Golden Road Brewing 'Point The Way' IPA. 5.9% abv. 60 IBU. Golden honey color. Nearly two inches of white bubbly head. Good retention, nice lacing. Nose of fruity hops, pineapple, bread. Notes of banana and faint corn emerge as the temp drops. Front taste of pine, grapefruit juice, biscuit, bitter floral hops. Aftertaste of light fruit, sweet light malt, citrus peel on the sustain. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, tangy, somewhat thick, dry on the back.

This is a nice IPA, definitely of the WestCoast style, with bursts of fruity and floral hops, a light malt profile, and sweet citrus flavors throughout. Hop bitter is balanced well, as is the body, making a highly drinkable, almost sessionable brew. Slightly better than average for its category, if only because it's not a typical runaway hop train. I quite enjoyed this brew. Well recommended.

From the brewery:

"Point the Way IPA is our ode to the hop-crazed patrons of Los Angeles.  Its light malt body elevates the citrus zest, tropical and pine notes contributed by a generous hop dosing.  At 5.9%, this sessionable West-Coast IPA finishes dry for optimal repeatability."

[source: goldenroad.la]

High Water Brewing 'Old And In The Way' Barleywine. 11% abv. 60 IBU. Dark brown, nearly black in color. Finger of beige head. Good retention and lace. Sweet nose of caramel, roasted malt, dark fruit. Front taste of roasted malt, prunes, toffee. Tastes wood-aged. Aftertaste is sweet-bitter, bitter hops, cooked dark berries, plums, raisins. Full body. Mouthfeel is thick, syrupy, strong, alcoholic.

This excellent beer swings for the fences with its rich malty backbone, big body, and aggressive rich, sweet fruity flavor profile. Roasty, malty, fruity, dark. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Old and In The Way Barley Wine Style Ale is brewed in the traditional English Barley Wine Style. Flavors of toffee, treacle and caramel emerge as the beer opens up. Enjoy this beer a little warmer to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of flavors in this beer. Brewed to be enjoyed as a sipping or fireside beer. Share one with a good friend."