#018: An Evening at Bandwagon (Compass, Too Kind, Sixty-One, 400LB Monkey, Rye of the Tiger, High Step)

We found out a good friend was still in town a few days after his band Del Paxton performed at Ithaca Festival, which prompted the notion that a catch-up hangout was needed, along with some quality beer. To Bandwagon..!

Figuring we'd be chatting for a while, I started things off with their aptly named "First Class" flight which boasted 2013 releases including Too Kind from Three Heads Brewing, Compass from Southern Tier,  Great Lakes' Rye of the Tiger, Dogfish Head Sixtey-One, plus Left Hand Brewing's staple 400LB Monkey.

Southern Tier - Compass: Bottle Conditioned Sparkling Ale w/ Rose Hips | 9% ABV
A wish-list beer. Deliciously delicate. Rose hips are very subtle. Dry, floral citrus ale with a touch of bitter.

I'm absolutely giving this one another try. It's brand new release for Southern Tier's bomber sized-bottles, which always peak my interest and usually my pallet as well. This one isn't as urgent, pull-you-in as I was expecting, thought I'm sure this one will climb in my ranks soon. I love that Southern Tier is getting into the bottle condition side of things. LIVE is fantastic. Curious to see what this will progress after it has a little time to mature.

Three Heads Brewing - Too Kind: Double IPA | 8.5% ABV | 87 IBU
3HB's first release of 2013. Based of the consistent experiences I've had with The Kind, the fact that this is a good beer is no surprise.

Nice floral flavor with hints of spice and a bitter, dry finish. Earthy with some rind-fruit tastes. If you've never had a 3HB, show some Rochester love and give 'em a try.
(Update: Turns very fruity drinking again after tasting the Rye and Sixty-One below!)

Left Hand Brewing - 400LB Monkey: English Style India Pale Ale | 6.8%
The "English" in this IPA should be emphasized. Far sweeter than expected, but pleasant and refreshing. A bit metallic and earthy - no American uber-hopping here. Wet up front with a butter-esq, dry finish. Almost a note of cheese on the nose.

Great Lakes Brewing - Rye of the Tiger: Rye IPA | 7.5% ABV | 92 IBU
My second time on dating this one. First on tap. My favorite brew from Great Lakes at the moment and it's their 25th anniversary beer.

Hoppy, bitter, and nicely spiced. Rye is very prominent. A bold, dry, bitter offering that is tops for the price.


Dogfish Head - Sixty-One (61): American IPA brewed w/ Syrah Grape Must | 6.5% ABV
Beautiful, ruby color. Big fluffy, lacy head. Fruity and hoppy and very drinkable with a pleasant mouthfeel. A very juicy IPA that is a wonderful blend of bitter and sweet. Faint hints of the Syrah's dry pepper and there in the background, but the whole thing is smoother than I was expecting, based on Dogfish's hop pallets and the Syrah. Another one off the wishlist.

Bandwagon Beer - High Step: Weizenbock | 9% ABV
While debating whether to finish the night with a after-flight pint, I was made aware that Bandwagon's Weizenbock is their brewer's favorite and won "2012 Best Craft Beer in NYS" from TAP New York Craft Beer & Fine Food Festival. Thank you for making my decision very easy.

Total opaque goodness. A big, boozy, matly beer. Looks like unfiltered apple cider and is simply amazing. Subtle inits of banana with very little carbonation. Hell of a beer to end on and one I'll be heading back for seconds for sure. Have a look...

Way to close out the night with the best beer of the batch, Bandwagon!