Mana Wheat

Mana Wheat by Maui Brewing Co.

ABV: 5.5%

IBU: ??

It was on the way to the Deschutes River we picked up a can of Mana to share. I was impressed with the can and origins, being a Hawaiian Beer. I was hopeful by the price, $2+ that it would be a impressive beer.  We split the beer at the take-out. It was a disappointing week wheat beer without the usual refreshing sourness of wheat bear.

Then I thought it tasted off when Theron, pointed out that the addition of the pineapple juice reminded him of eating can pineapple. I agree completely.

Probably won’t find this in our drag-bag again

RRCBR Class I

Fat tire by New Belgian brewing

ABV: 5.2%

IBU: 18.5

Everybody knows a friend that everyone likes. Fat Tire is that beer.  Without Knowing some ones taste in beer Fat tire is always the safe choice. Love by many liked by all.

The New Belgian brewers have created a amber ale that has long been the choice of many craft beef lovers.

I was happy to find it in the can and soon it was on the river with us. 

Great out of the cooler ice cold or river water temp.

RRCBR Class III

The Tasters

Bryan & Theron are two very similar best friends. Both are outdoors enthusiasts: Rafting, fishing, mushroom hunting and hiking. They share the same career path both being Chefs : Bryan with 21 years of cooking and Theron with 7 years experience.  Both play and are fans  of hockey.  Bryan lists on his FB profile Hockey as his Religion. And we are fans of Beer!! All beers: domestic, imported, homebrew and most of all crafted beer.

We found that on the river the ease of canned beer  is a necessity: Keeping cold, not breaking and packing in and packing out convenience.  It’s also the law on some rivers (Grand Canyon). We have been pleased that many craft beer brewers are canning now. We have discovered many great beers for our rafting trips.

We will rate beers like rapids:

Class I- poor or emergency beers when you can’t find crafted beer

Class II- average beer like a class II rapid: fun with no surprises.

Class III- good beer that always puts a smile on your face like Boxcar rapid on an August day

Class IV- a great beer satisfying like after running Blossom Bar

Class V- a rare gem of a beer

Class VI- you’ll know one when you see one

See you on the river

Theron & Bryan