Review – Erie Brewing Misery Bay IPA

The view from Oliver Perry Monument across Lake Erie’s historic Misery Bay provides a constant reminder of the hardships endured during the Battle of Lake Erie. Misery Bay IPA is brewed as a tribute to Misery Bay and Graveyard Pond, final resting place for many brave sailors and soldiers. Misery Bay IPA offers a complex malt profile loaded with American hops at 75 IBU’s, and finishes at 6.5 % alcohol by volume.

Erie Brewing Misery Bay IPA – Poured from a 12 ounce bottle into a room temperature oval pilsner glass. 6.5% abv

Appearance
A somewhat cloudy orange-amber color with a two fingers of thick, white clouds of head on top.

Aroma
Lots of hops on the front end followed by some subtle, creamy malt notes. Also some citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruits.

Taste
This beer was smooth yet hoppy and reminded me of those citrusy lemon Girl Scout cookies. The sweetness from the abundance of malt was a nice counterbalance to the spicy notes from the hops. Definitely a beer that you can have a few of without feeling guilty or passing out.

Mouthfeel
Actually a little lighter than most IPAs, Misery Bay has found a way to impart the perfect amount of carbonation, stickiness and body in this beer.

Overall
I was given the opportunity to review this beer from TFP’s good friend at Erie, Jim Hicks. Since we received this brew, my local beer store has started carrying the full line of Erie products so I am very excited. I have to admit that as a huge IPA fan, I found Erie’s to be at the top of my list of favorites. I simply loved this beer and will happily make it a mainstay in my beer fridge. I know that Railbender is their flagship beef but is it possible to have two? My vote is for Misery Bay. However, if Erie ever plans on tinkering with this recipe, I wouldn’t mind seeing a little higher abv in the finished product.