Looks like a cranky old man on the can, but is he mad enough to start the craft brewing revolution? With the word “lover” below him, although he doesn’t look too cuddly in this pic. In fact I would say he looks more than cranky, how about disagreeable, unpleasant, unfriendly, cruel, hateful and just plain mean. Not a mellow fellow. Not Mad Tom crazy, just plain mad. On the can it says “great with food and friends, if you have any.” Cheeky bastards, I have lots of food.
They have named this beer Instigator as they claim that a West Coast Style IPA started the craft brewing revolution. There may be some debate about that. Many say the first craft beer was Anchor Steam in the 70’s, which was brewed on the West Coast (California) but is described as a modern craft brewed lager, some say amber (I love me an amber), not an IPA derivative. You remember the Maytag repairman commercials, “the loneliest guy in town”, marketing genius! Well Fredrick Maytag was the founder of Maytag Washing Machines, and his son Fredrick “Fritz” Maytag bailed out Anchor Steam brewery when it was struggling because he liked their brew. In some circles Fritz is credited as the founder of the craft brewing revolution. I guess it all came out in the wash.*
Regardless of lofty claims to a place in history, this brew is in the glass and a tasting is the true test. It pours a nice golden and slightly cloudy (particles in suspension) with a thin froth. A fresh slightly hoppy aroma. First taste has a malt body with a touch of citrus and some hops and bitters on the end, complex and enjoyable. The only thing I can’t taste in this brew is the kitchen sink, there is so much in there that I think it is balanced, it’s as complex as calculus on an abacus**. It is easy to drink so it’s got that going for it. If you don’t mind being confused trying to figure out what going on***, it is an OK West Coast IPA.
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