(C) popsonhops
Magnify Brewing: Up, UP & Away (8.5% ABV), DDH Rock Me Dr. ‘Saic (8.0%ABV), Solid Gold Good Times (8.5% ABV), Fellow Travelers (8.0% ABV)
First beers up are made in collaboration with Sand City Brewing from the northern coast of central Long Island. In the late 19th century, there were a number of sand mines operating in Northport, New York. One of the most notable was Steers Sand & Gravel, who gave the industrial area the nickname “Sand City.” The brewery’s website notes that the sand from Sand City was used to construct the streets, bridges, and buildings in Manhattan. “They built greatness from something so infinitesimally small”.
As a footnote, I was surprised to see Steers had a connection here as my father and grandfather both worked for Steers. My father told many stories about Steers and their part in the construction of New York and New Jersey.
Up, Up and Away by Magnify Brewing and Sand City Brewing
Tasting: May 29, 2017
Style: American Double / Imperial IPA
Beer # 1,062
ABV: 8.5%
Not as opaque as some of their other offerings from Magnify. The can notes that it is double dry-hopped with Galaxy hops (the hop variety that produces the most oils). Surprisingly, I don’t get much in the way of aromatics. Slight whiff of basil. Taste is a different story. This ale is juicy for sure with fleshy pineapple and sweet strawberry. Bitterness comes from lime, and grapefruit flavors. Up, Up and Away has a puckering dry finish. I’ll note that it does not have throat burn like some of their other beer. Easy drinker and dangerous at 8.5%. 93 points.
Magnify Brewing Fellow Travelers
Tasting: June 2, 2017
Style: American Double / Imperial IPA
Beer # 1,063
ABV: 8.0%
Fellow Traveler definition: Not a member of the party, but sympathetic to their ideals…hmmm. Or simply, one that travels with another. That one probably works better as the two breweries both opened for business in 2015. Sand City celebrates their second anniversary later this year (October). Where the aromatics were lagging in Up, Up and Away, they are certainly present here. Very straightforward brew, 89 points.
The next two offerings were made as part of Magnify Brewing’s second anniversary…
Magnify Brewing DDH Rock Me Dr. ‘Saic
Tasting: June 5, 2017
Style: American Double / Imperial IPA
Beer # 1,064
ABV: 8.0%
Loved Dr. ‘Saic 93 points, Didn’t see much in the way of any discernable difference in Rock Me Dr. ‘Saic 91 Points Actually, I nitpicked on the bready malt base but it was still a good beer. Add Double Dry Hopping to anything, and you’ll have my attention. This incarnation returns to 93 point status. Excellent.
Magnify Brewing Solid Gold Good Times
Tasting: June 9, 2017
Style: American Double / Imperial IPA
Beer # 1,065
ABV: 8.0%
Nice subtle dank flavors out of the gate. Hops are really complex of passionfruit, kiwi, and guava. Malt backbone is subtly sweet. Some minor back palette burn. Entirely drinkable, Solid Gold Good Times, 92 points.
