#286: Ithaca Beer Co. » Ahtanamus, Rustic Harvest, Java Power, Lucifer Falls, Embrrr, Dark Vine

(left to right!)

After sipping on Ithaca's most astringent brew yet, Sour Pi, it was time to dive into what else I'd been missing.

Ahtanumus (Single-Hop Pale Ale) | ABV: 6.8% 
Named for the hop itself, Ahtanumus opens the flight with a soft, highly floral nose - perfume-like with delicate grapefruit and subtle herbal notes. There's a bit more bite on the palate, with orange rind & zest in the finish. A versatile, easy drinking, and elegant, single-hop showcase.

Rustic Harvest (Red IPA) | ABV: 7.2%
I'm already familiar with Rustic before this extended flight as the newcomer in the 2014 edition of Box of Hops. Kicking off with an assertive nose of earth and spice, citrus and rye dance on the tongue with some light, boozy esters sprinkled in. There's the mildest hint of wild strawberry in there too.

Java Power (Coffee IPA) | ABV: 7.2% 
Coffee and hops? What is this world coming to? Beer bliss, actually. Java's light & roasted nose is well coupled with citrus hop notes. Smooth coffee bitterness elevates the malts & uniquely suqares the soft grapefruit hops flavors. Espresso notes are revealed further through. An innovative brew worth noting.

Seventeen (see full review)

Lucifer Falls (Belgian-style) | ABV: 8.9%
Big candi sugar nose reals me into this one. It's sweet, with a pale complexion. Interesting! Intriguing! Vanilla and faint medicinal aromas are followed by bold flavors & mouthfeel. Herbal mint, stern alcohol presence, honey, and bourbon flavors are out front, supported by a bit of heat on the way down. Banana & clove shine even further in. A new 5-barrel favorite for sure.

Embrrr (Rye Porter) | ABV: 6.6
I've been digging this one for most of this season, plus it was my go-to beer during Big Day In. It's huge coffee nose is threaded with a touch of rye spice. Mild star anise aromas are present as well. A great northeast fall/winter brew. This one kicks it on draft for sure. The bottles are great, but get it on draft where you can.

Dark Vine (Imperial Black IPA) | ABV: 9.5%
My definitive favorite from this year's Box of Hops as it's as big and malty as it is big and hoppy. Dark Vine is deep dark-brown gold in a glass. An alluring ester alcohol nose, backed by smooth citrus hops, swirling with dark malts and sweet candy aromas. Onto the palate, it's juicy, but dark, akin to a chocolate covered orange. A mild dryness finishes out the brew and brings a touch of spice. This one I definitely like better bottled, where it's a touch sweeter and malt forward, like a hoppy, sweet barleywine, though it is nice & lively on tap.