|
Friday, November 4, 2011
Boston Brewing Co./Sam Adams - Third Voyage DIPA Review
Brewery: Boston Brewing Co./Sam Adams
The Facts:
Location: Boston, Mass.
Established: 1984
Tidbits: This is new 4 beer series release late 2011. Founder, Jim Koch initially sold his brews from his car at local bars. Named after the 3rd voyage of Christopher Columbus to the "New" world.
Availability: One and Done
Type: Double India Pale Ale
ABV: 8.0%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Comes out of the bottle nearly "Boston Lager" like, Middle of the road transparent-brown with hues of sienna-red and light golds. The tall head is soap sudsy and slightly off-white. Lacing is tremendous all the way down the glass.
Aroma: The aromas don't jump out of the glass like I would have liked from a DIPA. They are there...Sweet grapfruits, and other citrus hop pops break through the strong malt frame. Some spice of clove, maybe cinnamon bleeds through as well.
Taste: Surprisingly mellow, with plenty of muted floral hops, that bring through a great amount of dryness on the tongue. Sweet touches of roasty malts fill in the spaces between the hop notes. Tingles of spice, poke the tongue and a mild presence of alcohol arrives at the end.
Overall: Was in between on this one...I liked the look of the new Sam Adams series, but it was "Sam Adams"...and I'm a little apprehensive on going for a Macro-brewery diguising itself as a Micro(no matter what the guidelines now say). Mouthfeel is medium, with a welcome sour aftertaste on the tongue, that pleases long after the drink is finished. This beer reminds me to keep an open mind on selecting brews in the future.
Similar Brew(s):
Score: 8.5/10
 
|
|
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Appalachian Brewing Co. - Purist Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Appalachian Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: Harrisburg, Pa.
Established: 1997
Tidbits: Became first brewery in Pa state capital in 1997, since 1951.
Availability: Year round
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 4.9%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Amber, sunset, and rust shades of orange and red intermingle well. A fairly thin white bubbly head stands at about a 1/4" then fades quickly to nearly nothing.
Aroma: Malt holds the mellow resiny-hop profile like a cradle. Some chilled earthy cone essence also comes through, but not over or under the main nose elements.
Taste: Great sweetness leads the way, with crispy-clean, bitter from the hops. Not a vast amount of variants from the flavors. A great balance of malt base with a fresh clean hop flowing nearly dead on.
Overall: Had this for the first time at the Gettysburg BrewPub and almost instantly loved it. Solid medium bodied brew with plenty of malt body to hold up well to the bitter of the hop.
Similar Brew(s): Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Score: 8.9/10
|
|
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Estes Park Brewing Co. - The Shining #217 Ale Review
Brewery: Estes Park Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: Estes Park, Co.
Established: 1996
Tidbits: Brewery is minutes from the entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Alot of the beers are named after either The Stanley Holtel or The Shining horror Movie.
Availability: Year Round
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.0%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: The brew pours out of the bottle a translucent deep, dark yellow...almost brown in tone. There is nearly no head at all except a few fat bubbles of white on the side of the glass.
Aroma: Dankness is the initial impression. Musty malt front of "old" sweets, with just enough hop floral nose to make this nose bareable. On a deeper inhale, sour overwhelms and doesn't have me looking forward to the taste.
Taste: Lemon, sour for that matter, rises above the malt base of the brew. Some bitter, but not much is in there also. No distinguishing flavors show. More of a amalgom of flavors confusingly interwoven within each other. Alcohol near the end.
Overall: I was in Estes Park staying at The Stanley Hotel, and to go to the Great American Beer Festival. While there I figured I'd check out the brewery. Well I did and had a hit and miss opinion of the over beer line-up. A Blueberry Wheat I had was great the Renegade IPA was so-so, and this one was average(from the tap). The Shining is my favorite book/movie of all-time, but I feel so bad that this beer has chosen the name to represent it. The Beer is a total letdown. Barely carbonated with a mushing of flavors that you can't figure out where one starts and the others stop. Such ashame...I had high hopes.
Similar Brew(s): I Wouldn't want to insult other beers
Score: 6.0/10
|
|
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
SixPoint Craft Ales - Sweet Action Cream Ale Review
Brewery: Sixpoint Craft Ales
The Facts:
Location: Brooklyn, NY.
Established: 2008
Tidbits: Name from the famed six point location of old Brooklyn. The Sixpoint star represents Purity to Brewers.
Availability: Year Round
Type: Cream Ale
ABV: 5.2%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Translucent orange with sunburst more towards the bottom of the glass. The head is creamy and bright-white, fills the glasses top inch, but fades quickly. Tremendous lacing clings to the sides of the glass as if trying to escape the man-made prison I put it in.
Aroma: Sweetness doesn't even start the inhale of this brew. Orange slushy comes to mind with the intense combination of Caramel malts and hops. Honey adds to the nose on second inhale, and rides the hop pop of the orange that is still holding strong from the beginning.
