Gallowsgate IPA - by Swan Lake

Swan Lake - Gallowsgate IPA - Niigata Prefecture - 5.5% - UK Pint @ The Aldgate:
Taste: A strong hoppy nicely balanced bitter taste, malt is detectable but stay in the background, hints of citrus, grapefruit, caramel, has a subtle sweetness to it.
Smell: Citrus, floral, hoppy aroma.
Look: Opaque golden orange, reminiscent to a cloudy honey, nice head with good lace as shown in the picture.Verdict: This is a great take on a US West Coast IPA; big & hoppy! This would play its part perfectly at any serious beer bar and I have no doubt would make a devoted following even if priced a little higher than a US domestic micro.

Harry Porter - by Swan Lake

Swan Lake - Harry Porter (an Aldgate original) - Niigata Prefecture - ? ABV - UK Pint @ The Aldgate pub:
Taste: As a good porter should be this is a smoky and complex beer, malt steps up here while the hops settle in.
Smell: Smokey, roasted malt aroma.
Looks: Near black- but a deep brown from certain angles, head dissipated fast but strong lace is left behind.Verdict: Although porters are not my most favorite of styles (I like stouts more), this was delicious indeed. To me the importance lies in getting a smokey flavor, but one that does not overpower the taste; this is a great example of balancing roasted smoked malts to an enjoyable drinking experience.

Swan Lake - IPA

Swan Lake - IPA - Niigata Prefecture - 6% - UK Pint @ The Aldgate pub:
Taste: Hops have a nice bite, bitterness of pine, but balanced with raisin, orange peels and butter that lingers.
Looks: Orange/red medium body- though leans closer to orange, creamy head, lace is thick & holds.
Smell: I get citrus- orange in particular, hops, malt, and some sweetness.Verdict: Since I've only had this beer once and the Gallowsgate version once- I can't really compare the differences too much. What I can say is that like the Gallowsgate, this is another excellent Left Coast IPA and highly recommended!