Ithaca Beer Company in Ithaca, New York

Sorry for all the IPA reviews of late, but to be totally honest I am a hop head and being in New York with access to all sorts of IPAs that I can’t get out in Montana, I have been fairly concentrated on downing them over other types of beer. Although I did go to a nice Belgian beer bar the other night and have some other brews. I also hit up the Rattle-n-Hum where I had probably the worst IPA I’ve ever had: Lagunitas IP fucking A. It tasted a lot like citrus fruit punch: think IPA made by Coors or Bud. I also had an Oaked Arrogant Bastard there that was absolutely delicious. You win some, you lose some. With the Flower Power IPA from Ithaca Beer Company, you win.

The Flower Power poured a slightly hazy, orange amber with an ivory head that left some good looking lacings down the glass as it dissipated. The piney aroma was accompanied by a bit of biscuit in the nose as well as some lemon, orange, and pineapple. What a refreshingly great smell after the stench of NYC on a hot day. For how full bodied the beer is, I’m a little surprised at how mild the taste is. Not that the taste isn’t there and in your face, it just doesn’t fill the mouth and linger like I expected it to. Starting out with a touch of malt sweetness, maybe even a orange/bread taste, the Flower Power crescendos into a tropical bitter wallop, finishing with linger bitter grapefruit that dries the mouth a bit.

I’ve got to say, behind the Blast Pale Ale, the Flower Power is the second best beer I’ve had here. It is incredibly refreshing and surprisingly sessionable for a 7.5% ABV. Those out in Montana may consider trying to do a beer swap on Beer Advocate or just add it to the list for the next time you are in the north east.