2010 is here!

Well, it's Jan. 6 already and I have not started most of the things I said would start in 2010. I have made it to the gym a few times but that is about it. After much consideration (and an evil eye from Alisa) I have decided that an IPA a day is a bit ambitious. With my schedule it is just not realistic that I will have the time to drink an IPA every day much less write about it. (Well, look at that I am doing something on my list for 2010: lowering expectations) So I won't be bringing you an IPA a day. I will be bringing you an IPA review whenever I have one. Probably once a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
With that in mind I bring you the 1st IPA of the year. Santa Cruz Ale Works India Pale Ale is mild by West Coast standards. It is sweeter than most IPAs which I would contribute to a big malt base. It clocks in at 6.5% ABV which is right in the wheel house of the IPA but it lacks any real character. I get no distinct hop aroma and the bitterness in the body is mild. Although it does hearken back to the English IPA it lacks the complexity of those IPAs. Overall I would say that given the opportunity to drink it again that I would pass.