Cascazilla - Ithaca Beer Company

Hopdaemon39

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass- pours a relatively clear dark red (mahogany) color with a one finger head, modest retention and nice white lacing.

Smells like Cascade hops and some sweet malt.

Taste is very nice- mellow caramel malts are livened by bright citrus hops. Exceptionally smooth tasting. Nice dry finish.

Mouthfeel is very very pleasant- medium body with light fuzzy carbonation. An incredibly drinkable beer that I would like to come back to.

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2012 23:24:18 | More by Hopdaemon39

PhantasIPA

Delaware

4.13/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer has a cloudy, dark, amber color. The head has an average thickness.

When I look at an amber beer I expect it to smell a certain way and this beer falls within those expectations. There is nothing exceptional about the smell. It is appealing but not outstanding.

The taste is outstanding! I like a hoppy beer and this beer has a really nice mixture of hops, sweetness (brown sugar), nuttiness (classic red ale flavor), and malt. Really refreshing and complex; I can taste multiple flavors with every sip...or gulp!

The mouthfeel is light and refreshing. It is very smooth for a hoppy brew with a 7% ABV.

Overall this beer is very good. The smell doesn't do the flavor justice, but in all other aspects the beer is nice.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2012 01:53:00 | More by PhantasIPA

chefhatt

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed from notes, drank this one on 2/23/12 at paradise by the slice.
This beer was served in a pint glass, it had a amber color body with 2" tan head. The smell was malty with nice a hop background to it. The taste is of bitter hops and some malt and fruit notes on the back of the tongue. The mouth feel was nice a smooth and overall a really good beer.

Serving type: on-tap

02-26-2012 19:05:11 | More by chefhatt

aranheaney

New York

4/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a Three Heads Brewing pint glass:

A-Ruby Red, decent head and lace

S-Hoppiness comes through, maybe some hint of fruit

T-very good, hops up front, then some interesting stuff in back, fruit and malt mainly

M-good, low astringency, clean finish

O-very solid offering from Ithaca

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2012 15:52:08 | More by aranheaney

SLeffler27

New York

4.1/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours dark brown to rusty red with a dense, creamy beige head. There is a thin film of lacing marked by rings as the head follows each sip.

The aroma has pine resin with an orange background. This one is hop forward and spicy.

A Roosterfish pint glass contains this hoppy beer with moderate bitterness as anticipate from the aroma.
The malts are toasted, rounding out some sense of balance. The finish is long, subtle and earthy.

Chewy with well-tamed alcohol and modest carbonation. Cascazilla is rather clean and refreshing, reminiscent of a pilsner.

With lots of flavor, this one could easily be sessionable were it not for the high alcohol. As it is, it pairs well with meaty pasta.

Age is no friend to this beer, as is my experience with the bottled version.

Serving type: growler

02-18-2012 12:22:32 | More by SLeffler27

angrybabboon

Rhode Island

3.75/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Review adapted from notes taken 9/17/11

Appearance: Pours somewhere between a dark red and a brown - starts with a beige head, fades to average lacing

Smell: Hoppy, with red ale malts - citrus rind, herbal, a little floral - malts smell sweet, like a sweet bread or a sweet bread crust

Taste: A nice mix of hops and malt - not particularly hoppy, but good - some bitterness, some citrus, some pine, herbal notes - malts are nice, sweet, without being too sweet - toasted, sweet bread, caramel malts - a touch of dark fruits, too

Mouthfeel: Medium body, smooth, but a bit too wet

Overall: Good, with nice malts and nice balance

I've had better red ales, but I really like what Ithaca did here. I just have the same issues I have with Flower Power. This needs to dry out. Otherwise, it's adequately interesting.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2012 06:56:42 | More by angrybabboon

AdamBear

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev -7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A-dark amber colored with a nice cream colored head

S-hoppy with a good spicyness. medium strength. some caramel.

T-comes in with an aged hoppiness along with some of the spices. its a smooth taste but not a very strong one. slightly complex the after-taste is mostly spicy.

M-creamy medium carbonation with a dry finish

O-i thought this one going to be one of those red ales that borderline an IPA, but its definitely more of a red ale. its slightly complex, and sort of balanced, but i'm just not a huge fan of this. it doesn't have a lot going for it.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2012 02:29:50 | More by AdamBear

BlurryVisi0n

New York

3.7/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served unto a pint.

