on THE TAPHANDLE

Mendocino Brewing Company tasting at 99 Bottles

I spent Sunday afternoon trying four ales brewed by Mendocino Brewing Company of Mendocino, California. This was my second visit to 99 bottles of Federal Way, Washington. Since its opening on 20 January 2007, 99 bottles has doubled the selection of labels it carries for purchase. There were quite a few people present for the tasting, with more arriving as I left an hour later, and many people stopping by just to purchase craft beers for home consumption.

The tasting cost one dollar per person, which allowed each participant to taste two ounces each of four different beers. The following were served:

Red Tail Ale, an Amber Ale:
Color is gold tending toward orange. The aroma is of yeast and spices. The flavor has a kick or bite to it and tastes somewhat like a pretzel. I like it but it tastes less like other ambers I have had; it is stonger-bodied, just staying away from harsh and overpowering. Mendocino representative Bill Hemmen claims that is due to the use of two-row malted barley rather than six-row malted barley. It has a drier finish than I am used to finding in an amber.

White Hawk IPA, an India Pale Ale:
I have had this before and was unimpressed due to unbalanced and competing flavors. This was better than my previous bout with it, but still strong and somewhat unbalanced. It poured the color of melted butter and had a thick, lasting head. The flavor was less metallic than last time, but the grapefruit and alcohol flavors that come through are still too strong and "off." A much better experience with White Hawk, however.

Eye of the Hawk, an American Strong Ale:
This is one of Mendocino's bottle-conditioned select ales. It poured a rich yellow. The nose is primarily caramel with slight spiciness and earthiness to complement. The flavor is similar. The finish is rather dry and the mouthfeel is pleasant and tingly. I liked this quite a bit.

Black Hawk Stout, a Dry Stout:
A beautiful black body wrapped in a faint aura of ruby and a thick, dark tan head gave this ale a beautiful appearance. The aroma hints of chocolate and coffee. This is less sweet than many stouts I favor, having a fairly dry finish. The flavor is of chocolate, a light cream, and coffee that is almost espresso but not quite. Overall, a great dry stout.