Bison Organic IPA - Bison Brewing

snohojimbo

Washington

3.28/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured onto a snifter. Nice 1/2" head on top of an amber colored liquid. Nice lacing, lookin' good.

Smells like grapefruit mixed with ammonia, nuthin' special here.

Taste is pretty darn decent, tho it finishes somewhat sour.

So this beer has been retired? I just got it a couple days ago, but there is no date on the bottle that I can find. The bottle I've got is identical to the photo above. Oh well, can't say I'll miss it, but don't regret trying it. Actually, not too bad at all.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 01:29:40 | More by snohojimbo

Samuel906

California

2.85/5  rDev -18.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.75

Very average IPA. Pours a nice color, slightly cloudy, but has little to no head. Hops and citrus on the nose as you would expect but fairly mild. Some bread and almonds as well. Farily balanced, with some hops upfront with the taste, leaves some bitterness behind. Felt too soapy for me. Not a bad beer and very drinkable, but hard to recommend with so many other widely available winners.

Serving type: bottle

03-20-2013 03:18:16 | More by Samuel906

BucannonXC5

California

3.15/5  rDev -9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Type: 12-oz. bottle
Glass: Plastic cup at a Motel 6
Price: $10.49 for the 6-pack
Misc.: Drinking out of a plastic cup in a Motel 6 might hurt the ratings | Had on Dec. 24, 2012

Caramel orange with 2-3 fingers of frothy white head. Thick white lacing on the sides with good retention on the top.

Smelled wet Cascade hops, caramel, tangerine and orange.

Tasted similar to the nose. Wet, icy Cascade hops. Also sharp citrus hops (orange and tangerine). Bitter finish.

Light body. Creamy texture. Lively (above average) carbonation. Bitter, but loner finish.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2012 08:35:07 | More by BucannonXC5

schoolboy

Ohio

3.43/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This is a very average IPA. It has no offensive qualities. It leaves very nice lace and it is a nice, slightly copper color. The aroma is weak for the style. The taste and aftertaste are also just slightly better than OK, nothing special, but very drinkable.

Overall, this would be a pretty good session beer where you didn't want to be distracted by great taste. I do not intend to try it again and based on this I am in no hurry to try any of their others.

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2012 22:50:44 | More by schoolboy

cyclonece09

Maryland

3.58/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a snifter. Pours a very cloudy light amber color with a nice white head that leaves good lacing on the glass. Has a nice citrusy, earthy aroma, definitely lots of hops, but the strength is not really there in the aroma. Tastes of hops and slight malt, with sweet tones to go with the bitterness. Slight citrus taste. Carbonation is great for this light-medium bodied beer and good finish. Overall, a very good beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2012 03:14:13 | More by cyclonece09

NODAK

Tennessee

3.83/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Aroma here is vaguely citrusy...slightly hoppy, but definitely true to the label that it won't be "over the top".

Taste certainly has a decent level of grapefruit, lemon zest hoppiness to it straight away....pretty average for an IPA, and perhaps more so than I thought it would be after reading the label. This fades into a bit of malt which shows some citrus and grain before finally giving into a decent medicinal bitterness that closes it out.

Pretty average IPA in the end, but it holds its own. Just because its organic and the label downplays the level of hops in it certainly doesn't mean it's weak. If I had a craving for a bitter IPA, this could fit the bill.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2012 00:50:38 | More by NODAK

pcents

California

2.95/5  rDev -15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

As i poured it out of the glass I notice the very thick and stiff white head. It's smell is not as pungent as other IPAs but it does give a slightly grassy smell. The IPA is a brownish slightly murky yellow and it is a nice looking clear beer. As I drink this Bison brew I notice it is slightly bitter and sour. Its sourness is reminiscent of citrus fruits and it finishes with a small piney taste. The mouth feel is light and not heavily carbonated; its sourness lingers on the tongue and you drink it making me have to swallow after it is already down in my belly. A decent beer from Berkeley.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2012 01:58:34 | More by pcents

secondtooth

Indiana

3.88/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Semi-cloudy golden amber, with limited foamy head. Nice but thin lace.

Nice citrus hops aroma. Light and pleasant.

Taste is lemon & grapefruit zesty, with a pine finish. Certainly solid.

Not a bad IPA, this one's steady, smooth-drinking, and enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2012 05:50:13 | More by secondtooth

crhensel

New Jersey

2.53/5  rDev -27.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

(12 oz bottle into pint class) Poured a light coppery with a very small off white head. The nose had some slight citrus notes and a bit of pine. It has a smooth mouthfeel but the bitterness of the hops was a little overwhelming at first. Allowing to warm mellowed it a bit, but this is a very average IPA.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2012 19:24:16 | More by crhensel

mithrascruor

California

2.38/5  rDev -31.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

22 oz. bottle poured into a mug.

Appearance: Pours a somewhat hazy straw/orange color. Big, fluffy white head has good retention and leaves lacing too.

Smell: Mild aroma; just a bit of grasses and a hint of caramel. More like a lager. No hoppy notes at all.

