Papago: 3 New Brew Reviews

Beer Luvvas,

Mr. & Mrs. MCO took me out to Papago this evening for a couple celebretory beverages. (I'm offically a year closer to my mid-life crisis.) And I'm happy to say that I enjoyed three beers that I've never had before! I dig that about Papago!

Ska Brewing Imperial IPA: Decadent
I was surprised by this beer. It came in a much darker, maltier color than I expected; and after the typical Imperial IPA floral nose, the hop flavor was muted by something I couldn't describe. MCO coined the mystery flavor as "barrel aged smooth-ness," but I didn't get a woody, oak-y sense myself. In the end, it was a decent quaff; although I would not have preferred more than the 8oz served.

Avery "The Maharaja" Imperial IPA
Now this is the expected flavor of an Imperial IPA! Although MCO again felt that the extra malt that balanced the over-hopped character was extraneous. Personally, I thought it was a welcome addition to differentiate The Maharaja from every other West Coast Imperial IPA. Diversity is good! My employer would be so proud.

Papago Coffee Beer: Elise's Irish Cream Stout
Now this beer was a bit of a cunundrum. Is it a Coffee Beer, or an Irish Stout? Given the lack of creamy head, I'm calling it a coffee beer and Elise needs to try a few more Irish Cream Stouts. She's a bit confused. This was my favorite beer of the evening, probably because the temps were much cooler than they were yesterday! The coffee nose was much stronger than the subtle taste on the tongue. I'll let MCO post his opinion in a comment.....I won't repeat it here.

Well, that about covers it.

Prost to being another year older, and adding three more notches on my beer belt!