Mike Loves Beer

Name – Shiva IPA
Country – United States
Type – American IPA

Appearance – Pours a clear light orange color with a decent sized white head.

Smell – The smell was pretty hard to pick up but there was some citrus like hops; grapefruit and orange.

Taste – Big grapefruit hops to start with hints of orange and pineapple.  Finishes with a yeast or wheat like taste.

The second of two beers I was given from a couple friends that visited Asheville Brewing Company.  While the scent didn’t have a lot going on the taste more than made up for it.  I wouldn’t call it a hop bomb as I feel it’s pretty well rounded.  It had some unique qualities that I haven’t really experienced much from IPAs before and that made it enjoyable.

Overall Grade – B-

Name – Ninja Porter
Country – United States
Type – American Porter

Appearance – Poured a dark black color with a nice sized slightly off white head.

Smell – Smoke is the first thing I pick up with a little bit of black licorice.  Some roasted malts can be picked up too.

Taste – Very smoked tasted with some roasted malts in the back but has an overall sweetness to it as well.

A couple friends of mine picked this one up for me on their trip to Asheville, NC.  I found this a lot more enjoyable that the Stone Smoked Porter I had recently.  The licorice notes are a lot more subdued here.  The smokey flavor really stands out and would make this a great beer for BBQ.

Overall Grade – B