400 Pound Monkey - Left Hand Brewing Company

VanHopper69

South Carolina

3.65/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Poured from the growler dark straw color. Head was about two fingers, but dissipated quickly to just a thin layer. Surprisingly heavy lacing left all the way down the pint glass.

S - The smell was kinda funky. Not at all what I was expecting from an IPA. No citrus or floral. This one was very herbal and grassy. Almost bordering on musty.

T - Despite my hesitation to try a taste of the beer after what I thought was an off smell, the beer was a nice balance between that somewhat subdued malts and the unusual hops.

M - Carbonation may have saved this beer from falling into the mediocre category for me. It added a lightness to the feel. Had this one been heavy, I don’t think I would have finished it.

O - I’m going to reserve my judgment for another day on this one. It was good enough to keep me interested, but not to the point that I’ll run right out to fill the growler again. Maybe next time I’ll try to find it in a bottle and see if that makes a difference.

Serving type: growler

04-24-2011 03:27:56 | More by VanHopper69

barleywinefiend

Washington

3.15/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: Poured a golden yellow color with good carbonation and a small white head.

S: Light hops, caramel perhaps

T: Nothing really to distinguish this beer. Caramel malt, a little toasty at times. Very light dry, hop bitterness on finish

M: Seems to medium bodied, light booze feel, hops

D: Average

Serving type: growler

05-05-2010 02:53:56 | More by barleywinefiend

Flounder57

Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

12 oz bottle was poured into a pint glass.

Appearance: This beer poured a one finger head that reduced to a thin layer and left some nice lacing on the glass. It is a pale orange color with some clarity and bubbles coming up through the glass. Super nice lacing on the glass as the beer was drank.

Smell: Caramel and bready malts followed by earthy and grassy hops. Sweetness in there too outside of the caramel malts.

Taste: Same as above with a tea like taste to it.

Mouthfeel: Smooth, medium bodied, medium carbonation, a little chewy and drinkable.

Overall: Pretty tasty EIPA. I could have a few more.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2013 04:43:28 | More by Flounder57

Cozzatoad

Italy

3.88/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

12oz bottle

A- Rich amber color. Head is white, a couple of fingers, shows great persistence and nice lacing

S- Quite sweet foundation with bready malts and maybe a little hint of honey. Hop notes are herbal, floral and slightly pungent, bringing a delicate refreshing notes. Slight earthy feel but still overall a very much clean aroma

T- Again sweet malts upfront, bready/biscuity, light caramel. Still the beer has a quite refreshing feel: hops are bringing a lively herbal/grassy feel, some light citric notes. Finish is decently dry and refreshing. This is very much a classic english ipa (expect for the slightly higher ABV) so you can't expect loads of hops like some reviews mourned for, hops though are definitely making themselves heard in the bitter, dry aftertaste

M- Average body and carbonation, with that touch of buttery feel that is typical with many english ales. Overall nicely smooth

O- An english ipa with a twist and a bit more character than usual, but still perfectly balanced and drinkable. Very nice

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 13:54:16 | More by Cozzatoad

Paulpopilek

Minnesota

3.56/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Only have had in bottle. I enjoy the smooth feel of the beer the most.

A - nothing's special with the appearance. Just like any other IPA. Label is artistic which is a plus
S - smells like a brown ale surprisingly
T - love how smooth it is, not a lot of bite for a IPA
M - smooth is what separates it form other IPAs

O- would drink this beer again if someone offered it to me. Probably would not buy it again unless on sale

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 03:06:15 | More by Paulpopilek

LarryV

Massachusetts

2.15/5  rDev -39.8%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

I like IPA's and I like Left Hand brews for the most part. This beer was a big disappointment however, I'm glad I only had a few bottles from a variety pack. Pours a clear light amber color with virtually no aroma. Hops are quite subdued and malt takes front and center in a weak way. There's something in the flavor that I just can't put my finger on, but I really don't like it. There's really nothing about this brew to latch on to as a saving grace, I can't recommend it.

