In the late afternoon, we separated ways - they went on to St. Helen's and I left exhausted heading back to Seattle with two things on my mind - my soft, warm bed and a delicious IPA. I met Lara, Julie and Meagan at the Barking Dog - a quiet Ballard favorite - that has pretty good food but awesome rotating taps of microbrews. We arrived at happy hour! Three very different imperial pints of IPAs were ordered - West Coast IPA (Green Flash Brewing Co.), Hales 2010 Double IPA (Hales Brewery) and Lagunitas IPA (Lagunitas Brewery). They were all delicious and quite different - I was in IPA HEAVEN - literally.
West Coast IPA - a taste of this beer caused my companions' lips to pucker and noses too wrinkle. Too bitter! - the other two bears exclaimed. Just right!- for me. An IPAs lover's IPA - this is a super bitter, make-the-hair-stand-up-on-the-back-of-your-neck- though-not-malty, delicious IPA. These are my favorite kinds of IPAs - like 4 star Indian food - enough to make your eyes water and wanting more. (I had two. They were equally fantastic.)
Hales 2010 Double IPA - never disappointed by Hales' IPAs, their 2010 is the official beer of beer week - and it deserves it spot. A bit smoother than their Super Goose (a new "old standby") - the 2010 will be around for a limited time and any of you who love a good IPA - should pick one - or three - up and enjoy. It subtly raises the IPA bar.
Lagunitas IPA - an old standby. If you favorite watering hole carries only one IPA - it should be Laguintas. Bitter but not so much that even your non-IPA loving friends can enjoy - still with IPA integrity. Always a good 6 pack to take to a party (you'll make friends).Happy 4th of July everyone!
