Hop in the Dark

[Northwoods]

So, SWMBO was out running errands today and decided to stop for lunch while out.  She's pregnant so I'm not about to object to that.  Especially after what she brought home.

Deschutes Brewery apparently has a new beer out.  Hop in the Dark.  I've got a growler in the fridge so I can properly evaluate it.  Kind of partway between their Inversion IPA and Obsidian Stout.  Dark like in between a Porter and a Stout, bitter like between an Pale Ale and an IPA (biased towards IPA bitterness though).  Not really quite as heavy as either a Porter/Stout, or IPA though.

Overall, I'd say that it is quite good, but maybe not what I would choose as a "go to" beer.  Honestly, I think I'd rather drink one each Inversion IPA and Obsidian Stout than 2 Hop in the Darks.  But given a choice of only 1 beer, it would be hard to decide.

[Balog]

Interesting. I'm generally a heavier beer kinda guy, but when it's warm out they just aren't as refreshing as something light. Been getting growlers of both Chopper and Super Chopper Red (regular and double red ale) from Georgetown lately, and it's good but not great. Have a growler of Interurban IPA from Fremont Brewery in the fridge that I plan on getting a piece of tonight. Not usually an IPA guy, but some of the double reds have been making me more hop tolerant and I'm trying to branch out.

[Northwoods]

My sense of smell (and hence taste buds) aren't real sensitive so I tend to really favor strong flavors.  I make my tea very strong and bitter.  I like my beer strong and bitter too.  So I tend towards the heavy and bitter beers.

On a side note, my poor sense of smell is a real asset when hunting.  Gutting deer/elk doesn't bother me at all.  My buddy gut shot his elk in 2005.  He was whining about the smell the whole time he was gutting it.  I couldn't smell a thing.

[Chuck Dye]

Honestly, I think I'd rather drink one each Inversion IPA and Obsidian Stout than 2 Hop in the Darks.

Black and Tan can cover a lot of territory.  My latest endeavor is Old Rasputin Imperial Stout with Lagunitas's Gnarly Wine.  Not for the faint of heart.

I like Deschutes, but find other brewers more to my liking and rarely drink their stuff.  Have to try Hop In The Dark tomorrow after I park the truck.