Jamaica Brand Red Ale, Mad River Brewing Co., Blue Lake California

Much like you, I was a tad disappointed in no post on Friday, these things do happen after all. And since KSA didn't pull an Angelina and just ditch me completely, I let it slide. Afterall, unlike the T-Shirt Shop at the Jersey Shore, missing work because of hangovers is just one of the hazards of the Beer Crusade. One last Jersey Shore point before I continue, total BS move by MTV to use Snooki's beat down to promote the show and then unveil that it is pulling the punch from this week's broadcast.

OK on to the beer, I checked out the Mad River Brewing Jamaica Brand Red Ale this past weekend. I figure my yard is covered in snow, I deserve something to take me away to a better place, like Jamaica. The Jamaica Brand poured reddish brown into the stein with a monstrous head. A little surprising, even though it's a red ale I was expecting something a little bit lighter. Definitely had some strong malt flavoring, possibly some rye and other spiciness. The hops also added some nice bitterness, similar to the bitter taste you get from coffee.

Now I know the company website is terrible, but that demerit is clearly offset by the 6.5% ABV. While I was looking for a lighter ale, I have to say this is a pretty solid amber/red ale so I was pleasantly surprised. I rate the Jamaica Brand Red a 3.5.

Steelhead Double IPA, Mad River Brewing Co., Blue Lake, CA

I think if I have learned anything about beer, it’s that I enjoy an IPA, so when I see on the menu the Steelhead Double IPA, I just have to try it, thinking I am going to be looking down the barrel of a great hop experience, not so in the case of the Steelhead. The beer was all hop character and had such an overpowering alcohol taste that any hint of malt was eliminated. The beer also had the consistency of a medicine elixir. Brewers tend to try and up the ante when driving ABVs up over 7.5, but in the case Mad River at 8.6%ABV sacrificed flavor. The Steelhead gets a 2.0.