Head to Head: Port Brewing Wipeout IPA vs. Russian River Blind Pig IPA
Welcome to today’s Head to Head challenge.
Style: India Pale Ale. View the top IPAs
Appearance
The Blind Pig pours with a beautiful clear golden color with a good sized off white head. The head is full of medium sized bubbles and dissipates quickly leaving some attractive lace. The Wipeout pours a similar golden color but has a slight haze. The head is also off white but has smaller bubbles. The head sticks around longer and left some thick lace. Over all both were good looking beers but I am a sucker for some nice lace so the win goes to Port Brewing
Winner – Port Brewing Wipeout IPA
Aroma
On sniffing the Port brewing I was a little surprised by the subdued aroma. It took a while for me to pick up on the slightly floral aroma that had a faint citrus aroma. The subtlety might have to do with the strength of the aroma from the Russian River. This is a simply stunning aroma. There is a hint fo grass but a bigger aroma of grapefruit accompanied by a touch of floral finish. This really is what I want from an IPA. It just invites you to sniff the aroma over and over and really gets you excited about what is to come next. No contest here the winner is the Blind Pig!
Winner – Russian River Blind Pig IPA
Taste
After such a strong showing with the aroma the Blind Pig was a bit of a let down. Only a bit really. The flavor has all the hallmarks of a great IPA. There is a moderately strong bitterness the builds and is accompanied by some grassy tones. The body is maybe a bit on the light side and there was a little tang to the beer. The Wipeout also put in a solid performance. While slightly less bitter it still had plenty of presence. There was more malt sweetness and the body was a heavier. That being said nothing really stood out with the Wipeout so the taste category goes to the Russian River.
Winner – Russian River Blind Pig IPA
Finish
The Port Brewing had a bitter finish and in particular it seemed to stick to the roof of my mouth. There was also a slightly carbonated feel. The Russian River had a more bitter finish that I felt veered close to harsh. It did have a really pleasant dry finish. Both had solid if different finishes so for the finish we have a tie.
Winner – Tie
Overall
If appearance and finish were the only categories then the Wipeout would probably come out ahead. But then there was the gorgeous aroma of the Russian River. I would have to say it was simply stunning. And if you know me you will know I like to say that about truly awesome beers. The taste of the Russian River while not stunning showed all the proper characteristics of an IPA. The Wipeout seemed a bit washed out in comparison. There was nothing wrong with it and I would say that it is a very strong IPA but today the standout is the Russian River Blind Pig!
Winner – Russian River IPA