Taste: I was expecting an overwhelmingly sweet front, based off the nose, but got a very pleasant and refreshingly dry sip with some warming action. There is sweetness that follows, don't get me wrong...Hop sweetness more than malts, dominate this one. Citrus of orange, maybe a touch of lime. More hop comes through with earthy notes this time...Pine is there.
Overall: This is my first Sixpoint brew...and I'm glad I choose this one. I love Cream Ales. Now this isn't a traditional cream ale in my opinion. This is more hop-forward than usual cream ales, which Is another thing I love about it...The more hop the better for me. Mouthfeel is medium and slightly creamy, with a swwet little bite on the back of the tongue. Enjoyable from first sight to last sip. Only criticism is that it is a stretch calling it a "Cream Ale"
Similar Brew(s):
Score: 8.8/10
|
|
Monday, September 26, 2011
Newcastle Brewing Co. - Winter IPA Review
Brewery: Newcastle Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: England via Edinburgh, SCotland
Established:
Tidbits: New 4 Seasonal beer varieties for Newcastle through Caledonian Brewery.
Availability: Early Winter til gone
Type: "Winter" India Pale Ale
ABV: ??%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: The brew empties from the bottle a crystal clear burnt-sienna with roughly a half-inch of brilliant-white bubbly head serving as an initail lid on the surface. That head dies off swiftly leaving a very-thin film with some lacing along the inside of the glass.
Aroma: Major roasted malt overpowers an earthy hop presence. Nut and burnt toffee come through as well. Mild spices help close out the nose well. Definitely not the nose of a normal IPA.
Taste: Sweet and slightly charred malt body represents well in the front. Sour citrus hops cleanse the pallate from the char and adds a decent amount of bitter to the back of the throat. The flavors bounce back and forth on the tongue never making a final decision on which will dominate.
Overall: This was given to me as part of a sampler from a promotional rep for Newcastle. There is plenty of hop involved in the profile to bring it into the IPA category, but the dominant malt forward palate is what makes things different. "Winter" is a good description because of the roasty-char, which adds a nice warming element for those cold, snowy winter days. Mouthfeel is thin to medium with a tart bite on the tongue for an aftertaste.
Score: 8.2/10
|
|
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
MudHook Brewing Co. - Panfish Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Mudhook Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: York, Pa.
Established: 2011
Tidbits: Brand new brewery opened in June 2011 at Yorks Central Market.
Availability: Year Round
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 6.0%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Crystal-clear golden yellow flows into the glass with just enough of an orange twinge to discern this from a pils. The head is easily an inch tall and rocky throughout, but does die off a touch too soon.
Aroma: Lots of cereal malts dominate the initial inhale. Some light floral peaks and pops fill the glass on a deeper breath, along with those traditional grapefruit and lemon tones thrown in also.
Taste: An extremely nice hop pungentness engulf the tastebuds right off the bat. Fresh hops cradle those hop flares well...just letting enough bitter through to give this brew some bite without being overdone.
Overall: Lucked out actually in getting this brew at all. I got to the brewery at noon, not realizing that they didn't open til 4pm and thought I missed my chance. However I saw someone in the main brewery and knocked on the door. It was the Head Brewery & Co-Owner, who had been there checking on the Glycol system. We shot the poop for a while and I got my growler filled for home and It ended up being a great, but short experience. The mouthfeel is medium with a creaminess lingering through to a continued earthy dryness on the tongue. Great Job.
Similar Brew(s): Evolution Brewing - Primal Pale Ale or Sierra Nevada - Pale Ale
Score: 9.1/10
 Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, August 15, 2011
Tommyknocker Brewing Co. - Hopstrike Black Pale Ale Review
Brewery: TommyKnocker Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: Idaho Springs, Co.
Established: 1994
Tidbits: The name "TommyKnocker" was from the mystical/mythical elves that the miners in the area thought were little "helping hands" in their times of need while under ground. The 20 barrel brewery has won 9 GABF awards, among others in their 17 years in business. This brew was built from the ground up to help support the fight in Alabama to get beers higher than 6% ABV legalized.
Availability: Year Round
Type: Rye India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.0%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: The Hopstrike comes from the bottle quickly, in hues of deep-dark maple syrup browns with lighter golds mixed in well at the bottom. A thin bubbly head of a half inch build quickly then dies off just as quickly.
Aroma: Charred sweet notes of coffee and chocolate front the nose. A deeper inhale brings in a touch of citrus fruit and earthiness that might not be expected. Tremendous essence eminates from the glass.
Taste: Chocolates and rye spice lead off this awesome brew. More charred malts bring out the coffee, adding a layered element. This actually does seem layered to me...The chocolate comes initially, then nearly a quarter minute after the sip a lingering taste of roasted/charred coffee reinforces the black ale style. Most of the hop is in the nose, with little bittering,dryness or citrus involved in the flavoring. A mellow, but still noticeable alcohol warmth closes things out.
