Growler Wars: Free Will vs. Long Trail

Two growlers. Two beers. Two frosted glasses. One winner.

Free Will Brewing Company 7 Course Red
I first had this beer at Chap's Taproom in Norristown (will do separate blog later) and, quite frankly, was blown away. It's got a reddish color. Almost brown. The malts shoot up the nose quickly as its brought up for the first sip. There's a dry, piney flavor that gives the beer an extra bit of character. Despite the full, complex flavors, it's smoothly textured. Smoky and almost stoutish, the beer just does not seem like the work of two guys from Perkasie. This is seasoned-veteran beer. A truly delicious specimen.

Long Trail Brewing Company Double IPA
Let's get the intangibles out of the way: It's a little bit of a cloudy golden color. The beer remains bubbly despite a ten-minute interval spent sipping the Free Will joint. Lively, full head. The scent is spectacular. Vibrant. Fruity. Citrusy. Floral. Truly one of the best aromas I've ever experienced in a beer. There is a very nice balance of hops and orangey flavor. Almost feels like a little bit of strawberry in the finish. If I were to have one complaint (and it would be nit-picky), I would say that it seems a tad bit light for a double IPA. Another application of hops and this beer might be completely next-level. While I have had a mixed experience with Long Trail, this is a completely legit IPA.

The Winner
Make no mistake about it: These are two exceptional beers. However, as a winner, I have to go with Free Will. The only (and I mean, only) reason I am going with Free Will is I don't believe Long Trail quite meets the grade of a double IPA. The hops are a little subtle for that genre of beer. So I am going to downgrade it slightly for not quite meeting its stated objective. While I believe 7 Course Red is the slightly better beer, the truth is, if you should see either of these beers on a tap near you, you should go ahead and make a purchase.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Rogue Chipotle Ale

Rogue Chipotle Ale
Very intriguing beer. Has distinct Rauchbier smokiness in scent and sip. Features classic amber color and genuine spiciness due to jalapeno pepper notes. Still, once you get past smokiness, flavors aren't particularly special. Type of beer you must have once, but might not want to down two of them.
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The Pizza Project
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Deal Alert: Pie in the Sky in Wayne

Today, LivingSocial is offering a delicious deal from Pie in the Sky Restaurant in Wayne. Pay $7 for $14 to spend on food and non-alcoholic drinks at Pie in the Sky, from the red, white, or gluten-free pizza with your favorite toppings to specialty sandwiches like the prosciutto, sharp provolone, cappicola, and Genoa salami sandwich or the sausage, peppers, and onions sandwich.

Get the deal >>
Visit Pie in the Sky >>

Pie in the Sky
102 East Lancaster Avenue
Wayne, PA 19087

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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Oskar Blues Deviant Dale's IPA

Oskar Blues Deviant Dale's IPA
When I drank this, I wasn't taking notes. It was directly after a viewing. And the Sixers game where they closed out the Chicago Bulls was playing. Needless to say, I was distracted. I remember it being extremely hoppy. And slightly better than Russian River Damnation. That's saying something, right?
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Russian River Damnation

Russian River Damnation
Spy 12-ouncers of this in stores for $8. Saw it on tap at Philadelphia's St. Stephen's Green. Had to try it. It's a very good beer. But it's not worth $8 retail for a short bottle. For that, it would have to be UNPARALLELED! Maybe come with an E pill?
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Lavery Liopard Oir Farmhouse Ale

Lavery Liopard Oir Farmhouse Ale
When I go to Wegman's, I'm allowed two sixers and a 22-ouncer due to their Draconian regulations (I'm sure the rules are created by some idiotic entity). This week, chose this Erie, Pa. beer for big bottle. Was really rooting for it. But there were no elements of note.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Flying Dog Woody Creek Belgian Style White

Flying Dog Woody Creek Belgian Style White
After having a bust of a wheat in Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen, it is nice to have a white that makes you believe in the lighter ales. This beer by the quietly great Maryland brewery is a gorgeous, effervescent clear color. The orange notes and Belgian spices combine perfectly. Total class.
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The Pizza Project
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