Jai Alai IPA - White Oak - Cigar City Brewing

olfolxholme

California

3.48/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle poured into Duvel tulip

A - Strange looking sediment in the bottle - way more than expected or than I've ever seen. Was a really distracting image in the back of my mind while I watched a small amount of sediment settle in my glass even though I poured carefully. The beer is a burning orange color with white head. Quite a bit of lacing, some patches of head retention.

S - Sharp oaky vanilla dominates classic citrusy American hop aromas. Behind that, earthy aroma.

T - Some pale malt mixed with a smoother version of the aroma. The woody oak really dominates, and the IPA allows for this nicely.

M - Crisp and dry. Not harsh, but not a thirst quencher. Puckering.

O - I rinsed out the bottle right after pouring the beer and was really disturbed by the sediment that came out of it. I know that this is not always a sign of deathbeer. I like pouring all the yeast into my weissbiers and witbiers. But. Still, I approached the beer with some trepidation. It was interesting and not bad at all. Not sure it is one that I would go out of my way to have again, but i wouldn't turn it down. It was nice to drink a lighter beer with the oak flavors present. Most of the oak aged beers I've had are DARK. If you have a chance, give it a shot. I'm grateful I was able to try it.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2012 03:15:17 | More by olfolxholme

Lare453

Florida

4.65/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap into a ccb pint glass

A golden, hazy, nice thick white head, light lacing, head dissipates at a medium pace into a nice white crown

S wow! Coconut, vanilla, sweet hops, light citrus. Amazing!

T the best thing ever! Heavy coconut, vanilla beginning and middle, almost tropical hop and citrus ending. The after taste is mellow and smooth coconut milk.

M smooth as silk. light, good carbonation, fun.

O in my top 3 ipas of all time.,, this beer is delicious, if you have the opportunity get it and get a lot of out. Highly recommended by me, not that it matters, but wow, it is great

Serving type: on-tap

10-22-2012 04:20:41 | More by Lare453

awalk1227

Georgia

4.13/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Consumed 11/15/10

Poured into a Bruery tulip

A: Pours a huge, creamy white head with a murky orange body. Quite intimidating!

S: Whoo, the oak is in full force it seems. There's a slight malt present, and what seems to be a liiitle pine and bitterness from the hops, but big oaky notes are present.

T: My nose was correct. It's clean, fresh, bitter and drying on the finish, but with a huge oak profile. It's actually great for showing off what oak does to a beer, because this very flavor I have tasted before in many of the sours aged in oak barrels.

F: Oak lends itself to a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. Pretty good carbonation too!

D: If you're looking for a citrus-pine punch in the face, look elsewhere. If you want a well done interpretation on the style with a very interesting flavor profile, this one is for you. I think the oak makes it a little less drinkable, but only because it's such a bold flavor.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2010 01:54:14 | More by awalk1227

BigBlacke

Florida

4.33/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

White oak aged Jai Alai is a nice little twist to the already delicious Jai Alai. Pours a dark amber color with a .75 in head that leaves a stubborn lace as it goes. Pungent floral hops with a little sweetness and a fair amount of oak. Taste is of fresh floral hops with a tiny hint of wine, and tons of smooth oak. Mouthfeel is fresh, crisp and astringent. Hops give you a smack upfront, and in the aftertaste. I find drinkability to be fairly high cause, for lack of better words, it fuckin rocks!!!

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2011 20:52:14 | More by BigBlacke

lazjuarez

Florida

3.95/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a Cigar City snifter. Bottle dated: AUG1011

A: Poured fairly vigorously which created about 2 fingers worth of an off white, almost buttery colored head. Pours a deep orange, burnt amber color. Head stuck around for a few minutes, but reduces to some spotty patches of foam, leaving behind some small lacing.

S: Nose is filled immediately by oak, but compliments the tropical notes that follow. I'm getting grapefruit, pineapple, and some small citrus as well. Astringency is present, but is balanced by some sweet malts.

