Sunday, August 7, 2011

Baxter Brewing Company Stowaway IPA


Baxter Brewing Company's slogan/motto/creed is "We can what we do." I like it. And I like their Stowaway IPA too. It's a bass-add beer, as exemplified by the skull and crossbones on the can.

BBC is located in Lewiston, Maine. They only sell their beer in the state of Maine, which is sad. But it gives you a reason to visit Maine! As if you didn't already have a reason though. BBC chooses to can their beers instead of bottle their beers for thrice reasons: 1 - better for mother earth, 2 - better for the beer, and 3 - you can take canned beer places where you cannot take bottled beer, like the beach and at tailgates, etc. I agree with points 1 and 3, but am skeptical about point 2. The only beer that tastes better out of a can to me is the mythical PBR, but I've never had the Stowaway IPA out of a bottle (or draught), so I don't have anything to compare to. I'll take their word for it. BBC also makes a pale ale in addition to the IPA. They also are currently hiring, so if you want to move to Lewiston, ME, go for it!

The Stowaway IPA is a really good IPA. The taste is so super strong you'd swear that Superman brewed this puppy. You'll taste all of the hops and citrus you've come to expect from a rich IPA, and you'll experience this for a long time afterwards. Like for at least a week. Along with the strong taste comes a more than welcome 6.9% ABV. I enjoyed this beer as a nightcap to an evening of imbibing, and it sure as shit put me on my ass and down for the night. If only I could give this to my kid when I want him to go to sleep - I'd get the father of the year award for sure! This was one heavy heavy heavy beer, so I don't think you'll be able to drink many of these, unless you actually are Heavy D. I picked up a single can for $1.79, so a six-pack probably goes for $9-10. And again I have to mention the skull and crossbones on the can, because it makes you feel like a pirate or a biker when you're drinking it.

I highly recommend the Stowaway IPA if you ever find yourself in Maine. To conclude, allow me this opportunity to showcase my awesome skull and crossbones MS Paint artwork. Shock and Awe!


Drinkability: 4/10
Taste: 8/10
Value: 6/10
Curb Appeal: 8/10

Overall: 6.5/10

2 comments:

  1. Cans are demonstrably better for the beer. Cans handle temperature fluctuations better and the imperfections in the glass give a greater likelihood that the seal between the glass and the cap will be broken, spoiling the beer. I am very, very pro can.....

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