Today I tried out Caldera's IPA. This came highly recommended by Gary and Andy(my beer guys who you'll be reading a lot about) and a few other patrons in their store. I'm a huge fan of anything full-bodied and hoppy so they didn't have to twist my arm much.
Located in Ashland, Oregon, Caldera makes an IPA that tastes like how I imagine Oregon to smell. When I think Oregon, I not only think of the greatest game ever made, Oregon Trail, but I imagine pine trees, meadows, hiking trails, and Chuck Palahniuk. The top of the can(yes, can - get with it traditional craft beer drinkers!) reads "GO SKIING GO FISHING GO SNOWBOARDING GO BIKING GO RAFTING GO CANS" and I think they've found a great aroma and flavor that mimics the active lifestyle they promote.
At ~ $13/6-pk, the taste is a bit spicy, has a bite to it that as an IPA lover I've come to enjoy, and makes a statement for something just over 6%. I give it a 3(you can find the full scale on the left hand side of the page).
P.S. My friends are going to Portland tomorrow for the Oregon Brewers Festival and let's just say I'm a little jealous of what they'll be experiencing while there.
