Seattle has been responsible for bringing many things to this world, some good (Starbucks) and some bad (the whole Grunge scene). The one that we are focusing on today is Red Hook Brewery. The company was established in 1981, their home base being an old transmission shop. The founders, Gordon Bowker and Paul Shipman began their venture with a Belgian inspired Ale. Eventually they moved into the former Seattle Electric Railway building, and have now expanded to breweries on both coasts. Today’s tasting features the Long Hammer IPA, which was first produced in 1984.
I have seen this in the stores many times, but have never bought it. It took my brother (EP photographer, Andrew) bringing it over, for me to decide to do a tasting. As the golden, cloudy beer began to fill the glass, I was hit with the slight hoppy freshness. Taking the first sip immediately caught me off guard, as the flavor did not match the smell in the least. The smell was far more sweet then the taste. While the hop was still upfront, it was not as fresh as it was in the aroma. A couple of sips, in an earthy tone, made it’s way into the flavor, but disappeared almost as fast as it came in. The only major flavor in the beer is the hops, but there are a number of background flavors that are present; citrus, banana, caramel, malt and an almost sesame seed quality, all dance in and out of the taste. Once the hops stop being so predominant, those aforementioned flavors start coming out more. I have had this beer before, but only in the middle or near the end of sessions, and I must say it is a completely different beer on its own. In my prior encounters with the Long Hammer, I would have recommended it to those that shy away from the IPA. Now, having had it by itself, I am not so sure I would steer them towards this Red Hook offering. This is not a bad beer by any means; it’s just not a star.
I offered Adriana a sip near the end and was not only shocked that she didn’t make the bitter beer face, but that she went back in for a second timid sip. Maybe my non recommendation should be reconsidered.
