Oakshire Brewing's O’Dark:30 CDA

   
     I really am hooked on this style.  As of right now, there is nothing I'll put ahead of a new CDA when browsing the beer stores.  I've always loved IPAs, and the ones that have always stood out for me are the ones with unique malt character.  Along comes the CDA, and I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect.  Anyway, here's Oakshire's take on the style.
     Simple to call this one black, but  it definitely comes out as a very dark brown when exposed to strong light.  The head was a slight-tan and barely skimmed the surface.  It drained quickly and left little lacing.  Definitely not too carbonated.  The aroma isn't incredibly strong on this one.  What does come through are piney hopes with a splash of citrus.  There's also some noticeable spice.  A bit yeasty and definitely a much stronger burnt, rich malt character that I haven't seen from most others in this style.
     My first impression upon tasting this is that is has a very nice bitterness.  Nothing to offensive but enough to take notice.  The flavor of the hops would best be described as woody.  There's a ton of malt flavor in this.  It's very dark, dry, and a little burnt.  The malt lingers in the end with some roasted and chocolate notes. The body is pretty thin and the entire flavor profile is very mellow and smooth.
     This one is good, but definitely far from my favorite in the style.  It seems they wanted to put a stronger emphasis on the malt character, which works great if that's what you're looking for, but I prefer a hop grenade. 
   

Southern Oregon Brewing Co.'s Pin-Up Porter

    
     Southern Oregon Brewing Co. is a small brewery based out of Medford, OR.  They are one of Southern Oregon's top breweries, but they haven't really caught on or made much of a buzz around Portland.  Their barrel-aged stuff and barley wines always get great reviews, and I think they will definitely be getting more recognition in years to come.  I haven't been too impressed with the few beers I've had from them, but I figured I'd give this porter a go.
     It pours a very dark chocolate sort of brown with big brown head.  It drained almost immediately and there was no lacing.  The aroma is a very clean, dry malt with bit of a dark fruit character. Rich chocolate aroma that almost smells a bit burnt.  That plum/dark fruit aroma is really shining through the more I smell it.  Not getting any roast notes or other predictable scents you'd find in this style. 
     First impression upon taste is an overdose of chocolate.  This might be one of the most chocolatey beers I've tried that doesn't actually have cocoa in it.  Right before the chocolate burst, you can definitely pick up on some very dark, dry, bitter malt notes.  It ends with a strong roast flavor that lingers in your mouth, which works perfectly after such a strong chocolate bomb.  It is very thick and flavorful, though pretty easy to drink.
    Southern Oregon Brewing Co. has really yet to catch my attention, but I think I'll remember this one.  I have several friends that would just love this sort of thing, and it will make for great recommendations for anyone seeking a very chocolatey sort of beer.  Well done, guys.

Lagunitas Brewing Company Hop Stoopid IIPA

    
   Surprise, surprise; another IPA review.  I've never really been too blown away with Lagunitas, though I did have their Little Sumpin' Wild the other night and it was quite impressive.  I've noticed this one several times at the store, but tonight was the first time I figured I'd give it a try.  With 102 IBUs advertised at the top of the label, I'm surprised it has taken me this long. 
     It pours a very pretty, clear dark honey color.  I found myself looking at this one quite a bit, and it is just a great looking beer.  It is very well-carbonated and produced about a finger of head when poured, the vast majority of which stuck around throughout the duration of the beverage.  Solid, continuous streak of lacing.
     First thing I noticed on the aroma is actually a strong yeast character, similar to the aroma you get in the first couple days of fermentation.  There is definitely some citrus hops in there, but nothing too overwhelming on the nose.  It has a very floral, dry hopped character as well.  Malt is there but extremely subtle.  The whole aroma is extremely clean.
     Definitely a noticeable alcohol character.  For 102 IBUs, it just doesn't taste that bitter to me.  I expect something a bit more noticeably offensive with those numbers.  Malt is very evident, but it is a very base, pale sort of flavor.  The hops have a bit of spiciness to them, and it definitely has a floral taste.  Not getting much of that citrus from the aroma.  A bit oily from the dry hopping and a medium body.
     For 8% alcohol and high IBU count, this one is definitely a great deal for the price.  I really enjoyed it, but I don't see myself running back to the store for more of it.