Big Daddy IPA

~ Initial Review 03-03-2003 (Bottle):
First things first -- what's up with the color? This has to be the lightest/palest IPA I have ever seen. Not that it's a bad thing, but it just doesn't match the style guidelines for what a Pale Ale or IPA should look like. At least the Belgian Lace and head are constant.

That having been said, this is an excellent IPA, from a small/taste/mouthfeel/drinkability standpoint. Pronounced hop aroma, in-your-face hop flavor, and noticiable amount of hop bitterness -- all required traits of the style.

Not always easy to find in Southern California, but worth checking out if you happen to see a six-pack on the shelves.

~ Re-Review, 12-29-2003 (Draught):
Had a pint of this draught at O'Brien's tonight, and have to say that it definately hit the spot. Scores adjusted slightly to reflect that this certianly a worth-while beer off-the-tap.

~ Re-Review, 09-26-2004 (Bottle):
Yikes. What the heck happened to this beer...? Over the past year, this has seemingly gone from "weird but tasty", to "worthwhile off the tap" to "Eichh! This is almost a dumper...!" Very musty and dull, with the grapefuit vibe becoming a bit too heavy-handed. Yes, still pretty bitter and hoppy, but just seemed too astrigent, too musty, and just plain too unappealing.

Scores adjusted to reflect the latest (poorest) of the three samplings....
//TB