I found a single bottle of Buffalo Bill’s Alimony Ale at my local Binny’s and grabbed it, as I had never heard a thing about the brewery or its beers, and it had a catchy label. I was also buying a handful of malty beers at the time so I wanted to have something hoppy to go along with that. Thankfully, it turns out, BBB is in Hayward, California … so I’m assuming the beer will utilize hops appropriately. Alimony Ale was first brewed in 1987 for a local customer who was going through a divorce. The brew gained some notoriety and national acclaim, and though it isn’t one of the bitterest beers in the country anymore, BBB claims it’s “just one of the best.”

I poured Alimony Ale into an imperial pint glass and immediately wished I had used a tulip (honestly, a tulip or white wine glass is good for just about any style of beer). The big foamy head was kicking out some great citrus, and I was thrilled. The bill says Cascade and “select bittering hops,” of which I would bet on Cascade and Amarillo in the very least. Appearance was a light amber, and crystal clear.

I had this beer with a light chicken dish with sweet chili sauce, couscous and broccoli, and it was excellent! Such a great flavor profile, refreshing and pure. The hops dominate this well-carbonated IPA, giving you the fresh floral and citrus flavors you know and love, tempered slightly with malt for a nice, easy finish that really makes you want to start gulping it down. It was hard to believe it clocks in at 6.8% ABV, I felt this beer was quite drinkable. Dangerously so.

I am keyed in on Buffalo Bill’s Brewery now, very interested to try the rest of their stuff.