District Fray - profile on Lauren Paylor O'Brien

My latest article for District Fray Magazine centers on DC mixologist Lauren Paylor O'Brien, fresh off her major win on Netflix's Drink Masters. This was a pretty straightforward interview, but it does show just how multifaceted mixology can be. Bartenders don't just show up for work, throw some ingredients in a set of mixing cups, and clock out. There's tons of research, development, trial & error, and learning that goes into being a good drink master. 

I was not drinking anything while doing this interview, as it was conducted at 1pm on a Tuesday, but in honor of LP's love of sherry, I poured myself a glass of Oloroso when I got home. 

https://districtfray.com/articles/lauren-paylor-obrien-lp-drink-masters-dc/

Singlecut Beersmiths - "Those Clouds All Disappear" Imperial IPA

 Here's an interesting IPA I tried today from Singlecut Beersmiths out of Queens, NY. It's called "Those Clouds All Disappear" and is an 8.00% ABV imperial IPA. The hop bill is unknown, but it is advertised as being 88 IBUs. The soup can label is fun; I'm surprised Campbell's hasn't sued for overuse of their iconic cans. 

Yum! This is actually quite delicate for an imperial IPA - it's a bit grassy, with some soft tropical fruit like tangerine and a very creamy, soft texture. No lactose is used to my knowledge. The flavors are very mild, slightly sweet, and actually just perfect for an IIPA in my opinion. The ABV is high enough to hold my attention but moderate enough not to punch me in the face. Good lingering finish in just the right ways. 

I'm impressed. Cost for me was $5.49 for a single 16oz can at Irving Wines & Spirits...would I pay $22 for four? Yeah, maybe.  

Other Half Brewing - "Green City" IPA and "2nd Anniversary" Triple IPA

Here's a twofer - a look at two IPAs from Other Half Brewing. They've got two locations, one in DC and one in New York City, so I think I need to go to both places to truly experience it. 

First up is "Green City" IPA, enjoyed in a plastic cup sitting in the shadow of the Flatiron Building in Manhattan. I was up for a long weekend and needed some refreshment so I grabbed this 16oz can at the kiosk and sat down with a nice view of the Empire State Building to try this beverage.

Woof, ok, this is C H U N K Y. Full of sediment, this 7.00% ABV New England style IPA is almost like orange juice pulp. Wow. It's actually made with oats, which tones down the bitterness and provides an interesting texture. There's a touch of piney hops, too, which I'm detecting mostly on the finish. There's no real bite to it and doesn't have much flavor to linger. Pretty neat, and I like the texture. 

And second is "2 Anniversary", a 10.00% ABV triple IPA made for their DC brewing location's second trip around the sun. This beer is made with a whole kitchen sink of hops: Citra, Riwaka, Cashmere, Vic Secret, Citra Cryo, Citra Incognito, and Cashmere Cryo. I haven't heard of many of these. 

Pretty good, definitely feeling the booze on this one. Lighter than many other TIPAs I have had...some are quite potent and sweet, this is definitely softer in terms of bitterness. No idea the IBUs, but probably not more than 50. It's pretty fruity, not super dank, but there's some soft ripeness in there which is nice. $21.99 for 4 pints, so not cheap but not exorbitant these days. Happy anniversary, Other Half!