I know what you’re thinking…

This guy’s still alive? Yes folks, I am in fact alive, and occasionally kicking to boot. As I sit here, watching Hitler’s Greatest Blunders, I felt compelled to give you an update. Specifically, one of my favorite beers out there, Red Hook’s IPA, Long Hammer. To begin with, the name and the labeling are pretty awesome. Next, it’s a damn fine IPA. More after the bump.

Long Hammer is brought to you by one of those many fine Northwestern breweries, Red Hook. It is based in Woodinville, Washington, and boasts a fine array of beers. They’ve brewed Long Hammer since 1984, and packs a more-than-respectable 6.5% ABV. It boasts a lovely, if not incredibly strong (by IPA-standards; only 38.5 IBU) bitterness (enhanced though by the fact that they dry-hop their beer with quality local Willamette and Cascade hops) but retains a smooth finish. While it may not compare with standouts from Stone and Lagunitas (two of my personal favorites) it, as the case suggests, “is built to stand the test of time.” I’ve been coming back to Long Hammer, after many diversions to other brands and genres, for several years now. It has a great price-to-quality ratio. Highly recommended.