Some big news was forwarded to me today from the folks at Shipyard Brewing Co. First, their Royal IPA (shipyard “Brewer’s Choice” spring seasonal for ’08) received a 5 check-mark review (the highest honors) from Modern Brewery Age. The review reads:
Amid a rising tide of West Coast-inflected American IPAs, Shipyard’s Alan Pugsley hews to the British Ale-brewing tradition. This Royal IPA is a perfect example of his craft, with great earthy hop flavors. But it’s an ale with a New World twist, since it’s more clean and lively than the ales you might find in the average U.K. pub. “Very English… with nice dusty hops.” “Very, very English” [said] Dr. Steve Victor. “There might be a touch of diacetyl, but it is not dominant.” “Good job with the hop character” said Gregg Glaser. “An English earthiness to it, backed with a full, rich creamy caramel malt sweetness.” Opens up nicely after the first pour,” said Rober Lachman. “Very bright on the palate, brighter than most of this style.” “Doesn’t insult you like a lot of these IPAs today… More drinkable than most due to its excellent balance.”
I have tried the Royal IPA and did enjoy it, but I certainly wouldn’t give it 5 stars. I’m personally pretty tired of Shipyard’s over use of the same strain of Ringwood yeast, but maybe that’s just me. Have you tried it; thoughts?
And speaking of Ringwood, elsewhere on the Shipyard line, BusinessWeek today named Shipyard’s Ringwood Old Thumper Extra Special Ale one of the 10 Best American Craft Beers (along with Alaskan Pale, Anchor Brewing Libery Ale, Anderson Valley Boont ESB, Breckenridge 471 IPA, Full Sail Amber, Ommegang Abbey Ale, Rogue Shakespeare Stout, Sprecher Black Bavarian Style Lager, and Stoudt’s Scarlet Lady Ale). Click here to view the slide show.
Agree or disagree, this is certainly exciting news for one of Maine’s best-known breweries; congratulations!
[tags]Shipyard Brewing, Portland, Maine, Beer, Craft beer, beer, Ringwood, IPA[/tags]
