Russian River HopTime Harvest Ale

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 10 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

~ Initial Review (Draught), 01-10-2003:
I really wanted to enjoy this beer, especialy after downing a classic Pliny The Elder IPA. According to Brew Your Own magazine, this brew is basically the same as Pliny, except for the fact the hops are *very* fresh from the fields (i.e. undried and unaged), while the Pliny uses more tradional hop-useage. While I have respected head-brewer Vinnie Cilurzo ever since his days at the long-gone Blind Pig (Temecula, CA), this beer just doesn't work for me. Very "green" in flavor and aroma. I'd be curious to see if this ages well, since fresh off-the-tap is a bit "rugged", to put it mildy.

~ Re-Review (Cask-Conditioned), 09-27-2004:
*Much* improved on all counts. Went from pure rawness to hoppy goodness in one fell swoop. Almost other-worldly in the the mouthfeel and drinkability -- could have had this and nothing but this all night long, really. Recommended.

Scores revised to reflect the most recent (cask-conditioned) sampling.
//TB

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 9

Tasted at the 2004 Bistro Hop Fest. Light orange gold color. Medium white foamy head. Aroma is floral, a touch citrusy and orange. A medium bodied IPA, Malts are fruity and sweet. Hops are floral, and citrusy. Medium bitterness. Fresh and clean. Crisp, light and refreshing. Nice dry finish. Nice beer. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is dry, clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly bitter.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

This brew poours with a cloudy pale golden body topped by a thick head with lots of lacing. The hoppy aroma is slightly sweet and grapefruity with a nice apricot note...a very nice aroma. The flavor is sweet yet tangy and citrusy with a nice malt note and a touch of bitterness in the finish. Medium bodied, very smooth and a touch dry.