Appearance: dark but clear amber, white head is maybe 1/4 off the body.

Smell: grapefruit, and light hops not too potent seems to dissipate quickly.

Taste: Grapefruit, and malty...not too bitter but just enough to say yum.

Mouth: medium carbonation, I can't say this was the smoothest beer. It might just comes rough around the edges but overall just crisp and I can't really complain.

Overall: Pretty good, not as smooth but I'm not complaining. Made to be something comfortable enough that you'll to really like it but not enough to call great. Hope you all enjoyed. Salud!

Serving type: on-tap

01-29-2012 23:21:50 | More by BlurryVisi0n

3HovsepiansBrews

California

3.83/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - Dark red/brown with a cream head

S - Roasted caramel and frutiness from the hops

T - Caramel, fruitiness, chocolate, and a bitter finish

M - Medium with a medium amount of sticky carbonation

O - This is a good beer that is drinkable with nice flavor, mouthfeel. It is really easy to drink and well balanced.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 02:24:13 | More by 3HovsepiansBrews

womencantsail

California

3.88/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a slightly cloudy amber color with a just off-white head. A nice citrus hop quality to this one. Orange and grapefruit hops with a nice bit of piney hop character, too. Under that is a fair amount of caramel and sweet malt. The flavor is a bit on the sweeter side, but there still is some good citrus and pine hop flavor and bite to it, just a moderate bitterness. Medium in body and carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2012 08:44:04 | More by womencantsail

BigPlay1824

New York

2.42/5  rDev -37.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Enjoyed in a pint glass

A: pours a nice red color that is perfectly clear and has a ton of carbonation bubbles, pours with a finger of creamy light brown colored head that dissipates rapidly and leaves spotty lacing around the glass
S: umm pretty interesting scent here, im picking up fresh meats, ham maybe? and something deep like molasses and deep malts, also a slight alcohol tinge
T: musty taste, begins with malts then moves into an odd musty taste that really just isn't the best, actually left and alcohol tinge in my nose which was odd, kind of tastes like a tree, not woody like other beers but for some reason it is definitely reminding me of a tree in a not so pleasant way
M: medium carbonation, leaves an actually pleasant silky feeling on the mouth, kind of sticky and the alcohol tinge is only slight, brief and in the nose
O: the best parts about this beer were the parts that i put a little else stock in, scent and taste were just off putting and unpleasant, not the best one from ithaca, actually, the worst one ive had from them

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2012 02:34:31 | More by BigPlay1824

keithmurray

Louisiana

3.25/5  rDev -16%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearance - murky dark amber color with fluffy beige head

Smell - citrus, grapefruit, caramel, pine

taste - sour, dank citrus, grapefruit, malt sweetness, caramel

mouthfeel - bitter upfront, sour/sweet sensation in the middle, medium carbonation, medium bodied

overall - this may be a different beer fresh, a bit off as it doesn't really conform to style as other entrants into the category. Fits better into the IPA category versus an Amber Ale. decent beer, though.

Price Point - $1.99/12oz single

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2011 23:14:09 | More by keithmurray

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

4/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz Bottle

Appearance - Dark amber/brown colour with an average size fizzy and frothy beige coloured head. There isn't much carbonation showing and there is a good amount of lacing. The head lasted for 6 minutes before it dissipated.

Smell - Hops, caramel, malts, grapefruits

Taste & Mouth - The beer has an average amount of carbonation and its has a fairly sugary sweet flavour. I can taste malts, caramel and a lots of hops. There is also quite a bit of a citrus blast with this beer... grapefruits and oranges. It ends with a malty sweet hoppy aftertaste.