Overall: I have had this brew on a few occasions, from the tap and fell in love with the layers of malt flavor along with the spice from the rye. I love rye, so that element added to the black ale was only a plus. Perfectly balanced with a medium creamy mouthfeel, and some charred sour left on the tongue at the end.
Similar Brew(s): Heavy Seas Brewing Co. - Black Cannon Black IPA
Score: 9.4/10
|
|
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Breckenridge Brewing Co. - Avalanche Amber Ale Review
Brewery: Breckenridge Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: Breckenridge, Co.
Established: 1990
Availability: Year Round
Type: American Amber
ABV: 5.41%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: This brew tops the pint glass in an instant with a full white fluffy head that dies as quick as it rose. The main part is virtually see-thru in a rusty, burnt orange, brown. Reds peek through the calmed down elixer.
Aroma: Mostly spiced malt present in the profile. Toasted caramels and a touch of warmth in the deeper inhale. Almost a hint of bitter near the end, but it didn't really materialize...No problem for me though.
Taste: Tremendous malt body is what i get some toasted elements come through along with a light alcohol tingle near the end.
Overall: This is one of, if not the most popular Breck Brews...with proper cause. This brew has a strong but still balanced malt body. Very little in the way of hop, except that there is a trailing sour twang at the end of the sips. Mouthfeel is medium and definitely could be a body warmer in those cold months in the mountains.
Score: 8.5/10
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, June 6, 2011
Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. - Hoppus Maximus Review
Brewery: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: Akron, Ohio
Established: 1997
Availability: Year Round
Type: American Amber Ale
ABV: 5%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: The "dog" pours out of the bottle fast, filling the glass quickly...leaving nearly no head on top of a more caramel- brown than amber as I was expecting. The red in almost non-relevant.
Aroma: I really am digging the the nose...Caramel sweetness of malt is strong and pleasant. This base holds the hop well. Orange and grapefruit over the top with subtle touches of grass and pine from the finish.
Taste: Neither the malt nor the hop take over completely...There are in a sorta power-struggle. Some bitter does overcome, but doesn't wreck the balance of the flavor profile.
Overall: Well balanced hoppy "amber" ale. I won't really consider this an American Amber Ale, I would call it an American Pale Ale. Mouthfeel is a touch below Medium, with a friendly while still hoptacular aftertaste.
Score: 8.5/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Drakes Brewing Co. - Denogginizer DIPA Review
Brewery: Drakes Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: San Leandro, California
Established: 1989
Availability: Year Round
Type: Double India Pale Ale
ABV: 10%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: This brew comes out of the gate quickly, the creamy head, of a malted milkshake, trys to spill over the top of the glass. The body is of a crystal clear rusty-red, and has plenty of bubbly carbonation from the bottom to top.
Aroma: Re-diculous notes of citrus punch you in the face as soon as you get within a foot of the glass. Toasted caramel maltiness cradles those initial esters of hop awesomeness. Pine and some tropicalias help finish the nose nicely.
Taste: Those nice caramel malt notes from the nose come through smooth and creamy on the tongue. Bitter hits hard, but just right for me, as the taste profile culminates to "Hop-Dominance". For the alcohol content, it isn't what you'd think it would be...virtually unnoticeable.
Overall: I got this brew, among others from a beer-trade with a beer friend in California(@bjornidentity). This beer is well balanced, but still has a very creative hop-pop that will keep those die-hard "Hopheads" satisfied. Mouthfeel is light and creamy, with a pleasant piney/floral bite at the back of the tongue. Thanks again Wes.
Score: 8.9/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Ballast Point Brewing Co. - Big Eye IPA Review
Brewery: Ballast Point Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: San Diego, California
Established: 1996
Availability: Year Round
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.0%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Suspended floaties abound in this Burnt-orange bodied elixir. Subtle hues of gold bleed through but don't overtake the gorgeous presentation. An off-white whipped egg-yoke-like head of an inch covers the brew leaving a wispy lid after melting away.
Aroma: Sweet as hell, grapefruit, and orange drill aromas into the nostrils, with caramel malts sprinting to catch up. A great balance of scents flow from the glass sowell...a touch of alcohol, and a slight linger of bittering hops helps close the hop profile.
Taste: More malt than hop leads the way, but the hop is there...big-time. Sweet slightly creaminess coats the tongue well. The bittering effect starts to work through, but doesn't kill the balance between malt and hop at all. A light aftertaste pinches the back of the tongue, while the malt toasty elements help kep it all in check.
Overall: A more mellow version of Sculpin...Not saying it's bad, just using that as a scale of comparison. Mouthfeel is light to medium, ith friendly afternotes that have you craving more and more. A very good IPA, and could make alot of peoples top ten lists.
