My friends – just taking time to go through my phone/camera/email device…you know how we DC-types are impatient. We want our information faster than a fat kid can slurp up a string of spaghetti. But I digress. Anyhoo, I came across photos from the “before” part of my dear friend Patrick’s bachelor party last year. We began said event at a wonderful restaurant in Providence, RI. Rhode Island is famous for being, well, small; although it has many more establishments-of-a-certain-nature than its neighboring Boston. Additionally, it has a seriously good microbrewing company called Trinity. While downing almost certainly the best hamburger I have ever had, period, I knocked back a couple of these bad boys. Trinity IPA is a very OK small-batch beer. Having brewed many small batches, I feel it necessary to critique this beer a little for having a classic IPA recipe, and that’s all.

Allow me to elaborate. You see, friends, the American palate has developed an incredible differentiation of the ever-broadening line of IPA-style brews. This, sadly, is fairly run-of-the-mill. Years ago, it would have been fine. The key to survival and profitability in this market is differentiation! We beer drinkers only stand to benefit, of course. Look at Stone IPA, Dogfish Head, and Green Flash. These beers have taken a step beyond American pioneer Sierra Nevada.

Nevertheless, this beer is both enjoyable and drinkable. I give it 4 out of 5stars as an American beer, and 3 out of 5 for an IPA. Sorry to be harsh, but for crying out loud, I have brewed better.