Taste: Grassy flavors up front, with some bitterness coming in. At its peak there is a bit of citrus and pine. Quite metallic overall, as is the aftertaste, which is also somewhat grainy a tad bitter.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and generally smooth, with moderate carbonation.

Drinkability: Moderate ABV, fair taste.

Uh, where's the IPA? Rather odd, and not particularly enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2011 02:33:37 | More by mithrascruor

fox227

California

3.73/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Medium darkish golden color, one fingered head, nice lacing.

S: Pine sap, bready malt, stone fruit.

T: I like the balance of this IPA; I get a mouthful of bready malt, but the hop character is not missing. It has that "harsh" aftertaste, but that's what I like. Nice piney, grapefruit hop bite, balanced with bready sweetness.

M: Dry finish, low carbonation, lingering hop finish.

O: A solid IPA in the West Coast tradition. I've had better, but this one really nails the style, and isn't boring. The balance is there, but the bitterness isn't missing.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2011 21:51:35 | More by fox227

phiberoptik

Ohio

3/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Pours a bright, clean, copper with a light two fingered soapy white head.

Mild on the nose. Not a lot jumping out. Some floral notes, citrus and undefined fruit, but not much else.

Very metallic flavored, and I know it isnt the glass. I get some citrus and floral in the taste, little bitterness, and overall rather watery. It may be partially from drinking a bigger beer before this but I have made attempts to clear my palate.

Light, watery, but crisp with carbonation.

I like organic, but organic doesnt always mean better and this misses in a few places. I want it to be better and I hope the next one is.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2011 02:05:48 | More by phiberoptik

avalon07

South Carolina

4/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a golden yellow color and a hazy consistency. There was a half inch of creamy, fairly long-lasting head. Excellent lacing.

S: A strong hoppy smell, along with some citrus.

T: Tasted of floral hops (much more than anything else), some citrus (a little grapefruit), and a nice malty backbone. Much more flavorful than most organic beers. A solid taste.

M: A good amount of carbonation with a dry finish. Medium-bodied.

O: Most organic beers tend to be extremely bland, but this is a pretty well done example against that theory.

Serving type: bottle

09-12-2011 12:04:22 | More by avalon07

DUBinMIA

Florida

3.33/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Poured into a Sam Adams Bulb glass. light and very clear... orange almost yellow color. Decent head with some foam. about 1 in. thick lots of lace.

smell is a dissapointment... an IPA??? Uhhhh... where are the hops???? i got a trace of hops... on the floral side but nothing major. Malt towards the end.

hrm... a nice floral hop flavor is present... turns into citrus then smooth malt finish. better than expected.

medium body allows flavors to mellow

overall this is a decent beer... i prob won't pick it up again. Also, the smell is just off... i mean you say IPA and it smells like an ESB??? oh well...

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2011 03:44:59 | More by DUBinMIA

Stinkypuss

Pennsylvania

3.03/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Bison Organic IPA

Pours a light copper/gold color, clarity is good. Aroma of pine, citrus, and alittle herbal. In the taste, a small citrus hop, cooked veggies, light pale malt and a moderate bitterness level. Mouthfeel is lighter bodied but a bit thin. Overall, about average for the style, no surprises.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2011 04:06:44 | More by Stinkypuss

chocosushi

Oklahoma

3.05/5  rDev -12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12oz->Coca-Cola Glass

A ~ Pours golden/dark orange with a snow white head. Thick carbonation & sticky lacing.

S ~ Dimmed-down Grapefruit, Citrus Zest & a touch of Sap

T ~ Citrus includes Grapefruit peel, Orange Zest & Lemon. Behind that is pine resin, metal, vegetation & toasted white bread. There is soft caramel as well, but I wish there was more of it. The mixture of flavors is a little off...perhaps an old bottle?

M ~ Bitter moderately, & very resinous. Sticky, & the metallic flavor just would not fade from the beer. Balance is not that good.

D ~ Overall, this was just...good.
I would probably buy anything else for the Price.
It was good to try after seeing it so many times.

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2011 23:23:47 | More by chocosushi

Number967

New York

2.05/5  rDev -41.1%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

poured from a bottle into a pint glass. Very thick head that dissipates within a couple minutes. Not a very strong smell. First thing i notice is malt which is different from most IPAs that hit you with piney hoppiness up front. Smells almost like a brown ale? The taste is almost the same. Tastes like a watered down IPA. Very watered down. low carbonation, taste of the malt at first, not much bite. Wouldnt buy again, very forgettable IPA.

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2011 21:43:36 | More by Number967

ocelot2500

Arizona

3.1/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours a clear golden orange with a tight, white head that leaves chunks of lacing.

Smells of a bit of piny hops.

Tastes of decent malt with some layered hops. Malt starts off with a bit of caramel, toasted bread, and some sweetness. Hops add in with notes of pine and citrus. Bitterness is plentiful. Not enough of each flavor makes the beer feel a little weak.