Score: 8.7/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Highland Brewing Co. - St. Terese's Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Highland Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Established: 1994
Availability: Year Round
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.2%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: The brew pours a transparent yellow with twinges of orange tinting the base color nicely. There is a mid-leveled head that rises to about a 1/4" tall of a fizzy-bubble bright-white...it dwindles to an ultra-thin haze on the surface with some lacing on the glass's inside.
Aroma: The nose is thin with subtle hints of sweet caramel and grain. SOme earthy hops do come-on on a deeper inhale but they are unsatisfying also.
Taste: More sweet than dry, with a mellow bitter that lingers on the tongue til the next drink. Light sweetness with a dried malt character that is fairly unique.
Overall: Trying to figure out why this beer reminds me more of an English Bitter than an American Pale Ale. This isn't a bad thing persay, it just doesn't fully commit to the Pales I think of that I've drank. Mouthfeel is crisp and thin, with a thin lingering aftertaste hanging on the tongue fora good while.
Score: 8.0/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Smutty Nose Brewing Co. - Shoals Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Smutty Nose Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Established: 1994
Availability: Year Round
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.4%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: This brew pours a perfect dark-rust-orange, that is clear to slightly translucent. There is a decent head that forms of about a half inch thick. It melts away quick and leaves a bright-white film of bubbles on the surface along with some nice lacing on the inside.
Aroma: Candied sweet malts are drastic in the beginning, then floral hop notes of fresh-cut grass bleed through. Hints of citrus and a touch of alcohol near the inhales close.
Taste: A pleasant bitter breaks out of the gate, and brings with it some mild but, satisfying dryness. Sweets come through, and rest on the tongue til the next sip. The brew closes out undramtically, but still fulfills
Overall: I haven't had a Smutty since last summer, and damn I wish I hadn't waited so long. The mouthfeel is medium, with a nice tingly aftertaste that bringmore sweets than bitters. I just haven't been motivated to grab any from the brewery, I think because of the kitschy photos on the bottles didn't do much for me.
Score: 8.9/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, April 18, 2011
Bell's Brewing Co. - Amber Ale Review
Brewery: Bell's Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Kalamazoo/Comstock, Michigan
Established: 1985
Availability: Year Round
Type: Amber Ale
ABV: 5.8%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Well, the color has more of an IPA glow than an amber. Notes of orange overwhelming gold are the strength. The head is fluffy beige, that is wispy around the glass and hold it's 1/2" height well. Nice lacing follows the brew down the body of the glass.
Aroma: Grain heavy in the initial sniff, with a light and pleasant malt trailing from behind. Said malt does have a mild toasty character, but not a powerful as it probably should be.
Taste: There the toasty malt is...caramel creaminess, leads the profile. A nice level of hop comes in and calms the malt down nicely. The perfect amount of bitter rides the flavors to the end.
Overall: Well I tell yah, when I first poured this out of the bottle, I thought that they might have mislabeled the bottle by what I saw. After I took my sniffs and sips it did come around to what it was supposed to be. With that being said, I completely enjoyed the brew and would have given it a higher mark if it wasn't for the "sight" not quite matching the style. The mouthfeel was light with a touch of creaminess, and the aftertaste wasn't agressive at all.
Score: 8.6/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Mother Earth Brewing Co. - Sisters Of The Moon IPA Review
Brewery: Mother Earth Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Kinston, North Carolina
Established: 2008
Availability: Year Round
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.9%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: This brew fills the glass with a golden-orange that is nearly transparent. The head forms to roughly a 1/4" and disipates quickly to a bright-white bubbly film encircling the edges of the glass.
Aroma: Notes of light grapefruit, and orange are there, but not strong. Again a mild malt of sweet caramels comes over the hop, but not dominating.
Taste: Hmmm..Earthy hoppiness is overwhelming, but friendly to me...pine and grapefruit are the major components. A light-malt body cradles the hop well, bringing those bitters and light dryness til the end.
Overall: Grabbed a few brews from this young but popular brewery while in NC. last weekend. I heard plenty of good things about them from twitter, and the blogs out there...Have to say it is well deserved. Mouthfeel is light to medium with an aftertaste that holds briefly on the tongue then fades. Can't wait to try the others.
Score: 8.7/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Duclaw Brewing Co. - Black Lightning Ale Review
Brewery: Duclaw Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Baltimore/Bel Air, Maryland
Established: 1996
Availability: Year Round
Type: American Black Ale
ABV: 6.5%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Pitch black is the pour with a crimson-red at the bottom of the glass...The head comes quickly and hold well, about an inch tall, in a Chocolate milk brown.
Aroma: Charred almost burnt malts are stronger than the other scents...a subtle sweet of cnadied sugars try but are unable to climb over the initial malty nose..