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2013 01:40:51 | More by LarryV

DenverLogan

Colorado

3.53/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a Maudite tulip glass.
Pours a gold with crisp bubbles and head.
Aroma of grassy and floral hops, slight melon and #2 pencil.
Significant carbonation and moderate moutfeel.
Flavors of grassy hops, malts, white grapefruit rind, minerals, slight burnt toast. Overall quite flavorful with good body and a bitter semi-dry finish.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2013 04:34:09 | More by DenverLogan

puboflyons

New Hampshire

4.21/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

From the 12 fl. oz. bottle. Sampled on April 18, 2013.

The pour is a cloudy, milky pale yellow-copper with a lingering, foamy head. Floating sediment too!

The nose is mildly hopped and overall subtle with a light pale malt touch. But the hops are eloquently played down considering it is an IPA.

The body is medium.

The taste begins sweet and bready and the hops are more in in the background - subtle and balancing. I always liked the English IPA over the American IPA because it's not in my face bitter and Left hand captures those subtleties well. Easy for me to drink and enjoy.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2013 21:13:33 | More by puboflyons

Smoke

Massachusetts

3.59/5  rDev +0.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5

Had this one on tap at Yards in Denver. To be honest, it's tough for me to believe that they get through all those kegs (~100 on tap) in a timely fashion.

The beer had a nice head on it and had more malt aroma than I was expecting. A bit of earthy hop character was in there as well. It's an English style IPA (something not pointed out on the menu) so I adjusted my expectation of hop character. Even still, the balance seemed to be more towards the malt rather than the hop. In addition, the elements of the beer seemed "flatter" on flavor than I would have hoped (kind of like the beer had traveled all the way from England). In reality, it is a pretty good example of the style, just not what I was expecting.

Serving type: on-tap

04-02-2013 13:40:02 | More by Smoke

AAG

Texas

3.16/5  rDev -11.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25

Poured from a cold bottle into a pint glass after sitting at room temperature for a few minutes. Excited about this one...had it a few times but never got around to reviewing it until now.

Appearance - About 4 fingers of head; brilliant lacing on the edge of the pint glass lasted throughout the beer; beautiful amber color.

Smell - Orange/citrus smell mixed with malt/grains; smell is very subdued.

Taste - Initially dry, hoppy, and slightly bitter; becomes smoother (but still highly carbonated) as you progress through the beer. Grainy, dry, and hoppy pretty much sums it up for this beer.

Mouthfeel - Carbonated but still palatable.

Overall - A slightly above-average IPA; not my favorite Left Hand but a nice English IPA. I'd drink it again but I probably wouldn't try too hard to find this one...

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 02:45:44 | More by AAG

DiscGolfRobot

Ohio

3.31/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

A: Yellow in color. Small head less than a finger that dissipated pretty quick. Looks clean but with yeast suspended in it which I think is common with Left Hand. Bottle did not have any yeast on the bottom.

S English malt aroma. A bit stale. No hop aroma or esters.

T: Initially taste light grain and sweetness . English yeast comes in mid way through. Medium english, fruity hops. Hop bitterness comes at the very end and stays with you.

M: Medium carbonation.

O: Decent english IPA but nothing special. Flavors are good but bitterness seemed a bit on the high end for my preference.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 04:48:47 | More by DiscGolfRobot

Omnium

Pennsylvania

3.28/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Bottle > Pint Glass
A - Pours a cloudy yellow, minimal head, thin to no lacing.
S - Smells of good english malts, fresh breads, some dry citrus scents underneath very earthy and grassy smells. Note that the aroma in this beer is hard to discern, its not a powerful aroma.
T - Dry harsh bitterness up front, that once you finish that first bite you get the lighter malts and some earthy flavors.
M - The bitterness stays with you, and nothing else really.
O - Its an OK English IPA at best, this is the only think I can recall having from Left Hand, but it lacks in the flavor department big time, and the dry bitterness is not pleasing to the taste buds.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 00:33:02 | More by Omnium

JuicesFlowing

Kansas

3.9/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Poured into a shaker pint glass.

