Elysian Avatar Jasmine IPA Beer Review | Barb On Beer

The Eighth Annual Bend Brewfest was a roaring success. Held over three days in the Les Schwab Amphitheater, this event took place on a cool grassy field next to the Deschutes River had over 50 breweries, 100 beers, and 20,000 visitors! I counted over a dozen food vendors too.

But enough about this great event, let's talk beer. The first beer I tried at the BBF was the Elysian Avatar Jasmine IPA, brewed in Seattle, Wa.  With an ABV of 6.3 and a mild IBU of 40, this would not be my typical beer. But the Jasmine put something special in the flavor profile. I liked it. And so do the Alstrom brothers from BeerAdvocate - who gave it a B+. So for something interesting and unique, pour yourself Elysian's Avatar Jasmine IPA.

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 Elysian Avatar Jasmine IPA details:

• 6.3% ABV  
• 40 IBU
• Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F
• Glassware: Pint Glass
• Drink Now
• Beer Advocate Overall: B

Kona Castaway IPA Beer Review | Barb on Beer

We went to Kona Hawaii and sampled Kona Brewery Co.s brews, including the Kona Castaway IPA.  What we found was a brewery in an industrial neighborhood, a few blocks from the pier that magically transformed their eating and drinking area into a lush tropical setting. For most beer drinkers this would be enough, but for an irreconcilable craft beer aficionado, alas it was not.  The Castaway IPA suffered from an aluminum-like flavor, a lack of hops, and an all-around unspectacular taste. The addition of exotic fruit flavors, like mango and pineapple, could not overcome these deficits. Would I go back again? In a heartbeat!

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Kona Castaway IPA Details:

• 6.8% ABV  
• 65 IBU
• Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F
• Glassware: Pint Glass
• Drink Now
• Beer Advocate Overall: A-

Kona Castaway IPA at Kona Brewery, Kona HI

Double Mountain IRA Beer Review | Barb on Beer

Double Mountain India Red Ale is a beautiful dark copper pour, with enticing lacing.  The aroma is dry and hoppy and the taste is a very enjoyable and rich. The Double Mountain IRA is hop forward, but malt centered - a very balanced ale. Double Mountain produces consistently well-made craft beers from it small brew-pub in Hood River, Oregon. Enjoy their pizza and a beer next time you are in the neighborhood.

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Double Mountain IRA Details:

• 6.4% ABV  
• Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F
• Glassware: Pint Glass
• Drink Now
• Beer Advocate Overall: B+

Double Mountain India Red Ale at the
Abbey Pub in Bend Oregon

Pliny the Younger Beer Review | Barb On Beer

As much as I love Pliny the Elder, Pliny the Younger set a new benchmark for a flavorful big beer. Beautiful nose, lovely lacing, intense apricot color, and the taste of Pliny the Younger is as rounded and complete as I have had the pleasure of tasting. Russian River Brewing - you are one amazing craft beer producer! I have only one negative comment and that is the scarcity of Pliny the Younger - available once a year with a very limited distribution.

This is a wonderful beer to have, as we did, midday on a beautiful weekend, after a great morning of skiing. When things go right ...

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Pliny the Younger Details:

• 11% ABV  
• Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F
• Glassware: Tulip Glass
• Cellar or Drink Now
• Beer Advocate Overall: A+

Old Schoolhouse Imperial IPA & Stout | Barb on Beer

The Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop Washington is a great winter destination if you love to cross-country ski. We were in Winthrop and took advantage of the revamped Old Schoolhouse Brewery by trying both their Imperial IPA and their Imperial Stout. While not in the top tier of craft beers, this is a small brew pub to watch. We enjoyed both Imperials and would definitely recommend a stop in the classic old schoolhouse building when you visit the interior of Washington.

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Old Schoolhouse Imperials Details:

• 9.6 and 10% ABV for IPA and Stout respectively 
• Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F
• Glassware: Tulip Glass
• Cellar or Drink Now
• Beer Advocate Overall: B-

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale | Barb on Beer

A dark red, Belgian strong dark ale. The strong comes in part from its 10% ABV. The St Bernadus has a nose that hints at the nutmeg, spice and banana flavors.  The first taste of this Christmas Ale opens to vanilla, raisin and cherry flavors. The cherry hangs on and gives this beer its unusual finish. Medium mouth-feel. A nice bitter and sour flavor adds to the complexity. The perfect beer for the holidays.



St. Bernardus Christmas Ale Details:

• 10% ABV
• Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F
• Glassware: Tulip Glass
• Cellar or Drink Now
• Beer Advocate Overall: A-

Boneyard Armored Fist | Barb on Beer

Boneyard Brewery in Bend Oregon is a relatively new brewery. However they have already made some impressive beers. Their Imperial Cascadian Dark Ale (CDA), Boneyard Armored Fist,  is another fabulous achievement. A great nose, dark color, and a nice lacing give it great sensory appeal. The taste is what I love in a CDA - light, non-syrupy consistency, balanced roasted malts and hops, sweetness in the middle, and a bitter finish. This beer lingers in the month nicely.

Boneyard collaborated with Three Floyds Brewing of Chicago to produce this excellent craft beer. Good job.

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Armored Fist Details:

• 10% ABV
• 80 IBUs
• Suggested serving temperature: 50-55 degrees F
• Glassware: Pint Glass
• Cellar or Drink Now
• Beer Advocate Overall: Limited Reviews

Bonyeard Armored Fist Imperial CDA