July 10, 2014

155/1136) Beer Academy:  Beta by Six Pints Specialty Beer Co. of Ontario:**1/2;  6.2%, 52 ibu;  pale; grapefruity nose;  strong citrusy flavours;  very dry after taste, somewhat astringent;

156/1137) Beer Academy:  Alpha by Six Pints Specialty Beer Co. of Ontario:  **;  6% 60 ibu;  darker than beta;  nose features caramel, mild citrus;  hops are present but milder and with a sweeter (or less bitter) finish;

157/1138) Beer Academy:  Summer Harvest by Six Pints Specialty Beer Co. of Ontario:  **1/2;  5.8% 51 ibu;  brewed with cascade hops and pink grapefruit;  extremely citrusy, grapefruit nose;  refreshing citrus notes with a citrusy finish;

The Beer Academy was featuring an Alpha Vs. Beta IPA Face Off to determine which would be its new core IPA  - "loser hangs up its hops forever".  I'm not sure why I was served Beta first, and alone instead of side by side, but clearly I did favour this one.  My one proviso was that while there are a lot of west coast IPAs out there we see fewer English hybrid IPAs and the Alpha may fare better in a smaller  pond.

I ended up bringing home some Summer Harvest along with a couple of other ales from the LCBO.