Pine in the Neck

[Beer-lord]

Anyone try this yet? http://www.bluemoonbrewingcompany.com/O ... n-the-Neck

This double IPA crafted with juniper berries might be called Pine in the Neck™, but it’s worth the trouble.

$4.50 for a bomber so I got one to try tomorrow night. I'm not a Blue Moon anything fan but I have an open mind.

[lindseywinstead]

I know that this is a month after the fact, but how was it? I recently had Sam Adams Juniper IPA, a limited edition brew in their Winter sampler this year. It wasn't a bad beer, but I don't think that I would get it again. I love IPAs and I love gin (something about that juniper!), so this had the potential to be a life-changing experience for me. Sam Adams used Columbus and Ahtanum American hops and juniper berries, so I was expecting a nice, sweet, piney character with perhaps some citrus notes. I didn't get much at all. I know they don't want to overwhelm their customer base, but I found it to be a bit too subtle. I was hoping the Blue Moon take on the style might be a bit more aggressive. What were your thoughts?

[Beer-lord]

Sorry, I thought I had posted something about this but I guess I didn't. While I wish I could be more detailed, since it's been so long, I'm not able to. But, I do remember it was underwhelming. Not that it was bad, just nothing to brag about. It was reasonably priced and worth a try. I just like 'em a bit more hoppy is all.

[lindseywinstead]

Ah well, you know the old saying, "If you want something brewed right, you had better brew it yourself." I have a recipe for a juniper-rye ipa that sounds delicious. Guess this is the excuse I need to finally give it a try.

[mashani]

If you like Juniper Rye IPA idea, then you should try the original Juniper Rye beer (also might use wheat or other things). Dates back from Finland at least 500 years ago.

It's called Sahti. You can look it up on Beer Advocate.

I'm going to brew me some if I can find some Juniper fronds. Ideally you need Finnish bakers yeast, but if I can't find any I'll do it with T-58. T-58 likes rye and piney flavors.

That style will be a lot more juniper and spice and a lot less hoppy (if hoppy at all, traditional ones have no hops).

Something different.

[ssorck]

I might have to try this. It's $3 for a bomber at my liquor store. At least good for a bottle with free beer in it, assuming I can delabel it.