecca, this swig and swill at will sanctuary? I believe he groaned at my verbosity and then said Torrance. Sounded familiar but I was still at a loss. I Googled mapped it only to find it 10 minutes from my cottage! Looks like there’s some karma involved, for what good deeds I am at a loss.
This American IPA by the lake sure looks great in the glass, bright orange gold clear with the perfect amount of white foam topside. Lots of bubbles happening too. Not much aroma at all? Maybe my nose is taking the day off to spite my face? First swig was hops and bitters with fizz and not much fruit. It will evolve, I will it to be so. Evolve it did but slowly as evolutions are apt to do*. Very mild fruit with the hoppy bitters hanging tough, fizz be gone. Big swigs means less bitters per swig (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it), but the fruit they talk about (pineapple, mango, pear, watermelon) seems to be missing in action, with hoppy bitters as the main attraction. It did evolve due to my determination but still a bitter front and center American IPA. Refreshing and OK, but not a balanced brew.
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