Why we're here...

Beer culture is coming of age. At any store, restaurant, bar, or friend's house you can now find at least a few good brews. In fact, there seem to be so many new beers, breweries and bars it's difficult to separate the good, the bad, and the mediocre.

If you're going spend $10 on one beer, what should you buy? If you're going to drive 2 hours to check out a brewery, what's worth your time? If you're going to plan a Friday night, what has a good selection and friendly atmosphere? We're here to help you answer these questions.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

SSB IPA

SSB IPA is an IPA by the American River Brewing Company of Rancho Cordova, CA. The website says SSB stands for Sacramento's Special Bitter, but the bottle says its Super Special Bitter.

The inspiration for the beer is Sacramento's history as a hop growing region.

I picked this up at Taylor's Market in Sacramento. It has an ABV of 6.2% and 70 IBUs. I haven't seen too many bombers of ARBC. I have enjoyed their Coloma Brown and Fire Break Red, so I was excited to see a new brew. They also had the spiciest chile beer I've had.

The brewery is a nice spot to stop if you're heading down the 50, it's not far south off of Sunrise.

The aroma has grassy hops with some light citrus. The flavor has blend of fruity hops, bitter citrus, light caramel and biscuit malt flavors. There's a light biscuit and bitter citrus flavor that lingers. The mouthfeel is slightly resiny with higher than average carbonation, the body is medium to light.

Overall, I am pleasantly surprised. I wasn't sure how trying to adapt an English ESB with a West IPA would turn out, but this is a solid beer. This isn't a big hop, in your face IPA, but it is flavorful and well made.The use of English malts and west coast cascade hops makes a tasty beer. I strongly suggest you Try It.




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