Summer Close-Out, session notes from the Rogue.

"Every wave's different on the same day. Minute changes in swell direction, wind, and interval-the number of
seconds that passes between two waves-add up to endless variations. It's never the same mountain." -Laird Hamilton
Zippin' ahead of a backside slammer; summer close-outs on 66th. Holidays, 9/19/2018.

   Chopped up conditions returned this week. Summer now in conclusion. Have been surfing only once a week (and that being during the week) for the last month. Seems our weekends have been busy. Throws off the weekly gym time as well. So, grabbin' a surf when you've worked out the day before makes for a reminder of my chronic disease...A-G-E. No matter. I'm still getting wet. Atlantic was still around 74F. Low tide, but going out. Nor'east winds about 10 knots. Forced the dreaded backside. Lotta thigh to waist high close-outs. Took what I could get. 
   Tampa Bay. At one time a haven for the game of Jai Alai. Originating in Spain and known as the "merry game," it's kinda a racket game...with an odd lookin' curved mitt vs. a racket and a ball that zoomed at near 200 mph. For whatever reason, it faded. Cigar City Brewing. Don't think I've had one of theirs before. Jai Alai IPA, a tribute to the game, had been calling out my name for some time. Felt like I'd seen it everywhere, so I finally got one in a mixed six. Poured a hazy orange-amber with a two finger head, sticky lacing, and aromas of orange and pine. Delicious blend of citrus and pineapple with a backbone of caramel malts with each swig. 70 IBUs of spicy hops and 7.5% ABV made for a robust shoulder season brew. I was not disappointed. Definitely see a sixer in my future with this one. Rated an A-.

   Allagash Brewing does a very consistent job from brew to brew. Outta Maine, Allagash White is most popular on my side of town. This being a newbie for me, Sixteen Counties is a Belgian Pale. In honor of the farmers that support the area and brewery. Poured a clear gold with 'bout a finger-plus, fizzy white head. Thin lacing. Had Belgian yeast in the smell with light breadiness and apple. Tasted of wheat, honey, and malt with more of the Belgian yeast. Hops lended a dry finish. While no IBUs were called out on this one, I'd say around 40-50. ABV was set at 7.3% providing some warmth to the cooling nights 'round here. Excellent transition beer. Tasty too. Rated a B+/A-.

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