Back in the ’90s, this dry piney citrus embittered West Coast-like India Pale Ale would be encouraging streamlined mainstream fodder bettering nearly all the previous stylistic pretenders excepting maybe Ballantine IPA and few others. But in 2022, its lemon-pitted grapefruit pith bittering, mild orange rind dehydration and dry wood tones seem limited compared to expansive milkshake, New England-styled and sour IPA’s. Nice citrus-induced vodka kick, though.
Roasted barley-flaked rye entry tied to muted chestnut-walnut-pecan tandem, mossy brown tea earthiness and coarse phenol hop resins.
Roasted pumpkin truffle starching and mild ginger pungency stay dry trying to outdo sweet pumpkin pie spicing, but cinnamon-sugared nutmeg, clove, allspice and cardamom seasoning may prevail for autumnal gourd moderation.
CAMBRIDGE, NEW YORK
A red brick railroad depot houses ARGYLE BREWING COMPANY in the village of Cambridge at the southeast edge of the Adirondacks. A New York farm brewery utilizing locally sourced ingredients, Argyle opened its nearby Greenwich location three years before embarking on this second taproom pub in May 2017.
A distinct 2,000 square-foot, gavel roofed main space with uniquely spiraled panel wood walls, hardwood floors and gorgeous chandelier give the railway tavern a cavernous Cathedral-like setting. A covered wood-column beer garden with community benches doubles the capacity of the friendly residential neighborhood watering hole.
The slate-topped bar serves a few proprietary draughts. A lanterned couch area adds a homey feel and the small backstage suits musical entertainment. Heritage-bound photos and pix line the walls.
On a snowy afternoon in January ’23, my wife and I enjoyed two pints while grabbing a few cans for the road to Cooperstown (reviewed in Beer Index).
Mild lemon-spiced Cute Little Blonde picked up salty Williamette-hopped herbage and wispy florality to buttress its spritzy summery sessionability (mix with lemonade to make a mellow shandy).
Bittersweetly tart raspberry-pureed dark cocoa richness commanded Argyle Raspberry Porter, leaving a maple walnut glaze upon its tertiary blackberry, boysenberry and strawberry snips.