T: Taste is oak forward, just as in the nose. Then, pine notes follow and just as they started retreat to the dominant oak. Good caramel malts play a nice role as well.

M: Medium bodied; The oak really coats the palate, light malty breadiness also helps. Carbonation was a bit low for me, it would have helped in refreshing my palate. Overall a great beer, but the only down point was the mouth feel for me.

Serving type: bottle

10-17-2011 04:46:48 | More by lazjuarez

jstilwell

Massachusetts

4.47/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Big thanks to ShrLSU for running the two drink minimum Fantasy football league. Thanks to a nice CCB package sent from tpd975, I get to review this gem!

Normal pour yields a hazy orangy brown base with a bright white thick creamy head. This head lasts for a bit and produces a fair amount of lacing. Pour = Quality appearance. The aroma is of strong citrusy hops balanced by Oak and butter cookies. The first sip is smooth with the mildly sweet oak reminiscent of toffee, hitting the front of the tongue. At first taste the style of the beer is indistinguishable as the oak does its thing but it is soon overtaken by a strong bitter hop blast. The carbonation is perfect and leads to a dry brisk peppery finish, with noticeable alcohol. The mouthfeel is medium thick and velvety.

The only beer I have to compare to this is Oak Aged Unearthly by Southern Tier. I find this vastly superior with the oak not as overwhelming, the ipa base zestier, and none of the sticky sweetness.

This is an A class brew for sure!

ISO More Cigar City (Effective immediately)

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2011 00:20:01 | More by jstilwell

buffs9

Colorado

4.1/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: . Dark orange and a bit cloudy. Small head that reduced rather quickly to a thin layer on top.

S: Smells very sweet, almost like a combo between a sweeter quad and a fruity ipa on the nose. Picking up brown sugar, light citrus smell at first. A bit of spice as well - love the nose on this.

T: Much like the nose. Starts with a nice citrus hop profile, then comes some sweetness, sugar/vanilla combo and then finishes w/ some wood.

M: Medium bodied. Decent carbonation.

D: Definitely want to drink this one again, too bad I don't have any more and would need to trade for it. Will have to get more Wooden Elephant from Odell instead.

Serving type: bottle

08-03-2011 23:33:51 | More by buffs9

Yimosan

Florida

4.18/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Cigar City.

A - Cloudy and honey-like in color. Nice head retention and sticky lacing.

S - Citrus and pine as an IPA should smell, but there is also a nice hint of vanilla and tropical fruits.

T - Citrusy but not pungent. I think the oak aging mellows out the Jai Alai base and makes it more drinkable, IMO.

M - Beautiful carbonation and creaminess throughout the session.

D - A very smooth and easy drinking IPA. I think the oak adds a gorgeous complexity to the aroma and palate.

Definitely A Winner...move over Humidor!!

Salud!!

Serving type: on-tap

09-24-2010 21:33:37 | More by Yimosan

mnphish

Minnesota

4.6/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottled at the Cigar City Brewery less than a week ago, thanks to my great friends in Florida! 12oz bottle poured into a Snifter.

A: Color is amber gold, head recedes quickly and leaves a little bit of lacing.

S: Here is where this beer dominates. Heavy aromas of grapefruit, oak/wood, citrus, and hints of pineapple, peaches, and coconut. Amazing, i can't wait to indulge.

T: Very nice. All that comes through in the smell translates beautifully in the taste. Lots of grapefruit, well balanced, and the oak adds a one-of-a-kind complexity to this beer.

M: Light carbonation, smooth and light, very drinkable.

O: I am pretty wowed by this beer, never had an IPA with all these tropical flavors. So damn good.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2012 04:41:43 | More by mnphish

ales4baldo

California

4.47/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Big thanks to Hdelavega for this one in a trade. Thank you sir. Poured in the wonder Cigar City Snifter he also sent.

Presentation-Simple bottle, showing the white oak on the label. Big hop announces the presence what your gonna get.

Presentation-Appearence-Hazy deli mustard coloration. Almost a cloudy and foggy beer than you cant see through. Good head. About a finger and a half of head.

