Welcome to the inaugural entry of my very own Lunabean Beer Blogging. Because I've been known to drink a delicious beer here and now, and since I live in Portland, Ore., capital of all beerdom, I figured I'd share with you my beer tasting experiences.

I know it doesn't have to do with video games...or does it? My quest? To share with our loyal audience my thoughts and reviews of beer. Will I succeed? Only time and the beer gods know my true fate. Oh Oracle of Delphi, why do you mock me?

Without further adieu...

Six Rivers Brewery, IPA
7.2% alcohol
McKinleyville, CA
sixriversbrewery.com

I love IPAs (India Pale Ale). In fact, for the past ten years I've been tasting countless IPAs in hopes of discovering that one perfect beer.

Six Rivers Brewery's IPA isn't it. But, it's a worthy contender. It is definitely one of the most well balanced IPAs I've ever had; harmoniously combining the bitter floral hops with the sugary sweet maltiness.

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But that's not altogether a desirable thing. This IPA was on the weaker side of hoppiness. It lacked the vibrant floral or citrus notes typical of IPAs and instead exhibited a graininess. The middle also erred on the side of too malty however its finish was as clean as a whistle. I actually whistled after each sip just be sure...Allison didn't like that after about six whistles.

This is a great beer to introduce somebody to IPAs. It's not overpowering in any direction and is very clean and simple. It won't offend your friends and nobody is going to spit it out saying it's too bitter or it tastes like grapefruit.

It's a beer for the masses and it's kind of boring but that's okay. I'd buy it again. Oh, and I like the ship on the label.