Beer Rant

Well as you can plainly observe there is no ale currently in this particular growler. What was in it was a Cascadian Black IPA, and probably one of the best I've had to date. For those who have never seen a black IPA, they have a roasted malt and are typically as black as a porter or stout. They also have a more well-rounded taste to match the darker color. It's not the kind of pop-you-in-the-mouth hoppiness you get from uber-citrus IPA's that abound throughout the brewing world. In this one you can actually taste some of the other ingredients from the beer making process versus feeling like your suckling off of a hop vine teet. The hops in this one gave the beer a rather sweet flavor that was toned out and balanced by the finely roasted malt. The hop flavor was there, but not in a strong, stinging, citrus way that IPA's tend to lean towards. If I had to describe this one in a more basic it sense it tasted like the love child of a basic IPA, with a simple scotch ale, with just hint more of a sweet flavor roaming about it. There have been several breweries producing these Cascadian Dark IPA's lately, I've also heard it's for a contest to see which brewery can do the best, and this one is about the best I've had so far. Very smooth finish to go along with it, and it is just about the right amount of carbonation on the drink. Again, nothing overly done, and extremely drinkable for just about anyone no matter where their taste may lie on the beer-drinking spectrum. Airways brewing has only been open about 7 weeks, and they have a nice little tasting room in Kent. If you went to Hops N Props you may have also had a sip of some of their brews (I'm eagerly awaiting the Triple Chocolate Stout). It's in one of Kent's sprawling business parks (it wouldn't be Kent if it wasn't), just down West Valley Highway about a mile from the bridge that takes you to Costco or Home Depot down by Southcenter. They do have some food available, and a taster tray is only 3$! It's quite affordable, and the atmosphere is very friendly, and a very likable group of people. The down side on their beer, you can only get it at the brewery so far, and they are only open 4-8 Thursday through Friday. If you have some free time and want some good beer during those exact times then definitely make the trip, all there other beers were wonderful as well so it should leave no one dissapointed.