Smell-The white oak gives this beer a really sweet smell. Sugars and wood oak come up really nice. Lots of hops and a bit of tangerine.

Taste-Really nice man. The white oak does wonders to this beer. Grapefruit like youll usually find in an IPA. Sweet lemon notes hide behind the strong presense of hops. A bit of orange and like some red apple as well.

Mouthfull-Get a nice full mouthfull with this beer. Has a lot of body to it and the hops aged with the white oak add a really nice sweet bitter. Carbonation is really nice as always.

Overall-A really nice beer. Really nice. Simple and with a lot of body and flavors. I really like this one.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2011 04:07:04 | More by ales4baldo

soughtbygod

California

4.53/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours a dark slightly cloudy amber with a barley off white 2 finger head.

the smell is unique right off the bat i pick up some roasted caramel sweetness, followed by hops and a little bit of funkiness maybe that is the white oak pulling through

the taste wow this beer is great i don't find myself saying ipa and aged together as a good thing very often, but they did well with this. they gave it enough malt backbone that as it aged on the oak and the hops fell off that it picked up a sweet characteristic. this after you swallow you pick up grapefruit and floral hop flavors and it finishes with the oak

the mouthfeel is incredibly velvety for an ipa, it drinks like a milk stout. very thick and luscious.

overall this beer is on par with its BA score. very good will def hunt some down in the future.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2012 01:30:22 | More by soughtbygod

billyshears

Maryland

4.2/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Finishing up my last one. poured into a Duvel Tulip.

a:decent off-white head with pretty good retention. reddish amber body. some lacing

s: this is why i put it in the tulip. when i was at the brewery, they opened up and threw down 4 of these bottles on the crate. little did i know of the surprise that was in store: i took a sniff and i was blown away! it was only then did i notice that it was the white oak aged jai alai. so glad that i was exposed to it cause i didn't even notice it was on sale either and probably would've bypassed it completely. i really could smell this all day. if it was a shampoo, i would make sure my gf used this constantly. the white oak completely takes the nose to the next level, it starts with the hop cirtus sweetness and notches it all the way up to pineapple as well as giving it a bit of a coconut-y and vanilla vibe. as SpeedwayJim mentioned, it's like a pina coloda... with a few trees around. not the most complex but just very pleasant.

t:sugary sweet with sweet fruits and citrus. a bit of piney hop bitterness lingering on the back. doesn't quite live up to the nose but still very nice. The White Oak certainly kicks the hops down a notch, which could be bad as it is an IPA and that's what most are looking for.

m: moderate carbonation, medium body. as expected for an ipa aged on oak.

d: very tasty but u cant really drink too many of these i think. not really a session as much as a special treat.

the fact that i first had this while in the cigar city brewery and that it was so unexpected may have bumped this a bit higher, but i really enjoyed the few, really fresh bottles i had of this.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2011 03:25:49 | More by billyshears

rel

Florida

4.13/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Out the bottle.

Poured a dark, cloudy orange with a large white head. No vibrant colors, but beautiful lacing and retention.

This beer has a very woody smell. Its like being in a damp forest, but not particularly an oak forest. I live in one, I know the smell. Very comforting. Some of the usual IPA characteristics, flowery hops, citrus notes.

On the front the beer is bitter, with citrus notes that mellow out into flowery hops. In the finish, the oak really comes through. Definitely oak. Works very well with the IPA. Perfect carbonation.

I really, really enjoyed this beer. Flowers and woods come together!

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2011 01:14:06 | More by rel

bernardus1212

Florida

3.9/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle into a ssnifter. Enjoyes this puppy at WOB in tampa. (Thank you Rob.) Very bright orange. When I mean bright I mean like flourescent, not light. Super dense White head that lasted for a good 5 minutes. The white oak reminded me alot of a Balvenie scotch. Great balance between the hops and the aging. CC aged this guy perfectly. Would have had another one but I was at WOB so I had to move on to the next adventure. Highly recommend this uniquely aged IPA.