A murky burnt orange body holds an off white head that recedes to thick film. Good webby lacing remains. I smell very faint caramel before diving into a really pure viny, almost grassy hop aroma. The beer starts off slightly sweet on the palate then the citric, bitter hops come on and perform well. There's a very bright, bitter finish. Overall, this has some balance but ultimately the bitter hops really take off.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2013 16:26:25 | More by JuicesFlowing

Brvn

Oklahoma

3.6/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Golden transparent with very little to no head retention

S - Almost no smell... these bottle has a best by date that is less than a week away. Should have checked at the store.

T - I have had this beer before and when it is fresh it definitely has more character to it. Solid hop characteristic but by no means a hop bomb. Pleasant after taste. Bit of a bready back bone.

M - Smooth, almost creamy.

O - A solid beer at a good price.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2013 04:03:15 | More by Brvn

smashvilletom

4.49/5  rDev +25.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

I ordered a sawtooth ale and the clueless waitress brought this out. I wasn't too disappointed since left hand brewery is one of my favorites.

very earthy and strong citrus flavor. powerful hop presence. bitter bready aftertaste. very bold mouthfeel. Top 3 personal IPA's.



ABV: 6.8% not 6.7%

another great beer from lefthand.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2013 03:51:05 | More by smashvilletom

LuDookie

4.09/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I rated this beer as high as you will ever see me rate an IPA. I'm not a big fan of IPA's or hoppy beers but I did quite enjoy this beer. It is an IPA and is quite hoppy for my taste, but it has more to offer than just bitterness. It is fairly fruity and bready, and has a very hazy appearance. I probably won't buy another 6 pack, but will continue to throw one into the pick six from time to time. This beer reminded me a lot of NewCastle, but a touch better and went down smoother.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2013 02:15:06 | More by LuDookie

Grathan

New York

1.18/5  rDev -66.9%
look: 1 | smell: 1.25 | taste: 1 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 1

There is stuff floating in this bottle. I am inclined to think it is cardboard based on the awful
fish taste. Could be yeast, but then who would make a beer with such an awful taste and charge $2 per bottle in a 12-pack? This is my first beer from this brewery so who knows? It actually looks fairly decent (minus the floaties ) until you try to drink it.

Serving type: bottle

02-22-2013 00:04:17 | More by Grathan

Darkmagus82

Montana

3.8/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Served on tap in a pint glass

Appearance – The beer is served a hazy orange color with a one finger white head. The head fades relatively quickly leaving a moderate level of lacing on the sides of the glass.

Smell- The aroma is heaviest of an earthy and citrus hops along with a nice bready base. Along with these aromas are some lighter notes of tropical fruit as well as a little bit of apricot.

Taste – At the start of the taste a bready and grapefruit flavor greets the tongue along with some more grassy hop flavors. Some flavors of a light fruit flavor as well as a little bit of pineapple flavor soon come to the tongue. These sweeter flavors disappear soon however as flavors of grapefruit citrus hop grow stronger in nature with them being joined by some hop flavors of an earthy variety. When combined with the rest of the flavors, a bitter and dry, hoppy and bready flavor is left on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – The beer was slightly on the creamier and thicker side with a carbonation level that was average. The thicker body was nice for the bready flavors of the brew as well as gave a chance for all the hop flavors a chance to e fully sensed by the tongue.

Overall –A pretty nice English style IPA. It’s on the drier side with a good blend of citrus, earthy and herbal hop. Well worth a try.

Serving type: on-tap

02-12-2013 01:23:02 | More by Darkmagus82

viverlee

Ohio

2.19/5  rDev -38.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 2

I’m going to have to grow into this style.