Taste: Coffee and chocolate awaken the taste buds with a mild, creaminess. Roasted malts then give way to a sweet dark-fruit notes of prune and raisin. There is an ultra-mellow hop dryness that nears the end and helps close out the profile
Overall: I've had a few Black "IPA's" and/or Black Ales, and have enjoyed them tremendously. This one is right up there with the others. The mouthfeel is thin, but still has a hint of creaminess. The aftertaste is tingly on the tongue and leaves a charred, slightly-sour essence.
Score: 8.9/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, April 11, 2011
Duclaw Brewing Co. - Venom Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Duclaw Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Baltimore/Bel Air, Maryland
Established: 1996
Availability: Year Round
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 5.6%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: What a gorgeous pour...Slightly red-tinted orange with golds glistening through the crystal-clear body. The head comes out aggressive in an off-white color, lacing up and down the inside of the glass.
Aroma: Sweet candied malt essence jumps at ya, then a citrus note of orange and grapefruit fills the glass well.
Taste: Light slightly-charred malt hits the tongue in the front, then nice caramel touches follow. Pops of citrus(orange,grapefruit), along with a pleasant bitter poke through. The finish is clean and friendly.
Overall: I've had this brew before on tap at the Brewery in Bel Air, and it became an instant favorite of mine. The bottle is just as good, One of the best APA's Ive had. Mouthfeel is medium, with very minimal aftertaste to speak of. A very clean and refreshing brew...If you can get it don't hesitate on doing so.
Score: 9.2/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, March 28, 2011
Peak Organic Brewing Co. - Simcoe Spring Ale Review
Brewery: Peak Organic Company
The Facts:
Location: Portland, Maine
Established: 2009
Availability: Spring Seasonal
Type: Spring Ale
ABV: 5.4%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Deep dark orange that can barely be seen through with touches of gold piercing through here and there. The clean-white head covers the nectar roughly a 1/4 inch then dies off quickly leaving a thin bubbly film on the surface.
Aroma: Wow...the Simcoe hop shows it's muscles well with hints of grapefruit, and orange, over an earthy piney punch. Some malts surface to add crisp sweetness to the awesome nose.
Taste: Sweetness of light malts shine forward, with a nice underlying bittering element. Dryness comes from the middle and holds things together well. The brew closes out as friendly as it starts with more touches of the tremndous Simcoe hop.
Overall: I have had a number of different organic brews before and have reviewed some of them...overall I have enjoyed them also. I appreciate the fact that the ingredients in these types of brews are brewed with extra special consideration. This beers mouthfeel is medium with a nice mellow aftertaste.
Score: 8.6/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Coronado Brewing Co. - Islander IPA Review
Brewery: Coronado Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Coronado, California
Established: 2007
Availability: Year Round
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.0%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Cloudy sunburst orange with brighter-yellows, and mellower-reds, dispearsed throughout. The head pours out bright white but is thin.
Aroma: The nose matches the sight...full of citrus fruits, along with earthy touches of pine. Caramel malt is there, but in a very limited capacity.
Taste: Pine jumps right at you from the get-go. The orange that was in the nose carries throughout the tasting sips. Tingles of carbonation, and heat of alcohol finish of the profile well.
Overall: Fairly smooth, with nice tingles from the alcohol making my mouth come alive. A light creaminess coats the tongue well after the medium mouthfeel relaxes. The aftertaste hangs for a while in the nback of the throat but isn't all the bad.
Score: 8.4/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Furthermore Brewing Co. - Proper Ale Review
Brewery: Furthermore Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Spring Green, Wisconsin
Established: ????
Availability: Year Round
Type: English Pale Ale
ABV: 4.5%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: A bright murky orange with limited bubbling floating to the top makes the body of the brew very attractive. Creamy bright white head of a 1/2 inch developes then holds strong at an 1/8 inch on the surface.
Aroma: Caramel malts are stronger than anything else. Some citrus sweetness does break through...orange, possible lime, and pine riding to the end.
Taste: Ultra-mild, with an abreviated malt being the main flavor. Biscuity, but bland with slight hints of sweet candied sugar and orange.
Overall: Another find while in Philadelphia a month or so ago...Not a bad brew...definitely a beer that could be enjoyed as a daily drinker. Mouthfeel is creamy and medium, without much of an aftertaste. I will look for more the next time in Philly, because there are a few brews of interest I've noticed on the site...specifically the "Fallen Apple" Cream Ale.
Score: 8.3/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Growlers of Gaithersburg Brewpub - Seneca Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Growlers of Gaithersburg Brewpub
The Facts:
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland
Established: 2006
Availability: Limited
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 6.2%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: This brew pours a gorgeous flame red, with plenty of input from hues of orange. There is a minimal head of foamy white that is a quarter inch tall and ends up a thin film on the surface.
Aroma: Lotsa malt comes up aggresively, then fades quietly, into a mellow earth-strong hop. Grass, and pine are there but are a not as strong as I would want.
