Tap It Brewing India Pale Ale (7%) by Tap It Brewing Co.
OK, let's get this over with. You will notice that I did not open this bottle, and as a result, I won't describe it here. It is simply because I am not a fan of the category, and I pretty much know that unless this is a terrible example of an IPA, I won't enjoy it. Hoppy beers like IPA's are not for me. RateBeer.com seems to rate it quite high with a 95 rating and 92nd. in it's category, please follow the links to say what others think.
I have a friend who was unable to get an Advent calendar that does enjoy IPA's, and since it is better to give than to receive, he will get a little gift at work in the morning.
By default, this beer gets a Don't Buy from me, but if my buddy gives me a review, I will add it here.
UPDATE: John says it poured a nice copper colour with a nice foamy head. But he also found it unpleasantly bitter. He gives it won't buy rating as well.
To make up for this gap in my calendar then, I swapped in an alternative.
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RateBeer also rates this beer high, at 94, and 89th in its category, but this has become arguably my favourite beer. It pours a nice clear amber colour with a generous head. Very fruity, and it has that Belgian Yeast character. Nice smooth drink, almost the antithesis of the IPA that I was supposed to drink today, with well balanced hops that let you enjoy the other flavours.
I was first attracted to this beer while having lunch in Brussels, when I saw the intriguing glass at another table. I asked what it was for later reference, and when we were in Bruges later on, I enjoyed my first taste of it. I was pleasantly surprised to find I could not only get this beer at Sherbrooke Liquor Store here in Edmonton, but they also had the gift set with the glass. This saved me a lot of space in my luggage for the return flight home.
This Belgian Strong Ale has replaced Newcastle Brown Ale as my favourite. It is not quite as available in restaurants though, so I only enjoy it occasionally. You can get it, complete with the interesting crystal glass, at The Sugar Bowl Restaurant, and yes, it even goes good with breakfast. Try Chicken and Waffle with a Kwak, you won't regret it.
Of course, I rate this one as a buy, buy, buy...
Tapit IPA is a California pale from San Luis Obispo. A summer brew on a winter night. It opens with a hiss and a pale cloud of vapour - the proverbial genie perhaps? Orange with a modest head on the pour. Unmistakeable hoppy aroma plus the fruity notes. More fresh than bitter on the tongue with a pineapple aftertaste. Very nice for an IPA. Clean and light. I would be happy to see a boatload of this in the harbour in the hot summer. Easy 4 bottlecaps out of 5.
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