Connecticut Valley A Fantastic Voyage

Every time I looked at this can, it reminded me of the Coolio song “Fantastic Voyage.”

ABV: 6.5%

Style: American IPA

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “This All-American NEIPA features an abundance of Amarillo, Centennial, and Simcoe- all harvested from the Pacific Northwest. Beginning with a flowery tangerine aroma, this brew shows its depth with a distinct grapefruit punch before finishing with a spicy melon tang. Let this 6.5% brew take you on A Fantastic Voyage. At the Connecticut Valley Brewing Company we not only make delicious beer, we also celebrate the great taste of the craft by going on A Fantastic Voyage in brewing. The Yellow submarine, is a representation of the first submarine invented in CT in 1775 and for the Nautilus Submarine (which is the official Connecticut stateship since 1983) It is our way of commemorating the many people of CT that contribute daily to our country with their hard work and innovative ideas. Celebrate your Fantastic Voyage in life and know that by purchasing this beer you are saving the sound for a portion of the sale of this beer goes to the ‘Save the Sound’.”

Random: This was another beer gift, so I have no idea how much it was.

This beer poured with a one finger, white head. It dissipated at a moderate pace and left some lacing on the glass. The body was yellow and slightly hazy, so I couldn’t see a huge amount of carbonation on it. The nose started with grapefruit flesh and pith, but quickly went into a note of honeydew. The taste started with grapefruit flesh as well, but quickly went into grass and honeydew. The body was on the medium side with a slight alcohol bite. It had a medium length, slightly sticky finish with honeydew. I liked this beer, but there are so many others in the style that are better. It’s still worth a try.

Untappd Rating: 3.5/5.0

Connecticut Valley Trailblazer

One of the beer blogs that I followed for years shut down their site. When I first started getting into beer, I loved “Lost In The Beer Aisle” and eagerly awaited new posts. After going back, I realized that they hadn’t posted in a few years and took all of the content down, which was very disappointing. I don’t read other beer blogs much anymore, but if you have one you think I should check out, let me know in the comments.

ABV: 8%

Style: American Double/Imperial IPA

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “Our signature New England style IPA, Trailblazer hits you with a bouquet of fresh citrus from the first crack of the can. A copious amount of Citra hops impart bold resinous orange characteristics with light tropical undertones and finishes with an onslaught of pithy grapefruit zest. Trailblazer is one of our most enticing craft beers that will rev up your palate with an explosion of fresh ‘unfiltered’ hop. This beer has an irresistibly intense flavor! At Connecticut Valley Brewing Company, we celebrate the trailblazing spirit that lies within us all. That is why Trailblazer, Colonel Albert Pope, adorns this can racing on his signature Pope Cycle. Pope not only formed the League of American Wheelman to improve roads, he also produced one of the first motorcycles and electric automobiles. By 1900, Col. Pope’s (Hartford, CT) factory produced more motor vehicles than any other factory int he world. Choose your own path and celebrate your Trailblazing spirit by enjoying the great taste of Trailblazer and know that a portion of the sale of this beer goes to charity bike riders across CT.”

Random: This beer uses Centennial and Citra hops.

The beer poured with a half a finger of white head that dissipated almost instantly, leaving little lacing on the pint glass. The body was murky and bright orange with no visible carbonation due to the cloudiness. The nose was bright and started with some pineapple and mango and quickly transitioned into cantaloupe and grapefruit zest. The taste was equally bright. It had grapefruit zest and segments and then went into mango juice and cantaloupe. It wasn’t overly bitter and was unmistakably a New England IPA. The body was on the medium side with a lot of carbonation. There was a touch of booze. It had a quick finish with mango juice. This beer was outstanding and a great example of the style. I highly recommend it.

Untappd Rating: 4.5/5.0