By Jim Cyphert, Mahoning Valley Flight Crew

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Mahoning Valley Flight Crew members get chills when we learn about new craft beer coming to the Valley. Naturally, when R.L. Lipton Distributing’s Ed Carissimi tipped us off that his group was bringing a hot new brand to town, our timbers were shivering.

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Beginning this week, Lipton will be distributing Platform Beer Co.’s craft beers in the Mahoning Valley. Already a leader in bringing quality craft beer to the Valley, Lipton is taking yet another step in expanding its craft beer portfolio with Cleveland-based Platform, which began brewing craft beers in 2014.

Ed asked the Flight Crew to be among the first to sample the new goods. We certainly didn’t argue. The Flight Crew sampled the four Platform beers Lipton will distribute.

Here’s what the Flight Crew had to says about the beers:

David Anderson

The Project: Dry Hopped Pale Ale Series (5.1% ABV)

“The Project stood out to me with a nice citrus aroma and a crisp finish. It was very refreshing and I can see myself enjoying this one year round. I'm excited to sample more from Platform in the coming months. Hopefully a trip to the brewery is in the cards for the Flight Crew this year!”

Dave Shively

Speed Merchant White IPA (6.6% ABV)

“This American-style IPA abides by the principle of truth in advertising. The no-nonsense can states that the hop profile in this beer is “Citrus, Tropical and Pine,” and that’s exactly what I experienced. A refreshing citrus scent of grapefruit and melon, was followed by a dry hop flavor, which was smooth and very drinkable. This new-found favorite allows you to consume more than just one, and it’s a beer that can be enjoyed year round.”

Joe Sanfilippo

Lawlessness Porter (5.0% ABV)

“I was excited when I heard Ed from RL Lipton was bringing Platform for the Flight Crew to sample. I’ve heard so many good things about this brewery. The Lawlessness Porter was my favorite checking in at 5.0% ABV. It features dark cocoa and rich flavors, with a light coffee flavor and a hint of smoke and hops. It’s a very enjoyable Porter.”

Roger Gillespie

New Cleveland Palesner (5.0% ABV)

“Much to my surprise, this one really hit the spot. It’s a pilsner/pale ale hybrid. Very crisp and light, but also with the hoppy aromas and flavors that I really enjoy. This is a very refreshing and drinkable brew that I believe will become very popular as folks are introduced to the Platform line of beers.”

Jason Jugenheimer

The Project: Dry Hopped Pale Ale Series (5.1% ABV)

“An easy drinking pale ale, its pour is a beautiful caramel color with hints of citrus in the aroma. It has a slight sweetness from the Honey and Caramunich malts that add to the light hop profile. This is definitely a nice take on a dry hopped beer.”

Jim Cyphert

Speed Merchant White IPA (6.6% ABV)

“Platform describes this as having, “A sharp bite from the wheat malt followed by American hop flavors of pine and citrus in a hazy white IPA.” I’m a writer, but I couldn’t have captured this beer’s essence any better. I love IPAs with a citrus twist. This one’s definitely one I’d track down again. Fortunately, I can now do that in the Valley!”

Part of Platform’s mission is to brew tasty beers for sale in its tasting room and at your favorite bar and/or restaurant. Judging from the Flight Crew’s experience, Platform nailed that objective. And, you can thank R.L. Lipton to bringing it to you.

Keep your eyes on the shelves of local retail outlets and watch the tap handles at your favorite bars and restaurants for Platform beers. In the meantime, check out one of more of these local R.L. Lipton/Platform sampling events for a taste:

Thurs., Feb. 9 Vintage Estate (6-8:30 p.m.) Suzie’s Dogs and Drafts, Boardman location (9-11 p.m.)

Fri., Feb. 10 Champion Beach House (6-8 p.m.) Up a Creek Tavern (8:30-11 p.m.)

Sat., Feb 11 Crickets (5-7:30 p.m.) Laddie’s Sky Club (8:30-11 p.m.)