Mouthfeel is medium with a slightly assertive amount of carbonation.

Overall, an okay beer that I will not be revisiting.

Serving type: bottle

07-17-2011 00:46:12 | More by ocelot2500

ADZA

Australia

3.85/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This brew pours a semi see through golden hue with decent carbonation that leaves behind a two finger head with heaps of clingy lacing,the smell is nectarines,citrus,boiled candy,pineapple and piney hops but its not full on in your face like most other AIPA's more like a gentle breeze,the taste is pretty subtle but very drinkable with hints of citrus,pineapple,toffee,stonefruit and of course piney hops but not alot of them just enough to make it known your drinking an IPA and overall this brew is what you go for if your not after a big hop bomb but still want an IPA.

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2011 09:50:39 | More by ADZA

DeltaGolfSierra

Tennessee

3.35/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Color is an orange bronze. A long-lasting head and lots of lacing down the glass make for a pleasing visual experience. The grapefruit scents are nice but are weak. This needs more oomph in the nose. Taste is tart grapefruit with a bit of piney bitterness in the finish. It is not as in-your-face with the hops as some other IPAs; the bitterness is noticeable but a bit more subtle than explosive. Mouthfeel left much to be desired. A solid IPA, but not a great one.

Serving type: bottle

06-27-2011 00:27:40 | More by DeltaGolfSierra

HoppingMadRedCap

North Carolina

3.43/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle poured into pint glasses.

Appearance - Golden brown with a background of slow rising carbonation creating a finger of soft tan head. Slowly reduced to thin lacing throughout.

Aroma - Heavy floral aromas along with herbs that I can’t quite put my finger on.

Taste - Herbal and soft with a pronounced bitterness just on the back end. Catching a light flavor of thyme, definitely the most noteworthy spice hinting my palate.

Mouthfeel - Strong with a bit of a straw, dray feeling as it goes down. Somewhat grainy. Even feels like it causes a bit of puffiness around the tongue that lingers well after it is finished. Plenty of carbonation that tingles even the nostrils a little.

Overall - This is my second time tasting this beer, first time through I wasn’t paying careful attention to the various notes and just enjoying a good IPA. This one may be skewed a bit heavier as I am once again back into IPA’s, and since it’s my first one back I might be considering a bit higher than the others. Still an appropriate drink for the growing heat. Just the right amount of crisp and refreshness without leaving a heavy feeling in the stomach.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2011 19:51:50 | More by HoppingMadRedCap

beerdown77

North Carolina

3.28/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This pours cloudy orange with decent head and some lacing. The smell is a little on the malty-sweet side, I usually like a little more citrus in IPA. There is a mild grassy almost metallic taste that is unusual. Maybe that has something to do with the organic nature. This is a decent beer that doesn’t really jump out at you. It’s a little sweet. I would prefer more bitterness.

Serving type: bottle

06-20-2011 00:19:44 | More by beerdown77

Thorpe429

Illinois

2.53/5  rDev -27.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Bottle courtesy of CantillonKing. Served in a Hill Farmstead tulip.

Pours a very hazy orange-copper with a good white head that goes away almost immediately. A few spots of lacing. The nose has not much other than some bread and accompanying toasted crust. The flavor has a slight bit of light hop bitterness, but not any hop flavor. Bready malt, that's it. Body is medium with a slight bitterness in the finish. Too chewy. Not a big fan of this.

Serving type: bottle

06-16-2011 00:12:00 | More by Thorpe429

xylophonica

Australia

3.58/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Murky, slightly dark amber colour.

S - Variety of crisp hops subdued by various malty overtones. Some crisp herbs and a touch of licorice as well. Malt aroma expands considerably as it warms.

T - Fairly bitter at first with a dark/burnt malty-caramel flavour coming through. Hint of some sweeter stuff as well - mainly orange but again with a mildly burnt sensation. The aftertaste attempts the job of smoothing out the bitterness with a hint of licorice, herbs and a dash of honey.

M - Wildly bitter. The aftertaste doesn't really do enough to completely smooth this out.

O - The bitterness will be off-putting for a while but if you could push through this might not be a bad drop. The hop crispness works ok but there's not enough other flavours here to really make this a great beer. What little there is of the other stuff is again somewhat drowned out by the bitterness.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2011 08:57:25 | More by xylophonica

azdback

Arizona

3.15/5  rDev -9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Orange color, kind of an unfiltered look. Head creamy white with very nice pits and valley's.

The smell is pretty malty. Earthy. Not of citrus hops. The bottle I have says Willamette hops. They change it up though. So the bottle you have might have a better nose and hop profile.

Taste is kind of middle of the road. Sweet, malty and maybe Belgium yeast? No hop punch at all.

The mouthfeel isn't too bad if I swallow rapidly. Problem is, when I hold it in my mouth is goes sprite crazy. But not all together bad.

Other than the mouthfeel this beer wasn't too bad. It's fairly cheap and "organic" Can't be that bad huh?

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2011 06:01:59 | More by azdback