Taste: I was expecting more bitter from hop, but what I got was a heavy-duty malt body with what I can only explain as a scotch element. Maybe that is more of a pine strength from the hops. Whatever it is, is definitely unique to me. Light creaminess coats the tongue, but still leaves room for the tingle of alcohol to sizzle the tongue a tad.
Overall: While passing through gaithersburg for work, I knew of Growlers and figured I'd stop...I always keep an empty growler in the car to randomly fill wherever I am. I was hoping that the Olde Towne Rye was available, but with being closed for awile recently, and the catch-up game going on it wasn't...maybe next time. THe mouthfeel is medium, with a sweet and earthy finish. A very good quality brew from a small micropub a little north of the nations capital.
Score: 8.4/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Ithaca Beer Co. - Flower Power Review
Brewery: Ithaca Beer Company
The Facts:
Location: Ithaca, New York
Established: 1997
Availability: Year Round, Limited
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.5%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: I am impressed with the color of this brew. A cloudy orange, with highlights of gold glistening through. The head is roughly a half inch tall and dies off quickly leaving a thin bubble film on the surface, with moderate lacing down the glass.
Aroma: Re-diculous citrusy hop pop right from the get-go. Orange in abundance dominates everything...there is a mellow sweet caramel sweetness that carries the hop all the way through.
Taste: Mellowness of malt attempts to hold down the strength of the hop...and it is almost successful. Tingely carbonation, with more dry that bitter from that hop lead the way. I get orange, grapfruit, and lemon primarily. There is a mild warmth of alcohol near the finish, with a earthy bite on the tongue.
Overall: This beer completely impressed me, Balanced flavors with a nod going to the hop character. Not overwhelming on the taste, but the nose is awesome, freshness, and citrus are great. The tongue is floral, but not as crazy as one might think from the nose. Mouthfeel is light to medium with a pleasant erthy afternote that hangs on the tongue well.
Score: 9.2/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Thursday, March 3, 2011
BoxCar Brewing Co. - Original Ale Review
Brewery: Boxcar Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: West Chester(near Philly), Pennsylvania
Established: 2007
Availability: Year Round
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 5%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: The brew pours out a nearly cloudy wheaty-golden yellow with plenty of active carbonation bubbling from the bottom. A pure white thin head diminishes to an evenly spread foam on the surface.
Aroma: Lemon and yeast are frontal, with an even, light pale malt character carrying the weight of the beer. There is a touch of sour near the finish.
Taste: Very mild with nice carbonation tingles filling the mouth. An essence of lemon, with a hint of sour and dryness are within a "buttery" body. A little different, but that is a good thing.
Overall: Brainchild of friends and family members in Tennessee, After perfecting his recipes, Jason and Wife moved to West Chester where Jamie was to make the dreams come alive. Now the beers are here for our enjoyment. The mouthfeel is medium with a decent hold on the tongue of a slightly sour aftertaste. A very easy drinker, that is probably best drank in the summer heat.
Score: 8.1/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Coronado Brewing Co. - Idiot IPA Review
Brewery: Coronado Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Coronado(near San Diego), California
Established: 2007?
Availability: Year Round
Type: Unfiltered Imperial IPA
ABV: 8.5%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: For being an unfiltered beer, it is nearly clear. Definitely more translucent than opaque. Dead on coloring though with a burnt-orange base, and brown hues throughout. Modest head of white dies quickly with only wisps let behind.
Aroma: Typical, citrus notes of grapefruit and orange intertwine with a pleasant earthy-element, and a firm malt backbone. The nose holds well and on the second breath more forest essence shows...a reminder of dampness of fallen pine needles comes through nicely.
Taste: A supporting malt of caramel stays strong as it carries the effervescences of alcohol, lemon, and orange from front to back. Where those flavors continue to impress. Fizzy warmth of alcohol continues to the nearly immediate termination of the tasting sip. Balance is paramount in this brew.
Overall: Enjoyed this one thoroughly. There was a nice comparable balance of the nose to the palate, which I have trouble finding most of the time. Mouthfeel is slightly creamy and full, with a hint of bitter biting the corners of the tongue. There is minimal aftertaste, which is unfortunate, because what is there is refreshing.
Score: 8.6/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Napa Smith Brewing Co. - Organic IPA Review
Brewery: Napa Smith Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Napa, California
Established: 2008
Availability: Year Round
Type: Organic IPA
ABV: 7.1%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: This organic brew comes out aggressive and fills the glass quickly. Cloudy, opaque, "Tequila Sunrise" orange is the base color with darker than norm tones throughout. The head is white and creamy; nearly merangue.
Aroma: Wow, powerful floral and citrus notes bust through the sweet malty base. Pine, orange, grapefruit, and some sort of sour are headstrong. More malt at the end.
