Ninkasi Brewing 'Tricerahops' Double IPA. 8% abv. 100 IBU. Copper color. Bubbly white head that slowly falls to a reliable collar. Excellent retention and lacing. Nose of sweet malt, floral hops. Front taste of sweet roasted malt, bread, ample hops. Aftertaste of light caramel, bright hops, light fruit notes. Full body. Mouthfeel is creamy, bubbly.

This is a good brew. Next to other imperial/double IPA's, some of which are simply world class, this beer ranks somewhere in the middle of the pack. In terms of its complexity, flavor profile, and overall lasting impression, this beer fits its genre well but does not strike me as extraordinary. That being said, a garden variety DIPA from a reliable brewery is still a worthy choice for your evening. Recommended.

NOTE: Please forgive the crappy photos. I was in a dark place!

From the brewery:

"Tricerahops is double everything you already love in an IPA. More hops, more malt body and a higher gravity define this Double India Pale Ale. Fiercely flavorful, guaranteed to satisfy. Double IPAs are noted for their hop profiles. Earthy, floral hop aroma and flavor are abundent in Tricerahops. The bigger body and higher alcohol balance the large volume of hops to create a beer that is very flavorful while still being balanced and drinkable. At 8 percent ABV the beer can be deceiving as it is very smooth."
[source: ninkasibrewing.com]

Ninkasi Brewing 'Vanilla Oatis' Oatmeal Stout. 7% abv. 50 IBU. Black in color. Thick creamy dense head. Outstanding retention. Excellent lace. Nose of roasted malt, dark chocolate. Front taste of roasted malt, bittersweet cocoa, vanilla on the back end. Aftertaste of vanilla, toffee, bitter hops, some dark fruit. Full body. Mouthfeel is warm, creamy, smooth, slightly astringent.

This is an excellent beer. The roasted malt is complemented well by the ample vanilla taste and the oatmeal is used well to build a big yet silky smooth body. Well recommended.

From the brewery:

"A delicious oatmeal stout with just enough hops to balance the copious quantities of dark roasted malts, oatmeal for a creamy smooth drinkability, and whole vanilla beans for a rich complexity. To achieve this higher level of decadence, we added in whole vanilla beans to the final stage of conditioning – the same process we use to dry hop a beer. Vanilla Oatis Oatmeal Stout is characterized by a roasted front flavor, smooth rich oats, a touch of chocolate flavor, and a rich vanilla complexity imparted by whole vanilla beans. It is bigger than a traditional stout with more alcohol, body and a touch more bitterness to keep it balanced."

[source: ninkasibrewing.com]