BeerBorg

So I'm running low as far as the pipeline goes, especially in the variety category. I've got the PacTiki Pale Ale, and that's it as far as homebrew goes until the Saison D'etre is conditioned. I'm not going to run out of homebrew, but I wanted a little more variety.

So I'm running some errands today and decided to stop by the supermarket and see what they've got. Picked up a sixer of Defiant Muddy Creek Lager, for something smooth and malty, and decided to try the Sam Adams Rebel IPA.

Just bordering on catty, but not offensive or overwhelming. Strong California hops, including Simcoe, Amarillo, Cascade, Chinook, and Centennial. A good balanced mixture of these hops creates a blend of citrus and pine, and it works very well.

There's nothing really outstanding about the malt bill that I could taste, as it takes a back seat to the hops, but this is a very good hop-forward beer that would pair well with a hearty grilled steak, pork chops, and even some strong, pungent cheese.

Very good beer.

I love it as what I call an 'everyday IPA' in the same sense that Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale is a go to Pale Ale.

Both tend to be in stock at our local convenience stores (as well as our beverage marts and super marts) so it's easy to grab and drink when the need arises.

Sure beats the other craft beers usally at the convenience marts!

I LIKE IT

I've only had it on tap, but it was really good with cheesy corn dip. This post reminds me to go look for it at my local brew store.

Drank a bunch of this at various places while traveling this week... was my "go to" beer in places that didn't have anything more localish. It's good enough to make me happy.

I've not tried this yet but I imagine I will at some point when I find myself at a bar and this is the best option. I've been so disappointed in the sampler packs I've picked up from them this past year that I just can't get excited to try this.

I am a big SA fan, and the Rebel is in the top three for me, along with Octoberfest, and Boston lager. I can't wait for Fat Sam, a double pumkin ale to come out.
That said, there are many of SA brews I like, but won't buy a sixer of, and some I really don't care for, such as Cherry Wheat...

I finally had one of these over the weekend and it was good. Decent aroma, nice flavor with a mild bitterness on the finish. I was at a banquet at a hotel and they had this, Boston Lager, Big Daddy IPA from SpeakEasy and Anchor Steam available. Being intimately familiar with the rest I gave it a shot. Not bad at all. I wouldn't go seek it out, but would gladly order it again depending on choices available.

It could almost be a gateway IPA, but I know my tastes have changed over time so it's possible that it is more bitter than I give it credit for.