#131: Public Works Ale » Knuckle-Buster IPA

What once was lost...

The Brewery: Public Works Ale (Baltimore, MD)
The Brew: Knuckle-Buster IPA
Availability: Draft, Bottle (year-round)
ABV: 7.0% | IBUs: 45
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home
Found: The Wine Source (Baltimore, MD) via LVL UP

The Story? Better late than never. Knuckle-Buster was a fantastic, shot-in-the-dark find when I was down in Baltimore back in May when this blog was just starting up and was to be review #016 or something to that effect.

Two bottles of this luscious IPA were tucked far in the back of the fridge the night of  my band's tour kick off show. In the afternoon when I returned from work, I noticed two, empty Public Works bottles on the counter... one of the bands crashing had cracked into them late the night before. Admittedly, I was pretty irate at the time, but in the end, why stress over things you can't do anything about.

I figured I'd be back in Baltimore... next year? @#$&!

Fast forward six months and I'd helped book our friends LVL UP for a show at Cornell University that took place last weekend. They just so happen to be driving up from (you guessed it) Baltimore the night before. I hit them up, asking if they'd be kind enough to pick me up a sixer and they graciously did just that. Cheers to those guys! Hooray beer!

The Beer? Knuckle-Buster pours out amber and ultra-transparent with a finger of white, fizzy head that fades into a slim ring of lace. I deeply inhale and savor the ample, citrus nose. I've been looking forward to this for some time.

My tongue is met by with an incredibly smooth mouthfeel and smooth bitter flavors which sweeten out into hints of coconut and crisp malts. There's a touch of orange back there in the finish as well. Notes of citrus pith and rind find their way into the initial sip between pine and subtle resin just long enough to appreciate, before it concludes sweet and smooth. Further in, a faint hop heat can be found tucked into that sublime finale.

It isn't as orange-citrus dominated in flavor as initially remember, but it's just as good.

This really is one of my favorite IPA finds of the spring. Knuckle-Buster is so crisp, clean, and drinkable, while still providing that American-IPA bitter punch. A well balanced, expertly crafted beer.

#124: Jack's Abby Brewing » Hoponius Union (IPL)

Jack's distinguished India Pale Lager...

The Brewery: Jack's Abby (Farmington, MA)
The Brew: Hoponius Union (IPL)
Availability: Bottles/Draft
ABV: 6.7% | IBUs: 65
Rating: 9.5/10
Location: The Westy

The Story? Occasionally, there are those available beers that just seem to evade me. When The Westy received their first batch of kegs from Jack's Abby, the line began with JA's Oktoberfest, but they gave me a sneak peak and what was to come with Hoponius Union. Event with just a few sips, it was one of the best, non-Imperial/Double, hoppy beers I've had.

I proceeded to miss Hoponius Union on tap at least once, if not twice while being out of Ithaca. When I heard it was going back up, I made immediate plans to not miss it again, but almost did when my body proceeded to turn on me. A variety of prescription drugs later and despite a late start to the evening, we made it just in time to realize I'd forgotten my phone, which is my notepad and camera for this blog since I can't read my own handwritting. Well, at least this one is worth the extra work!

For those new to Jack's Abby, their entire line is lager-based, rejuvenating a major of beer family that has been tarnished by American adjuncts and the like, providing a new palate of flavorful, clean-tasting brews. Hoponius Union itself is like a traditional IPA but with a twist - it’s fermented cold and aged for extended periods.

The Beer? Hoponius Union starts with a palpable, inviting nose of citrus & tropical fruits. The appearance is a glimmering, completely translucent amber body with touch of mid-level lacy head.

The taste is a true hop gem. Supported incredibly smooth mouthfeel, Hop Union is clean and refreshing with robust, piney, and bitter hops. There are some hints of orange and mango and a touch of floral, but never comes of as fruity or dipping in to west-coast overzealousness. Balance is the name of the game here, with nutty and biscuit malt notes amidst the hop oils and resin. All that is wrapped up with a mildly drying finish.

Overall, a must-try for a quality, drinkable and hoppy beer.