AIPA 7.2 % ABV
American IPA
Schlafly
Maybe its because I’ve been to their Bottleworks and their Tap Room. Maybe it’s their Pumpkin Ale and Coffee Stout. Maybe it’s their Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout and Oak Aged Barley-wine. Maybe it’s because every beer I’ve had from them has been delicious at worst and indescribably great at best. Maybe it’s all of the above, but whenever I’m asked “What is your favorite brewery?” after a pause, to think through the many beers and breweries out there, I always end up saying “Schlafly.”
St. Louis is home to many other great craft breweries, as I have recently discovered with Urban Chestnut and Six Rows. But I just can’t get past how much I enjoy what the brewers at Schlafly produce.
Their Special Release American IPA is just another in a long line of great beers.
I had not tried the Schlafly AIPA. I wasn’t sure I wanted to commit to a whole 6 pack, but when I saw it at my favorite beer emporium I was certainly enticed. I started hearing great reviews from others, saying it was their second favorite IPA, only falling short of the Schlafly Tasmanian IPA, which is one of my favorites. An associate of mine was interested and in an effort to ease the dent in our bank accounts we decided to split a 6 pack.
The first of my three, I drank straight from the bottle. I know, I know, classic amateur mistake. I should know better. Needless to say, though I’m saying it anyway, I was disappointed. At least I have the experience to realize it would be better next time poured into a glass.
Though this beer should be poured into a brandy snifter, as pictured on the Schlafly AIPA webpage, or a tulip glass, I couldn’t resist using the Schlafly pint glass I received a few months back at the Schlafly Tap Takeover of Craft Beer Bar.
The beer pours a slightly hazy golden color. The foamy head has impeccable retention and clings to the glass as you drink. The beer has a delightfully floral citrusy aroma, which perfectly prepares you for the flavor of the brew. The citrus flavor is wonderful. Their use of the Amarillo, Simcoe and Centennial hops, procured from the Pacific Northwest (this is an American IPA after all) is downright impressive. There is a slight bitterness to the finish as I get towards the end of the glass, but the citrus flavor dominates throughout, with hints of fruit.
I’ll have to see if my associate wants to split another 6 pack of this beer, because three just isn’t enough. I may have to forgo my associate altogether and just get a full 6 pack for myself. If you see it on tap order a glass. If you see it at a store don’t worry about the $11.99 sticker price for a 6 pack, buy it. You won’t be disappointed, well at least if you pour them into a glass.
365 Brew 