Noble Ale Works has really gained some local notoriety over the last two years or so. I have had the chance to make it by there a few times before Ducks games and a handful of times on the weekend. Each time I have been there they have had a unique selection of brews. I am also strangely attracted to their location where you have the semi-enclosed rustic tasting room, but you are free to walk back and hang out in the brewery area.
You start to realize that is is going to be a great day for a craft beer party when it is 80 degrees and perfectly clear skies in early February. It doesn't get much better than spending a harsh winter in Southern California in your shorts and sandals drinking great beer! (As I am writing this it is a few weeks later and it is pouring rain outside. We really need it here...)
Walking up to the event I was not surprised to see a pretty long line stretching down the street. Not newsworthy other than that it moved really quickly. A few minutes later, tasting glass and tasting sheet in hand, I was fiesta ready!
The few advertisements I had seen for the event reported 30 or so beers, but they ended up with a few more including some special casks and beer cocktails. There was a large tent in the parking lot with a serving station on each side and then the indoor tasting room had quite a few selections. In the parking lot there were three food trucks serving up some good smelling food. Right off the bat I noticed that the waiting in line situation was going to be a problem. Not sure how many people they were expecting, but there had to be close to a thousand.
After a quick walk around the event, I made my way to the shortest line and got to work. Here is what I had a chance to try throughout the day (in no particular order):
Bean Bump (Imperial Naughty Sauce) - This was their 3rd Anniversary beer. It said it was 12.7% ABV, but it went down the hatch dangerously smoothly...Citra Showers (Citra DIPA) - A solid IPA. I love Citra hops, but for some reason the batch this year seems to taste a little weird to me.
The Messenger (IPA collaboration w/ Three Weavers) - I really enjoyed this one. A nice balance of hops and citrus from additions of Buddha's Hand and Pomelo.
Nelson Showers (Nelson DIPA) - Another version of their single hop DIPA series. This one was solid.
Cocoa Bump (Bean Bump w/ cocoa nibs) - Their first special cask. Very similar to bean bump. Not overly cocoa.
Barrel 1 is Nuts (Barrel aged strong ale w/ toasted pecans) - The last special cask. I'm not sure the pecan flavor from actual additions of nuts worked for me.
The Brown Note (Belgian-style Brown Ale) - Nice name... It tasted awesome too.... One of my favorites of the day.
Cinnamon Roast Crunch (Naughty Sauce w/ cinnamon) - Tasted just like you would think from the name.
Earl's Grey Dinghy (English Bitter w/ Earl Grey Tea) - I had had this one (or something very similar) at their tasting room before and enjoyed it. The addition of tea really gives it a unique character.Picnic Bubbly (American Saison) - I have been on a bit of a Saison kick lately. This one was great. Just the right amount of funk and pepper that I like. 8.5% ABV also. I think this was my favorite of the day.
Shandyland (Picnic Bubbly and grapefruit juice w/ sugar and bitters) - Good, but I still preferred the straight Picnic Bubbly.
Gosebusters (German Gose w/ Oolong Tea) - Nice light sourness with the tea and fruit flavors in the background.
Mr. Sparkle (Golden ale w/ Sorachi Ace hops) - Nice golden Belgian ale with some citrus.
Rosalita (Pistol Whip'd w/ hibiscus flowers) - Nice pink color. I couldn't taste the hibiscus too much.
Luckily the tasters were not big.... Overall an incredible day in the sun with great beer. Now I am looking forward to their 4th Anniversary!
