Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Russell Brew Co. Gets Bitter... Really Bitter.

There's been a lot of chatter about the design of the new Blood Alley Bitter by Russell Brewing. And I couldn't agree more. The bottle has a butcher's diagram of my favorite animal on it. That alone makes it worth seeking out. 


But if you enjoy a good bitterness in your beer, this could definitely be worth the trip to Vancouver... or wherever they're distributing this pork-adorned gem.  


The Vancouver Beer Blog describes an ESB's comparison to your traditional IPA as such: 


Time after time, when beer companies release an ESB after they’ve had success with an IPA, the ESB always seems to get looked at as the little brother.  I mean with such resemblance in the styles, it’s hard not to compare the two, and end up treating the ESB like the little brother sometimes.  With more hops and bitterness and higher IBUs, the IPA always ends up above, while the ESB doesn’t get the respect that it deserves, or recognized for its own individual style.  With the bolder, more pronounced flavor of an IPA in your mind while soaking your palette with an ESB, it will make the drink seem a little weak.


So, what did Russell Brewing do? They kicked the IBUs through the roof (IBU = International Bittering Units, which is a scale providing a measure of the bitterness of beer, which is provided by the hops used during brewing.) Apparently the Blood Alley Bitter scores a 50, making it more bitter than your average ESB. But as with all things beer, the true test is on the tongue (gross). 


In checking out Russell Brewing, I also discovered the rest of their Brewmaster Series. It looks like they're putting together a commendable fridge assault. I know if I can find any of these in a liquor store near me, I'll be making room for at least a sixer or two in my basement, beer treasure chest. 


Check 'em out: I think I like the IP'eh! the best. Those Canadians play into their own stereotypes beautifully. For that, I salute you.