559 CIA – Carbonation In Abundance

559 CIAJust found this on the shelf at Raley’s. It’s from W Brewing in Clovis, CA. CIA actually stands for Clovis Independence Ale. I love the patriotic bottle cap, but the contents left a bit to be desired. The golden ale was over carbonated. Even after sitting in the bottle for two hours a fresh pour caused another gusher over the top of my glass. That tall, rocky head lasted forever! A sign of good quality ingredients.

The brewery has a cool back story about a farming family in the Valley for over 100 years. A touching story about the brewer being encouraged and supported by his late grandfather.

His grandfather was the inspiration of RFA (Raisin Farmer Ale). There are raisins in the brew. His grandfather was a raisin farmer for over 50 years.

W Brewing is offering the following beers both on tap at local establishments and in 22oz “bomber” bottles:
* 559 RFA-Raisin Farmer Ale
* 559 CIA-Clovis Independence Ale
* 559 WPA-Wawona Peach Ale
* 559 BBA-Bourbon Barrel Ale

I can’t wait to try them all.

Appearance:
Slightly hazy deep golden color. First pour was an overflow. I gradually filled my glass a little pour at a time. I never filled it completely with beer. A white, rocky head that was very long-lived.

Aroma:
Malty, citrusy hop and some distracting fruity esters. Very difficult to get a good indication of the aroma due to excess foam.

Flavor:
A sweet malty start with some grassy hop flavor and an off flavor like esters. A hint of clove. I’ve created similar flavors with excessive fermentation temperatures.

Finish:
A little thin with a hoppy dryness.

Cheers!

Cam Ireland

I am a BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) National judge. I am also a homebrewer. I love to taste classic styled and outside-the-box beer from around the world, explore craft beer breweries, cook and pair meals with beer and share all of these with anybody that has the same interests.

2 thoughts on “559 CIA – Carbonation In Abundance

  1. I personally did not like the fact that from the time the bottle was opened..I poured in a glass…til it sat for an hr or so..all it did was foam. Couldnt enjoy the taste of the beer without It Foaming Up everywhere..trying to clean up the carbonation. It may show its freshness, but I couldnt tell…NOT ANY GOOD FOR ME! WASTED MY TIME N MONEY TO ENJOY A LOCAL BEER BRAND..DROWNING IN FOAM!!

    • Hi Ron,
      I agree that over carbonation is a bummer. It adds to the effect of hop bitterness which can be a good thing. The one saving grace is that a huge pointy head makes for a unique picture opportunity!

      Thanks for your comments,
      Cam

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Handcrafted Beer Cap Neckwear

32,10,0,70,1
600,600,60,1,3000,5000,25,800
90,150,1,70,12,30,50,1,70,12,1,50,1,1,1,5000
Stone Brewing is located in Escondido, California and is known for hugely hoppy and high octane, malt-rich beers. Stone Brewing Co. was founded in 1996 in San Marcos, CA. The Double Bastard this cap sealed uses huge amounts of hops, but the type of hops used is not released. The necklace shown here was previously crimped on a bottle of Double Bastard Ale. The beer is orange-light brown in color and has a hoppy and malty nose. A mouth full of hop flavor and a rich malt and bitter/dry and finish. The hop types and IBU\'s are \"Classified\" according to Stone Brewing, but the alcohol is plentiful at 11% abv! This artisan piece was handmade using that recycled bottle cap. The cap was domed and filled with 2-row malted barley and caramel malt similar to that malt commonly used in similar beer styles. The malt is set in resin and helps add weight. This is a must have item for beer enthusiasts, craftbeer enthusiasts, Stone Brewing fans, IPA, DIPA fanatics, San Diego beer lovers or anybody that enjoys truly unique, handmade jewelry. Each piece is different as each cap has been treated differently through their travels to my beer fridge. Additionally, each cap reacts differently to the doming process. Cracks and chips may result naturally and add to the unique, unduplicated, rustic character of the finished product. The cap artwork represents the Stone gargoyle logo.
Stone-Double Arrogant Bastard
The beer cap shown here was previously crimped on a bottle of West Coast Double India Pale Ale (DIPA). The beer is orange-copper in color and has a hoppy and malty nose. A mouth full of hop flavor and a bitter/dry and finish. Clean and refreshing even though this beer weighs in at 95 IBUs and 8.1% abv!
Green Flash West Coast Double IPA
The necklace shown here was previously crimped on the bottle of Blue Moon Belgian White. Blue moon uses 2 row barley, white wheat and oats in their grain bill. They also use Valenica orange peel and coriander to give the beer the signature aroma and flavor profile of a traditional Belgian white. The specific gravity is 1.053, IBUs-9 and weighs in at a moderate 5.4% abv. The aroma is malty with a bit of orange. The flavor has a sweet start with a bit of spicy orange flavor and a nicely balanced finish from the hops. The addition of oats provide a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Blue Moon Front
This artisan piece was handmade using that recycled bottle cap. The cap was domed and filled with real 2-row malted barley and white wheat used this beer style. The barley and wheat is set with casting epoxy to hold the grain in place and add weight.
Blue Moon Back
Blue Moon beer cap from the side
Blue Moon Side View
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