Here in NYC again and at a bar near NYU – the Blind Tiger. It’s the fourth of four pubs recommended to me (others being the Ginger Man, David Copperfield’s, and Hop Devil) and it may be one of the best. Lotta Belgians on tap.

Started with the Victory Harvest Pils….uneventful. Seems to me that Victory carbonates too much. I know it’s a lager, but the over crispness causes it to lack character. I find the same issues in their bottled beers.

Lagunitas Kill Ugly Radio; damn good beer. Not sure what it means, but I like how it tastes. It has an amazing copper color and is served in a tulip shaped glass. It has a strong, but smooth grassy hop nose and a crisp malt flavor with a aggressive hop profile that isn’t floral but a balanced grassy/astringent mix. Damn its good…..but what isn’t that they make?

Henry Hudson XIPA from Chelsea Brewery; A gravity pour ( just poured out of a keg without the engine) of a local beer. It’s really, really good. The hop and malt is very well balanced and there’s no residual sugar taste – which is hard when you don’t have any carbonation to work with. Its almost red in hue and has excellent mouth feel. Thumbs up.

Last beer, the Avery Hog Heaven. I know I should be more bold and try their Belgians….I need encouragement. The HH is big, but not too big. Well balancedl, but a bit on the “raisiny” side at first taste. The creamy head is amazing and the malt nose best in the business. A good, smooth malty, hoppy barley wine. I believe it’s a bit over 9%, so a good way to end the evening.