Serving type: bottle

10-12-2010 16:02:46 | More by bernardus1212

TotallyHosed

Illinois

4.18/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Heatwave33 for the bottle.

Poured into a highball glass.

Has a slightly off-white head, about a finger thick, that leaves some nice lace on the glass. The color reminds me of bright apple cider that's opaque enough to hide the bubbles.

The smell is full of sweet oak with a little bit of hops hiding behind. It makes my mouth water, so I dove right in.

The taste matches the smell at the start: oaky sweetness. The oak subsides a bit and allows some hoppy bitterness. The bitter steps aside and all that's left is a creamy oak flavor.

For an oak aged beer, I'm surprised with the carbonated feel, especially considering other wood barreled beers that I've had. This is a nice surprise.

Overall I really enjoyed this brew. I've had a few other oaked IPA's in the past and was disappointed. I never detected any of the alcohol, which for me is always impressive.

Recommended

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2011 03:49:38 | More by TotallyHosed

wchollif

North Carolina

4.13/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks jcartamdg for the surprise box including this gem.

Pours a hazy amber/copper with a finger of head that drops quick. Much darker than expected, probably not the most attractive beer.

The smell is a fantastic ipa citrus hops with loads of oak.

Taste is very good. Oak comes through mostly on the front, it hides the hops a bit but it's very well balanced. Great bitter aftertaste that shows the hop flavor.

Mouthfeel and drinkability are both fine, it's a bit heavy for a 7% IPA and the dominant oak probably wouldn't have me reaching for another right away.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2011 23:23:42 | More by wchollif

sdmvd6

Oklahoma

4.4/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a CC snifter.

A - Slightly hazy copper (similar to regular Jai Alai) but with a small head leaving little lacing.

S - Wow. Sweet vanilla, brown sugar, and some bourbon from the oak. These are underlain by a touch of caramel malt and spicy, earthy hops.

T - Sweet, rich vanilla, brown sugar, and woodiness. Definite notes of spices and bourbon-soaked bread. Undertones of caramel malt and earthy/citrusy hops linger in the finish with a peppery alcohol burn and a touch of bitterness.

M - Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation. The alcohol burns a bit but not in a bad way. The finish is a tad dry.

O - This is a fantastic beer by CC. It is by far the best aged IPA I have had, as the hops are still apparent and superbly balanced by the character imparted by the oak. The complexity of the wood was something I just haven't found; I loved it!

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2011 03:21:23 | More by sdmvd6

Trystero

Ohio

4/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Courtesy of xpdrinker. Thank you!

Back-logged circa 12/28/2011

Appearance: Golden flecked orange hue with residuale white froth lace.

Smell: Smoke, oak, open flame. Faint light malts and an appealing combination of grass and citrus hops.

Taste: Citrus, resin pine, hop nectar laced with vanilla and smoked oak. A slight malt sweetness plays host.

Mouthfeel: Smooth and deceptivly drinkable.

Overall: I've never had the pleasure of sampling the original Jai Alai but this wood version is exceptional.

Serving type: bottle

07-20-2012 15:20:42 | More by Trystero

GameFreac

Georgia

4.65/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap at the brewery and loved it so I got a 4 pack.

Appearance: Pours a murky orange color with floaties.

Smell: Smells of hops citrus and oak.

Taste - Tastes like the regular Jai Alai with an oaky twang - hard to describe but a very nice flavor.

Mouthfeel: Medium mouthfeel.

Overall: Overall, really good. One of the best and most interesting IPAs I've ever had.

EDIT: After my 4th bottle, this is in my top 5 IPAs. Absolutely delicious.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2013 06:06:45 | More by GameFreac

godfathermg57

Florida

4.7/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bottle into a CCB snifter

A: Hazy amber, very similar to original Jai Alai

S: Oak, orange, pineapple, grapefruit, flowers, basically a tropical forest hop bomb.

