Lopez Beer

Yes, I realize it has been way too damn long, but you're preaching to the choir...so to speak. As with all things in life, there are seasons. It is now the season to talk about beer.

I am currently enjoying a double-deuce of Laughing Dog's Imperial IPA, Devil Dog. It is a happiness instilling brew that contributes to the ability to blog about beer. Recently, my brother Joe (whom you all know), and I did a little Skagit Valley pub crawl for the betterment of Lopezbeer. This particular event included a stop at Skagit Valley's newest brewery...North Sound. We are here to tell you that Kurt is doing wonderful things over there, most importantly with IPA's. 2 on tap + 3 more fermenting = big reason to come back soon. Oh yah, one of those is the beast...To Hell in a Hop Basket. An imperial IPA of nearly 11% of balanced bliss. There was also a stop in Anacortes at the Rockfish to enjoy one of Lopezbeers' all-time favorites, the Simcoe dry-hopped cask IPA. I have spoken of this beer before, so I will save you all on redundancy.

It was at this time that we decided to deviate from previous Lopezbeer adventures, and head back to the central valley for some "newer" spots. There have been positive things said about both the Trainwreck in Burlington and Brother Joe's favorite backyard watering hole, the Big Rock Cafe. Both were positive experiences that warranted official Lopezbeer support. I was, however, saddened to see that the Trainwreck was not offering an IPA...for which they received demerritts. The Big Rock had a very respectful imperial IPA offering (Bridgeport - Hop Czar).

Before I forget, Lopezbeers' standard weekly meetings are still held on Beer Mondays at the P-house. I wanted to mention that while it was nice to see Bhagwans Best from Big Time this past week, Lucille from Georgetown definitely took the cake for the best IPA that most closely represents the ideal...or what we call Boundary. I realize I am a little biased, but go get your own blog if you don't agree...or feel free to try and convince me otherwise. But just realize that beer appreciation is an art form, subject to interpretation.

On another note, Bruce over at the Empire, had Firestone Walkers' Union Jack IPA which won best IPA in the world...or something like that. Being the devoted Lopezbeer member that I am, I succumb to the pressures exerted from a really great beer. In a word...it was quite lovely.

Until next time,

Lopez Jas