Taste: By the nose, i wouldn't have expected the dry, bitterness that is overwhelming. I know it's expected with the style, but this is re-diculous. A creamy backbone supports the earthiness of the hop well. It almost cradles it like a flower. I get a comepletely unexpected nutty essence also on the back of the bitterness.
Overall: Earthiness abounds this Organic IPA... Not as crisp as say a Bison Brewing Company. The flavors meld a tad too much. there isn't really a seperation between the hoppiness and the maltiness. The mouthfeel, is medium, with some creaminess too boot. There is a lingering charred aftertaste that I don't really dig.
Score: 7.7/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
SlyFox Brewing Co. - 113 India Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Slyfox Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Royersford, Pennsylvania
Established: 1995
Availability: Year Round
Type: IPA
ABV: 7%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: It's hard to nail down a color on this one...Translucent chesnut brown, with hints of orange and red bleeding through, is what I settled on. The head comes out fierce and holds strong...creamy white of a quarter inch, fades into a light wispy film on top.
Aroma: Mellowness is the best description of the smells that radiate from the glass. Lightly toasted malt, with a nice citrus of orange and lemon-zest poking through. Pine sneaks into the mix at the end.
Taste: More malt than hop front the brew. Caramel malts carry the earthy, piney, resiny, slightly citrusy body through til the end, where there is a mild tingle of alcohol. Again Slyfox balances the flavors well.
Overall: As you might know already IPA's is my favorite style of beer. With that being said, this is a very good brew in that style. Malt is a little more than I would expect and covers the nice earthy notes that want to come through, but can't. The bitterness from the hop is there but underwhelms for me. Mouthfeel is medium and creamy, not as crisp as I'd like, and the aftertaste is neither hardcore, nor dull. Good brew, but not stupendous.
Score: 8.3/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Founders Brewing Co. - Centennial IPA Review
Brewery: Founders Brewing Co. - Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.2%
Sight: The brew pours an off-chesnut brown with glimmers of orange poking throughout. There is a 1/4 inch thick pure white head that is foamy in the middle and bubbly around the inner rim of the glass.
Aroma: The first inhale is intense, with esters of orange, pine, candied sugar, and earth coming through. These notes linger all the way through, and close as fresh as the first breath.
Taste: Earthy, thick, with a light creaminess. The hops come from the bottom of the taste, being overwhelmed by a moderate caramel malt body. Hops are there but not hardcore, with pine and grass being the strengths. Limited carbination, while still having tingles, probably from alcohol.
Overall: I have Red's Rye PA from Founders and liked it...scoring an 8.3/10. That is what has made me seek out more from them when I'm in Philly. Mouthfeel is medium with some smooth creaminess in there. The aftertaste is clean and non-abrasive, but does hang lightly on the back of the tongue for a some time.
Score: 8.8/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, January 31, 2011
Heavy Seas Brewing Co. - Black Cannon IPA Review
Brewery: Heavy Seas Brewing Co. - Baltimore, MD.
Type: Black India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.25%
Sight: Opaque, obviously...Black, with a slight tint of cherry red when the light hits it. The head comes out slowly then builds to about a half inch tall, and "cream & sugar coffee" brown. It does hold for awhile, then disappears quickly.
Aroma: The nose is of a medium strength, with roasted scents of coffee and chocolate. Notes of dark prune or plum float on top of the body and try to keep, what I'm taking as alcohol from overpowering things.
Taste: Chocolates aren't killing things, but are there nicely. A touch creaminess assists the body in encompasssing the tongue with warmth of alcohol, and a slight bitter-dryness from the Trademark IPA hop. No floral or citrus, but It wasn't expected, so no problems.
Overall: I've only reviewed one other Black IPA, and liked that one also, but Black Cannon stands out to me for two reasons...1. The alcohol, while 7.25% is hardly noticeable in the body, compared to burning in the other one, 2. The body again, has a creaminess that lends to a medium body. The other reviewed BIPA was thin. I once again am impressed with Heavy Seas. Good people and great brews
Score: 9.0/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Arcadia Ales - India Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Arcadia Ales - Battle Creek, MI.
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 5.9%
Sight: The brew pours out of the bottle fast, dark orange with some lighter gold highlights throughout. There is a fingers-thick head of bright-white bubbliness on top leaving nice lacing down the inside of the glass.
Aroma: Strong citrus notes as expected from an IPA hit well and overcome a pleasant malt body. Grass, and grapefruit are dominant and stay significant til the end.
Taste: Hops and malts balance well throughout. Slight bitterness with grass and grapefruit interweave an earthiness with sweet malts. The end is dry up not overbearing.
Overall: The mouthfeel is light to medium with a limited aftertaste of sours near the back of the tongue. I was really surprised to find this breweries offerings in Maryland but am glad they are here.