T: Glorious taste. The white oak takes the original Jai Alai IPA and injects a burst of tropical paradise and a shot of vanilla. The oak seemingly has brought the fruit flavors to the forefront but in a way that perfectly compliments the other flavors.

M: Once again similar to Jai Alai. Definitely some body to it and not thin.

D: Very drinkable. I wish this were available all year round because this would be my IPA of choice.

Out of all the Jai Alai versions I've had, this is my favorite and is one of the finer IPA's I've had. Goes great with the Florida weather.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2011 19:29:17 | More by godfathermg57

MammothBrew

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev -4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into my trusty tulip.

A: Pours a hazy copper color with one finger head. Solid retention and above average lacing.

S: Oak is the first to hit the nose. Followed by caramel, citrus, vanilla, and hops. The oak is pretty much over powering this one.

T: The first drink has almost a whiskey-esque flavor due to the oak. Underneath, there's a nice citrus, piney, hoppy flavor.

M: Medium body with medium/high carbonation. Leaves a light oak/piney resin that clings to the mouth.

O: Good but not how I prefer my Jai Alai! I thought the oak overpowered everything and could have been more balanced.

Serving type: bottle

10-20-2011 12:33:35 | More by MammothBrew

ediaz

Florida

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle Date: 15 Aug 2012. Review Date: 21 Aug 2012.

A: Fluffy white head on a copper body

S: Sweet bitter citrus hops, oak, smoke.

T: really sweet and smooth, the hoppy taste is well-tempered by the oak treatment. smokey on the back end.

M: Medium with low carbonation. At first, i thought more carb would help the beer, but as i drink it i feel like the low carb and decent weight help the taste come through.

O: Fantastic. I will be having this plenty as long as they can keep it in stock! I would recommend seeking this out or trading for it. Definitely on par with the best of them. Much better than the untreated jai alai, not that the untreated version was bad at all.

Serving type: bottle

08-21-2012 21:24:58 | More by ediaz

Hamburgers

California

4.44/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Pours dark amber with a lot of little floaties. One finger white head with nice lacing. Super juicy nose of mango, peaches and other tropical fruit. Seriously though, you will never find a nose like this on another IPA. Amazing! Flavor is equally amazing. Notes of mango, oak and like the description says a hint of dill in the finish. Medium body with light carbonation. Slightly bitter finish. One of a kind.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 07:10:54 | More by Hamburgers

hornsup

Virginia

4.53/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle poured into a Sweetwater pint glass

A: Pours an orange amber color but on the lighter side with a half finger head than leaves a thin head after only a few seconds.

S:Smells like a pina colada? yea...very tropical fruit flavors, vanilla, light off coconut, citrus..interesting

T: this blew me away....nothing like any IPA I have ever had. The oak hits you hard first then it transitions into a smooth smooth vanilla flavor and finishes with a little bitterness..bonus is the burp gives you a little pine.

M: creamy, medium bodied, just feels right

O: This is a great rendition on an IPA. The vanilla white oak really compliments the hops and bitterness well, its not something you would session all night to me only because it is slightly sweet on the tongue but damn is it good. CCB never ceases to amaze me

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2013 06:13:18 | More by hornsup

datalager

Connecticut

4.4/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had the fortune of grabbing a four pack while in Ellenton, FL for a very quick trip there. Thanks to fellow BA members for recommending this brewery to me.

The look is a cloudy pale amber with short white head. It doesn't look like most of the IPAs I've had, and that is a good thing. Overall it has an attractive appearance.

Smell is excellent right off the bat. It is sweet, woody, and layered with a nice floral hop quality.

Taste follows the aroma nicely. Malt and hops are well balanced, with perhaps just a hint of grapefruit in the mix, leaving a touch of nectar in the finish without being overly sweet.

The tongue draws in a medium amount of sparkle, followed by a smooth swallow. Only a touch a dryness resides in the finish.

Although I enjoy good IPAs, they aren't typically my favorite style. That said, this is perhaps the best IPA I have ever had, and I'm glad I have three more to get me through until xmas (assuming they last that long).

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2011 20:30:33 | More by datalager