Mike Loves Beer

Name – Raven’s Eye Imperial Stout
Country – United States
Type – Russian Imperial Stout

Appearance – Pours a cola like brown with some red hues along the edges of the glass.  Nice tan head but it is gone very quickly with no real lacing.

Smell – Faint smell of chocolate and roasted malts.

Taste – Roasted malts with a hint of dark fruit.  Chocolate and a tad of coffee are there and a slight bit of a hop character as well.  Creamy in consistency and easy to drink.

I’ve had a few people tell me that Eel River’s imperial stout is very good but the distribution for them here never brought any of the bomber bottles, until now.  I made it a priority to pick this one up once I saw it at my local store.  I really enjoyed it.  It is not as big and bold and in your face like other RIS beers out there but this is straight forward and to the point.  I will definitely be having more of this and probably grab a bottle or two to lay down.

Overall Grade – A-

Name – Eel River I.P.A.
Country – United States
Type – American IPA

Appearance – Poured a clear amber color that was close to orange.  It had a finger wide white head that left some lacing on the glass.

Smell – Hops as you would expect.  They are in the citrusy and piney variety.

Taste – Same sort of hops taste as in the nose with a bit of a malt backing to it.

We don’t get a lot of Eel River’s line down here.  I had the Porter some months back and really enjoyed it.  I’ve also been told their imperial stout is quite good but we do not get that here.  The I.P.A. is well balance IPA that has nothing crazy going on.  Just a straight forward and honest IPA.  Bold hops?  Check.  Malt backing?  Check.  Tastes good?  Check.  It’s great to see breweries that stick to the basics and do a good job at it.

Overall Grade – B

Name – Eel River Certified Organic Porter
Country – United States
Type – American Porter

Appearance – Pours a dark brown color with tannish head.

Smell – A bitter sweet chocolate smell along with some roast malts and coffee.

Taste – Very nice bitter sweet chocolate taste is the main presence.  Some coffee notes in there as well.

I’ve seen the Eel River brews on a number of occasions and just finally got myself around to trying one.  I think this is a really good porter.  Maybe more chocolate presence than most would expect but I thought it was a nice after dinner beer.

Overall Grade – B