Random Thoughts on Woodstock and Elephants
Written: Oct 01 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Balanced hop/malt IPA, very enjoyable and bargain price
Cons: Hopheads may be disappointed
The Bottom Line: Very enjoyable IPA, not too heavy in hops, and maybe a little too much malt. Falls between US and UK versions. Definitely worth a try.
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| andaryl's Full Review: Portland Brewing Co Woodstock IPA |
It was 9 am Sunday morning and normally I’d be reaching straight for that fresh pot of coffee. However the only cream in the refrigerator was my wife’s cinnamon vanilla, and when it comes to drinking coffee an Englishman believes in the simplicity of the Reinheitsgebot (purity law that only allows the addition of plain cream and sugar and no other artificial flavorings).
With Week 3’s games (or is it technically week 4?) about to start at anytime, I was quick to jump in the car, run to the grocery store yearning for that first morning coffee. Not being a regular grocery store frequenter I usually take that opportunity to check out what’s new on the beer aisles or at least what’s cheaper than usual. Being a large chain with little imagination in the beer department, the choices were pretty much the same as last time, in fact I had to laugh at the “new product” label next to a Redhook ESB 12-pack. Having been recently impressed by Portland’s MacTarnahan’s Amber, their Woodstock IPA at $4.99 looked like just about the best deal.
Of course Woodstock IPA might not jump out to most beer drinkers, as Portland Brewing Company tends get confused when naming its beers and the significance of perhaps the most important word on there to me, “Portland”. That aside I already knew who brewed Woodstock and decided that it was definitely worthwhile. On most days I’d have probably been walking towards the check out by now, but the coffee had left a strong enough impression to ensure I didn’t forget the cream.
Three cups of coffee, and two football games later, I was finally ready to check out my beer purchase.
The Story Behind the Beer
IPA’s were originally brewed in colonial British times for shipment to troops in India. As a consequence of the long and turbulent journey the beers were a progression from pale ale, brewed higher in hops and alcohol. Modern day British versions of these beers tend to be mildened down a little to appeal to more mainstream tastes, but US, and more specifically Pacific North West examples tend to be truer to the hoppiness of the originals.
The name Woodstock IPA did make me think of hippies laying around at open air concerts smoking weed, but I have to surmise that the name comes from the fact that the beer is oak aged. This latter characteristic is not common but is an attempt to interpret the original styles which would have been shipped in oak barrels. Incidentally if I’m going too fast, IPA stands for India Pale Ale which should then explain the picture of the elephant on the label (and I would assume that it is in fact an Indian elephant).
Who said that beer should be mind numbing? It can actually be very thought provoking and educational.
A few statistics reveal a few more insight into the beer. Alcohol content (6% ABV, OG 15.5) may seem strong but is actually typical and on the lower end of US versions, while the hoppiness (45 bitterness units) is also on the lighter side of what is traditionally a very bitter beer.
Tasting Notes
The beer is orangey amber in color, slightly clouded, with streams of cascading bubbles and a soft enduring creamy colored foam.
The nose displays imminent signs of malt, with a light sugary treacle aroma mixing well with a balanced fruitiness, while the bitterness is not yet immediately forthcoming. I also get a warming alcohol aroma and a slight toasted character which may in fact have been my misinterpretation of the oak.
A couple of initial sips reveal a soft medium bodied, smooth, creamy palate. If the hops seemed subdued in the aroma, they certainly come through in the flavor, lightly dancing across the palate climaxing in a satisfying if not overwhelming citric bite. The smoother malts, while somewhat secondary also demand some attention with a pale toffee, biscuity character. The oakiness does have a minor role to play although if I didn’t know it was there I might not have noticed it, or maybe tried to define it as something else, while I also detected a faint orange sweetness in the middle. The hops pretty much take charge of the aftertaste providing for a lingering refreshing and lightly puckering sour citric tang.
General Thoughts
This is essentially a hoppy brew although does lack some of the more bracing qualities of other west coast IPA’s. As many brewers load a little extra malt to balance out these styles, the malts in this one are very noticeable maybe a little too much so, and this did allow me to recognize the same characteristics that go into the brewer’s Scottish Amber and Cream Porter that I tasted recently. The oak aging could have also been a little more evident for my taste buds.
All in all I have very few complaints, and those that I do have are minor. I enjoy my less bitter, fuller malt, English pale ales as well as the hop infested, citric, west coast IPA’s. This one pretty much falls somewhere in the middle, and does achieve an enjoyable mix of malt character and refreshing hop drinkability.
At $4.99 for a 6-pack this is certainly a craft brewed bargain.
Food Compatibility
This beer would make a good mix for something that combines both charred and sweet flavors. My first choice would be grilled pork chops with apple sauce, although I’d also put it alongside my other favorites of roast chicken, fish and chips, or charred steak.
Recommended:
Yes
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andaryl
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Member: Andrew Smith
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