174b. Moylan’s IPA

Day three of solo holiday season beer drinking finds me opening up Moylan’s IPA, brewed by Moylan’s Brewery & Restaurant in Novato, CA, the one time home of Brian Dunderdale.

Moylan’s IPA is a clear light copper color with a minimal white head; the nose is mostly hops, with pine and grassy hop aroma covering the light biscuit malt. There is also a bit of metallic sharpness, which I am guessing is from the hops. The beer opens with a low dry malt profile to start that is quickly overcome by the big hop bitterness and pine and grass flavors of the middle; the finish is clean and dry with a good amount of lingering bitterness. Moylan’s IPA is light bodied and a bit thin on the sweetness; there is definite tongue curling from the big bitterness and hop body of the beer, which also gives it a bit of creaminess in the body. Much more an American IPA than British; there is not much balance between the hops and malt. While it could a bit more of a malt backbone, this is still a solid and enjoyable beer, and is an excellent vehicle for hops & bitterness. To quote Elli, it’s “totally one-dimensional, but it’s my favorite dimension.”

From the bottle: “Exciting and provocative, India Pale Ale provides a stimulating assault on all senses. Our version of the IPA style possesses a deep golden hue that nearly winks at you from the glass. Extremely full-bodied, its rich flavor wraps your tongue in a lush blanket of sweet malt with a spicy finish. Two hop varieties in the Dry Hopping provide an enticing floral bouquet, with notes of resin and herbs, creating a delightfully quaffable and refreshing ale we’re sure you’ll love!”

From the Moylan’s website: “Exciting and provacative, India Pale Ale provides a stimulating assault on all senses. Our version of the IPA style possesses a deep golden hue that nearly winks at you from the glass. Extremely full-bodied, its rich flavor wraps your tongue in a lush blanket of sweet malt with a spicy hop finish. Two hop varieties in the Dry Hopping provide an enticing floral bouquet, with notes of resin and herbs,creating a delightfully quaffable and refreshing ale we’re sure you’ll love!”

And yes, I realize the bottle and the website say the exact same thing. I was seeing if all y’all noticed...

ABV: 6.5%

IBU: 70

Malts: American 2-row, Crystal 15 L, Munich & Acidulated Malt
Hops: Yakima Chinook, Simcoe, Columbus, & Ahtanum

Yeast: White Labs 001 - Chico

(12/21/2009)