Beer of the Weekend #833: Michigan Cherry IPA
There was sad news this week in the local brewing scene: the Iowa City Brewlab closed for good Thursday night.
It’s unfortunate but, to be honest, is not a huge surprise. While it sucks there is no longer a microbrewery in downtown Iowa City, the Brewlab did not measure up to its local competition. The beer was decent and drinkable, but not great. However, it will be missed. The location was excellent and the taproom was a pleasant place to enjoy a pint while reading proofs.
I wanted to fill my growler at the Brewlab one last time before it closed but did not get the chance. (I was very busy on Thursday.) Instead, I’m dipping into my Michigan haul for the beer of the weekend: Michigan Cherry IPA, brewed by the Perrin Brewing Company of Comstock Park, Michigan.
The color is clear, clean copper. A finger of buttery, beige-colored head dissipates evenly, leaving a skim and ring of lacing. The smell is sweet and fruity, reminiscent of the pink Catawba I drank at Thanksgiving as a kid and cherry-flavored 7Up. Cherry is the most prominent scent, of course. The first sip is tart and sweet with a lot of cherry, and it has a bitter, floral edge. The cherry flavor is reminiscent of freshly picked cherries. The mouthfeel is soft and smooth. There are hints of vinegar and it leans vinous. The floral hops creep up on the taste buds; each sip starts fruity and sweet, but the bitterness slowly emerges. It is good, tasty stuff. I was skeptical at first but it slowly grew on me.
Fun facts about Michigan Cherry IPA:
• Style: Fruit IPA.
• Price: Around $9 at the Meijer on West Lake Lansing Road in East Lansing, Michigan.
• Alcohol content: 5.3 percent ABV.
• IBU: 45.
• According to the beer’s webpage, it is made with “100% Traverse City” cherries.
The Quiet Man’s grade: B.
It’s unfortunate but, to be honest, is not a huge surprise. While it sucks there is no longer a microbrewery in downtown Iowa City, the Brewlab did not measure up to its local competition. The beer was decent and drinkable, but not great. However, it will be missed. The location was excellent and the taproom was a pleasant place to enjoy a pint while reading proofs.
I wanted to fill my growler at the Brewlab one last time before it closed but did not get the chance. (I was very busy on Thursday.) Instead, I’m dipping into my Michigan haul for the beer of the weekend: Michigan Cherry IPA, brewed by the Perrin Brewing Company of Comstock Park, Michigan.
The color is clear, clean copper. A finger of buttery, beige-colored head dissipates evenly, leaving a skim and ring of lacing. The smell is sweet and fruity, reminiscent of the pink Catawba I drank at Thanksgiving as a kid and cherry-flavored 7Up. Cherry is the most prominent scent, of course. The first sip is tart and sweet with a lot of cherry, and it has a bitter, floral edge. The cherry flavor is reminiscent of freshly picked cherries. The mouthfeel is soft and smooth. There are hints of vinegar and it leans vinous. The floral hops creep up on the taste buds; each sip starts fruity and sweet, but the bitterness slowly emerges. It is good, tasty stuff. I was skeptical at first but it slowly grew on me.
Fun facts about Michigan Cherry IPA:
• Style: Fruit IPA.
• Price: Around $9 at the Meijer on West Lake Lansing Road in East Lansing, Michigan.
• Alcohol content: 5.3 percent ABV.
• IBU: 45.
• According to the beer’s webpage, it is made with “100% Traverse City” cherries.
The Quiet Man’s grade: B.
