Elevator Big Vic Imperial IPA

When I stayed at the Holiday Inn in Grove City, the only restaurants that were by the hotel were basically chain restaurants, which I’m not a huge fan of. I picked up a six of this for my room from the local gas station. I still wasn’t able to sleep due to the 2 AM cornhole tournaments outside my window.

ABV: 8.6%

Style: American Double/Imperial IPA

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “Named for our Brewmaster Vic, a bigger cousin of the English Pale, India Pale Ales were originally brewed with extra alcohol and lots of hops, both of which served to preserve the beer on the long voyage from England to the colony. Dry hopped with a distinct floral essence.”

Random: This beer came in at 80 IBUs.

The beer poured with a one finger, cream-colored head that dissipated slowly. It left a lot of lacing on the plastic cup. The body was a clear, amber color with high carbonation. The nose was very malty for a double IPA. I picked up a lot of caramel up front that transitioned into grass and old pine oil. The taste was slightly more hoppy. I picked up grass, pine needles and lemon pledge. Alcohol came through next with a lot of caramel malt. The body had medium thickness with high carbonation. It had a lengthy and sweet finish with caramel malt. A bottle of this set me back $1.67, which broke down to $.14 per ounce. I thought this beer was slightly below average and one that I wouldn’t recommend.

Untappd Rating: 3.0/5.0

Elevator Bleeding Buckeye Red Ale

This beer was one of the only local or craft offerings at a chain in Ohio called Roosters. It’s a local sports bar that is famous for their wings and the beer selection was the typical macro offerings that you would expect at a chain restaurant. The food there was good, if you’re in the mood for wings, and incredibly cheap. I got a dinner that filled me up for about $10. It’s difficult to find that here in Jersey.

ABV: 5.7%

Style: Extra Special/Strong Bitter

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “Head Brewer Vic is an Ohio State alum, and brewed this red ale for you to enjoy while tail-gating, watching the game with friends, or celebrating a victory. You’ll find BBR has a toasty, caramel taste, goes down smooth and has a lingering clean, finish.”

Random: The barstool at Roosters are incredibly uncomfortable.

This beer poured with a one finger, thick, off white head. It dissipated slowly and left some lacing on the glass. The body was a clear, mahogany color with little visible carbonation. The nose was very nutty with a lot of toffee as well. It also had a mineral water note. The taste was filled with brown bread that had almonds in it. It had a slight brown sugar note along with mineral water and toffee. Caramel malt was plentiful as well. The body was thick with moderate carbonation. It had a quick and sweet finish. This beer was slightly too heavy for me to be a tailgating beer and the flavor was too sweet for me. I wouldn’t rush back to this beer again.

Untappd Rating: 3.0/5.0