Brown’s Brewing Company IPA (Troy, NY)
I'm not a big cocktail or spirit guy (though I do enjoy a little Bourbon with some regularlity). No, when I'm not drinking wine, beer is what you'll find in my glass most often. I probably drink as much beers as I do wine actually, because:
- They come in single-serving packages
- I can enjoy it without feeling compelled to pull out my notebook
My beer knowledge pales in comparison to what I know about wine, and that's okay with me. In some ways, I prefer it that way. But, the geek (and my beer-loving buddy Woody) seem to be changing that. I used to be into only one or two styles of beer, but little-by-little, I'm learning to appreciate and even like most any style.
All that said, my go-to favorite is still India Pale Ale (IPA). I'm a 'hop head' which is interesting, because I know several winemakers who are as well.
Many of my favorite IPAs come from the West Coast from brewers like Stone, Green Flash and Bear Republic. That doesn't mean that the "drink local" guy behind this blog doesn't like local beers — especially this new find from upstate New York.
I actually had never heard of Brown's Brewing Company until a recent trip to visit my in-laws outside of Albany. We found a great beer shop that had quite a few beers from Brown's, which is just one town over in Troy.
I didn't actually take notes (that's one of the reasons I like drinking beer, remember?) so I don't have full notes, but this is a well-balanced IPA that really shows great balance between malty, fruity richness and citrusy-evergreen hoppiness. The six pack that I bought didn't last long, and I plan to buy more when we go upstate again.
And, I think I'm going to start taking notes when I drink beer. I just can't help myself.
the next time you’re out we’re getting you some Lagunitas.
I’ve been waiting for this:)
Sounds tasty…I am a hop-head as well. I was a beer geek way before I got into wine. There is much more exciting beer being made in Indiana than wine. Is Three Floyd’s available in NY? They make great pale ale and IPA.
Oliver’s is fantastic and so is their sister store Westmere Beverage Center. Albany is a great craft beer city with Brown’s in Troy and CH Evans Ale in Albany. Mahar’s is also a very famous beer bar. Let me know the next time you are in Albany Lenn.
Kevin Burns
http://www.thefoaminghead.com
Lenn,
Great job finding some of our great local beer up here! Ommegang is just a day trip away in Cooperstown!
Kathleen
Kevin: I’ll definitely let you know. We’re up in Schoharie regularly visiting family, but try to make it into Albany (usually to Ginger Man) for a drink and some food.
Kathleen: Ommegang is a long-time favorite and is only about 40 minutes from my in-laws. Their Hennepin is one of my favorites if I’m not drinking IPA.
I just stumbled across this site while browsing the internet.
Never tried any beer from Brown’s Brewing Company, but I’m down for trying anything.
Anyway, I live in NYC, so we have plenty of options available here. To help I use a site Beermenus.com to assist in trying new beers.
Dunno if this helps, but it’s a great resource when you’re in NY
HOPPY football day
Blog is so good where i get lots of information about Brown’s Brewing Company IPA nice job!!
Brown’s Ale isn’t as good as it was before November 2009
They lost their assistant brewer, Mike, and since then the ales are watery and lack body.
It’s a sad occurrence for Brown’s!