Beer 50 - Hop Devil, Victory Brewing Company

Today was a big day in the Beer Expedition. I finally hit a significant number. 50 feels like a victory, so I decided on a beer from Victory. That's also kind of ironic since we had it handed to us last night in our soccer game, NOT a victory!!

I really enjoy strong hops. I guess the name gives this one away, but aside from that Victory is known for their use of hops and many have said this one is bitter.

Scene Setting: Reflecting over both my soccer loss and all the beers along my journey. Flipping through absolutely nothing on TV.

Verdict: Very possibly the hoppiest beer I've had. If you don't like hops you won't be able to take this one. I enjoyed it because I like hops but can see how it may overwhelm some.

Beer 35 - Ranger IPA, New Belgium Brewing

When I see or hear the word ranger my first thought is not the Texas Rangers even though I live in Arlington, or because Lonesome Dove is my favorite movie about the Texas Rangers that fought the Indians to protect the settlers. My first thought is of Aragorn the ranger and rightful king in The Lord of the Rings.

Aragorn is mysterious, powerful, and unaffected by the evil force that controls the ring. You can't help but want to be like him. He pushes himself to the limit covering miles of earth on foot in extreme terrain and temperatures, fighting legions of evil creatures, and all to protect the people of the earth from the evil one. You can draw your own parallel if you want to, but I think that is not unlike the battle we fight to save and preserve our family and friends on this earth.

Scene Setting: Reading a little of the The Two Towers (yes I know I read way to many books at once, but I like to keep my options open). Aragonr, Legolas, and Gimli were just reintroduced to the new and improved Gandalf.

Verdict: Very hoppy. You'll have to get one and read the bottle to understand this part, but Yes I'm a hopinista and I'm glad that the Beer Rangers made this well balanced IPA. If I lived in Colorado I would work for New Belgium Brewing!!

Day 5 - India Ale, Samuel Smith

Ever since my wife and I returned from our anniversary trip to London a few years ago I have been very fond of Sherlock Homes. Even though it seems like I overextend myself with reading what seems like 20 books at a time I always gravitate back to the next Sherlock Holmes mystery quickly.

Damp nights, only the street lamps yielding a muted glow. A carriage in the distance echoing the sounds of the wheels and the horses hooves on the cobblestones. There' s only one thing that makes the story better. Indulging in an authentic English beer as I am taken deep into the mind of a genius.

Scene Setting: London (my dining room table) a century removed (Tuesday night), and my chemistry set (dishwasher) gently rumbling in the background. One hand on the book and the other on Samuel Smith's India Ale.

Verdict: I really like British hops. I'm certain that Holmes drank Samuel Smith's India Ale. He regularly made time for beer and steak, just before he pulled off some miraculous, genius move. Authentic, I was in England tonight.

Day 1 - India Pale Ale, Avery Brewing Company

I must admit I began this challenge with no premeditation. I had to begin with what was in my refrigerator because the whole idea was very spur of the moment. I am happy to say I was able to start with a beer that I have never had before.

Once upon a time I tried an India Pale Ale and didn't particularly like it. It occurred to me that that was kind of wierd because I really enjoy pale ales. I asked the local beer expert at Dr. Jeckylls (where I buy my brewing supplies and beer) what the difference was, and learned that I.P.A.s shouldn't be all that different from Pales. Curiosity got the better of me and I bought a few different I.P.As to try. As I looked into my refrigerator in anticipation of my first beer of the 2010 challenge the I.P.A from Avery Brewing Co. located in Boulder, CO caught my eye. We will begin there.

Scene Setting: My kitchen, the evening of Jan. 1st. Wondering where to begin, and how this challenge will play out over the next 365 days.

Verdict - I'm glad I gave I.P.A another chance, and well done Avery. Thank you for another beer I can add to my "go-to list". Avery I.P.A. was full of flavor from start to finish. I definitely got the hopps and citrus which were fantastic and the finish was very impressive. I was left with that wonderful "Mmmm that is a solid beer" feeling.