Overall - One of the better beers that Ithaca makes for sure. As much as I enjoy their Flower Power I think that this might be the best beer I've had from them. I'm looking forward to drinking the rest of my 6 pack.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2011 15:02:04 | More by spinrsx

mlazzaro

Massachusetts

3.2/5  rDev -17.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

12oz bottle. Very hazy redish color with a creamy khaki colored head. Remarkable head retention. Smell is surprisingly lacking. My nose is literally in the head and I can't smell a thing. At least it's clean and not bad smelling. Flavor is very familiar. Solid bitterness, not scorching or lingering. Body supports hoppiness of the beer, thin-medium w/ light sweetness. Sugar is caramelized - dark flavored. Minimal malt character. Hops are as advertised very "cascadie", with a citrus-grapefruit-must flavor. I enjoy this beer much more on the cooler side. Not surprised by the ABV, it does have an overall booziness. Fortunately, I'm a sucker for Big Hopped Red Ales. I would love to have a freshy from closer to the brewery, this one might be a touch old.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2011 18:32:15 | More by mlazzaro

BranfordBound

Connecticut

3.58/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at Prime 16, poured into a NEBCO pint.

Pours a nice clear amber color with a two finger tan head that fades fast and leaves only spotty lacing.

Smells of very sweet and slightly rich malts. Some fruit in there as well. Pine hops linger in the back.

Starts very sweet and malty with touches of caramel and apricots. Hops come in at the end with restrained bitterness. Hops are earthy and herbal.

Partly dry mouthfeel, lighter side of medium bodied.

Not really a hoppy beer, but a good example of a red, nonetheless. Easily consumed and leaves room for another.

Serving type: on-tap

11-27-2011 03:38:09 | More by BranfordBound

keanex

New Jersey

3.13/5  rDev -19.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured from a 12 ounce bottle into a pint glass.

A: Hazy mahogany with a thin tan head that quickly dissipates.

S: Slightly tropical piney smell not very strong though.

T: An earthy piney flavor, not as bitter as I was expecting, oak hints in here as well.

M: Rather syrupy with not much carbonation.

O: I think this may be old, maybe not fair to review it under these conditions, but I'll be revisiting this when I can assure it's fresh.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2011 04:15:23 | More by keanex

JizackFH

New York

4/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on-tap at Sunswick 35/35 in Astoria, NY on 10/28/11.
Review taken from notes.

This beer pours a nice dark mahogany color. It has a finger of light tan head resting on top. The head has good retention, and it leaves a sheet of sticky lace behind on the glass. The nose is of caramel malts and juicy fruits up front. There are some piney hop aromas that come out as well. Also, there are some notes of toffee, citrus, and a bit of earthiness. The taste starts off with some nice toasted malt flavor. There is also some good flavors of caramel, toffee, and there is a nice bit of fruitiness. There is some earthiness and a nice mild hop presence that comes through as well. The finish leaves a bit of lingering sweetness and mild hop bitterness. This has a medium body and good carbonation. It goes down easy and has a smooth feel to it. There is some good sweetness here that is nicely balanced out by the mild hop bitterness. There is some earthiness as well. There is some good drinkability here. I could easily drink a six pack of this. The flavor is really nice and it never gets boring. Overall, I think this is a really nice beer, and a good representation of the style. I enjoyed this one and I definitely recommend trying it out.

Serving type: on-tap

11-23-2011 13:00:38 | More by JizackFH

DrewV

New York

3.75/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Garnet-colored liquid with a foamy off-white 1-finger head.

S: A nice mix of carmel malts, piney hops, and a small amount of citrus.

T: Typical red ale with a bit more malt base. I detect some roastiness that blends nicely.

M: Finely carbonated, but has a thin consistency. Not bad for the style, though.

O: I'm not a huge fan of the style, but this is a decent beer all around. Not something I would regularly stock in my fridge, but I wouldn't turn one down if offered. A solid B-B+.

Serving type: bottle

11-20-2011 18:26:38 | More by DrewV

TheMultiYeast

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pour from bottle into pint glass. Hazy brown with tiny rising bubbles and a fading white head. Nice lacing along the glass.

Smells like sugar coated hop cones. Citrus hop aroma and toasty malt presence are 50/50.

Taste is also a perfect 50/50 yet very hoppy for the style. Cascades are running wild in this beer and I love it. Citrusy earthy bitterness know their place with a strict whiplash of caramel malts. A slightly bitter, grassy aftertaste.

Medium bodied with stinging carbonation

A VERY well done red ale. CASCAZIRRA!!!

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2011 04:36:33 | More by TheMultiYeast

animalchin

North Carolina

3.73/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - A decently bodied dark red presentation with a dim white head at first. Relaxes into a thin surface but with plenty of very thin lacing.

