Redhook Long Hammer IPA

type: IPA
origin: Seattle, WA
price: $1.99 (!) at BevMo
ABV: 6.2%
NSP: 20.2
website

Redhook's origins were small -- an earnest Seattle microbrewery -- but now they're huge, and balls deep in the Craft Brewers Brew Alliance (think Widmer, Magic Hat, etc.).  The primary owners are Anheuser-Busch InBev, which means their production can never outpace their distribution.

Because this brewery has evolved into a high volume, reasonably high quality brewer (along the lines of, say, Boston Brewing), and has an unsurpassed distribution network, meaning can now find this in nearly every store, straddled by Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Sam Adams Boston Lager.  All three are sufficiently distinct, and flavorful, that you shouldn't be disappointed if that's your only selection. (Although I might be more inclined to roll with Sierra first.)

As an IPA this is as basic as they come.  It's adequately hopped,  but a little too malty to be really good.  Nothing interesting going on.  Easy drinking though, and I can't complain at two flippin' dollars!

EDIT, October 10, 2012:  Did you note the strikethrough?  Well, a PR person for Redhook contacted us (politely) asking the following records be set straight: "Craft Brewers Alliance" is now named "Craft Brew Alliance", and they are not affiliated with Magic Hat. The Alliance consists of Redhook, Widmer Brothers, Kona Brewing, and Omission.  WHEW!  Glad we cleared all that up.