STYLE: English IPA

ABV: 6.7%

LOOK: Cooked orange and nearly translucent. Nice dirty head – not that it lasts – that’s most memorable for cutting the foulness.

NOSE: Garbage night, moldy peaches, nutmeg.

MOUTH: Has it gone bad or is this what it is supposed to taste like? Chalky tapwater, butcher shop, cowboy boots. It’s times like these when I have to walk the fine line between giving an honest assessment and respecting the time and effort some people, and probably more than I can imagine, put into this. Let’s call it a learning experience for all of us. (I’m sure a year from now after I have more and more of these that I’m going to regret this review what I wrote about Brooklyn East India IPA because I’ll have developed a taste for raw meats and dusty shoes.)

Beeradvocate Rating: 81

ratebeer Rating: 71

Hayward Abbey Rating: 68

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 21:04:04 | More by viverlee

fallopia

Indiana

3.5/5  rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured a cold 12 oz. bottle into a pilsner glass.

Appearance: Yellow, nearly golden color with slight clouding and a thin, fine white head.

Aroma: Crisp, not overpowering, aromas with pineapple and other fruit/floral notes.

Flavor: Floral and pine forward flavors with a nondistinct flavor profile on the finish.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, slightly oily with a slight lingering bitter finish.

Overall, this is a not overpowering IPA that's just a little flat on taste.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2012 20:11:56 | More by fallopia

mattkoon

South Carolina

3.48/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

400#monkey- pours a nice golden with a little cloudiness. the smell is hoppy with hints of sweet caramel. it pretty bitter at first but finishes up smooth. this beer is a good ipa for when you dont want all that hppiness. its very drinkable and makes for a good alternative to stronger ipa's. i almost feel like this would be a great "starter ipa" is you were trying to turn someone on to them.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2012 12:27:35 | More by mattkoon

JoeyBeerBelly

New York

3.58/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle served in a glass beer mug.

L - clear golden color with a white head that hung around and left a fair amount of lacing behind.

S - earthy aroma with a hint of citrus rind.

T - earthy twang with a dry citrus rind bitterness on the finish.

F - medium bodied with good carbonation.

O - enjoyable and easy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2012 22:56:52 | More by JoeyBeerBelly

Dusty6467

Texas

3.23/5  rDev -9.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: slightly hazy orange color, nice 2 finger head with decent retention, pours with lots of bubbles but dissipates quickly

S: grassy, herbal, dry hop

T: interesting for an IPA, grapefruit, minimal hops flavor

M: low carbonation, malty but clean and crisp

O: not bad, but forgettable; I've enjoyed every beer from left hand, but expected more on this one.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2012 22:50:02 | More by Dusty6467

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Pour a slightly hazy amber brown, lots of bubbles and a a very attractive layer of head that makes for some great lacing throughout.

S - Smells of mostly English malts and citrus hops. A great combination really.

T - Quite smooth actually it goes down easy enough with a bright crisp level of citrus sweet hops and a mild biscuit taste that has a mild herbal tea presence. Not bad.

M - It kind of threw me off since it drank a touch heaver maybe since I thought it was a DIPA. As it warmed though it was medium to heavy in body.

Overall not something I would seek out again but interesting enough since I don't get many English IPA's

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2012 23:12:57 | More by DrDemento456

NilocRellim

Minnesota

3.75/5  rDev +5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Poured cold from the bottle. It looked like a nice hefeweizen... which was odd for an IPA. A strong citrus nose to it, more grapefruit than orange, but a bit of lemon as well (again... odd for an IPA). It also had a sweet, honey nose to it. The flavour was lite and refreshing, with a hint of citrus. Thinking of a usual IPA, I expected bitterness and hoppiness to the mac, but found a very nice balance of citrus-hop flavour and a not-so-intense bitterness. A bit more carbonation than most beers, but not unusual for an IPA. Surprisingly and delicious.

Would I buy it again? Yes. Would be nice on a hot summer night.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2012 06:29:16 | More by NilocRellim