S - Bready caramel malt upfront followed by very nice citrus Cascade (Casca?) hop character. A sweetness that starts out dim but grows also comes in.

T - Hoppy as hell for a red ale. The Cascades certainly take over the overall taste, but a thicker sweetness from the caramel malt makes for a very nice mixture. A little extreme on both ends, but quite impressed how the mixture comes together.

M - Decently bodied, controlled carbonation. Has a little bit of heaviness throughout.

O - A pretty big beer here. I remember being introduced to this while spending a year at Ithaca College before I got into craft, and being in disbelief about the strength. Four years later, my palate has expanded into higher strengths, but this is still nothing to sneeze at.

A great beer from Ithaca, always a good call.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2011 20:01:14 | More by animalchin

jmarsh123

Indiana

3.85/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a clear amber with a small 1/2 finger tan head.

Some bright citrus tones with a solid caramel malt background in the nose.

Starts off with a slight citrus flavor which is quickly taken over by a bit of roasted caramel malt. Finishes slightly floral, bitter and dry.

Mouthfeel and carb are right around the norms.

A bit maltier than my preference, but still a solid beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2011 20:13:44 | More by jmarsh123

fmccormi

New York

3.73/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Straight pour from 12oz pry-off bottle to a Luettich balloon-style tulip. Best-by date of January, I think, but I’m not sure because the paper notch was like a centimeter to the right of “December”; going with January because some Flower Power I had recently was best-by in January and they were purchased at the same time, same place.

Appearance (4.5): This bastard froths up to a very fat, three-finger light tan head that takes its sweet time falling. Part of me is entertained, part of me is annoyed for moving so slowly. The body is a dark, dark red—like garnet. Not quite clear, with a slight haze. Serious lacing happening on the sides of the glass.

Smell (3.5): Bright, sweet citrus like a sugary slices of orange and grapefruit, mixed with some grassy, floral notes. That’s about it, no real malt presence felt in the nose.

Taste (4.0): Moderately bitter, particularly in the herbal end of the spectrum, with not a ton of malt to back it up. I’d like this to be a bit richer and sweeter. What malt is there is lightly toasted and bready, like crackers but heavier on the toast. Sweetens just a little as it warms. Bitter-herbal aftertaste lingers for a while; no real yeast note is present, which I expected for a hoppy American Amber. Thankfully, it smoothes out a bit as it continues to warm.

Mouthfeel (3.0): Not too thick or oily, unfortunately, but it’s certainly quaffable.

Overall (3.5): I’m a little surprised, honestly. I’ve had CascaZilla a number of times in the past, and enjoyed it enough that I’ve considered it something of a sleeper. This was good, but not exactly what I remember. I’ll still buy it in the future, because I’ve got faith in you, Mr Zilla.

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2011 01:07:43 | More by fmccormi

atr2605

New York

3.58/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A-pours a dark copper with a tan head with very good retention
S-caramel and citrus hops
T- big citrus hop flavor and throws the balance off a bit. Caramel malt profile comes through in the finish but still a bit soft.
M-medium bodied, carbonation lower than expected
O- not bad but a little bit off. Hop profile is great but the malt struggles to come through. Not bad but could be better

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2011 01:16:32 | More by atr2605

jamescain

Texas

4.33/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a sniffer, thanks to StoneBrewFanatic for sharing this one

Appearance: Hazy copper-amber with a thin off white head that clings to the side of the glass.

Aroma: Grapefruit, pine, citrus, and also spicy with some malty bready aromas peaking through.

Taste: Complex blend of flavors ranging from bready malts and spicy characteristics with piney and citrusy hops.

Mouthfeel: Surprisingly light bodied, which makes it pretty easy to drink, even though you want to savor it. The carbonation is moderate.

Overall: I've always enjoyed beers from Ithaca and this beer is no exception.

Serving type: bottle

10-07-2011 19:20:45 | More by jamescain

BeerLover99

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: copper/amber body, trace tan head, tight lacing around

S: grapefruit, bread, biscuity, malt

T: grapefruit, pine, solid bready malt, long mild oily bitter finish

M: med body, smooth mouth

O: Usually not a fan of amber/red ales, this is
interesting. I would recommend this brew.

WELL DONE, GIVE IT A GO!

Serving type: bottle

10-04-2011 20:20:18 | More by BeerLover99