Score: 8.0/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
Comment From: JayZeis
I love their Cereal Killer Barleywine, as well as their HopMouth. Solid brewery/beers.
Reply From: BeerCruiser
This is the first beer from them for me, liked it. I haven't seen them in the city. Got this down in Laurel, at Corridor Liquors.
|
|
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Hook & Ladder Brewing Co. - Flashpoint Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Hook & Ladder Brewing Co. - Silver Spring, MD.
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.6%
Sight: This brew pours an iced tea brown with hints of red peeking through on top and bottom...the more light shined from behind the more red. The head nearly fills the pint glass with whipped creamy bubbles of off-white. Lacing is solid as the head dies off.
Aroma: Sweet caramel malt is the dominant smell that bleeds from the glass. Grass, and light esters of grapefruit, and orange sneak through.
Taste: Dryness, roasted malts, and mild sweetness hit the tongue simutaneously. Bitter grabs the tongue and doesn't let go. Signals of florals and ultra light citrus drop from time to time.
Overall: A little different than what I was expecting, but the name can be interpreted as a play on the style...meaning theat the malts were roasted more(almost charred) and the significance of the hop is dryness more than bitter. The mouthfeel is medium with an aftertaste of sour that holds on to the tongue for dear-life. Not a bad brew at all.
Score: 8.6/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Great Divide Brewing Co. - Belgica Ale Review
Brewery: Great Divide Brewing Co. - Denver,Co.
Type: Belgian Style IPA
ABV: 7.2%
Sight: The body of the beer is a transparent bright golden-yellow, which is most likely due to the use of pilsner malts. There is an ultra thin film that remains on the surface after the small head dies off.
Aroma: Spice and citrus sweetness are powerful up front. The belgian yeast takes over and rides the light malts til the end. There is also bready nose all the way to the finish of the inhale.
Taste: Biscuity and solid bitter trump everything else on the tongue. Some mellow citrus of tangarine and a definite earthy element follow. The finish is mostly clean, other than the dragging of a grassy tinge hanging.
Overall: A little different, but not in a bad way. I think the recipe is definitely a "Belgian" IPA, not an IPA with "Belgian" elements...meaning the Belgian hallmarks are more dominant. The mouthfeel is light to medium, with a significant aftertaste of grass. Not a bad brew at all.
Score: 8.6/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, January 17, 2011
Lake Placid Brewing Co. - UBU Ale Review
Brewery: Lake Placid Brewing Co.
Type: English Strong Ale
ABV: 7.0%
Sight: Ubu pours a very deep mahogany brown, with a ting of red mixed in. The head is foamy thick and beige...an inch tall
Aroma: On the first inhale I get tremendous dark malts and cherry fruit. On the second and deeper inhale I catch some coffee notes, more dark fruits and some spice. Not much in the way hop hop presence though.
Taste: Dry chocolate, prune and a mild caramel float over the tongue in the beginning. There is a mellow alcohol tingle interwoven, leading to more chocolate notes that aren't as dry. Again, not much hop.
Overall: I guess this is the flagship beer for Lake Placid, not a bad brew, the main problem is that there wasn't a hop note in it to me. I understand the style doesn't bleed hop, but there should have been enough to balance out all of the flavors. Mouthfeel is medium and a touch chewy, while leaving minimal aftertaste of dry chocolates.
Score: 8.0/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, January 24, 2011
Peak Organic Brewing Co. - India Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Peak Organic Brewing Co. - Portland, Me.
Type: Organic IPA
ABV: 7.1%
Sight: Sunburst yellow with and aura of orange right down the center of the glass. The head is fluffy as it comes out, then dies off quickly leaving some lacing and a thin white film on the surface.
Aroma: The nose is very subdued...Mild citrus hoppiness of orange, along with a mild malt sweet. A touch of earthiness, possibly grass, continues til the end.
Taste: Malts, mildly sweet, are in the forefront, but are getting impaired by a very clean hop presence. Bitter citrus rides the whole way to the end where a biscuity essence holds the tongue.
Overall: I can definitely tell the difference with the organic hop...it seems crisper and cleaner than most other hops out there. The mouthfeel is medium with a lingering hop bitter sitting on the corners of the mouth.
Score: 8.3/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Fishtale Organic Brewing Co. - Organic IPA Review
Brewery: Fishtale Oraganic Ales Brewing Co.
Type: Organic India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.7%
Sight: This OIPA drips out of the bottle a nearly clear dark orange. There are some rays of golden yellow sneaking through, more near the base. The head forms quit slowly(as I've found Organic brews often do), only gaining enough height to barely be called head at all. There is a thin bubbly off-white film that stays on the surface.
Aroma: The nose is slapped with a strong pungent floral-earthiness, that wanes to some optimistic, grapefruit esters as it's inhaled deeper. There is a caramel-esque note to the mid-point of the inhale that carries everything to the finish, which fades quickly.
Taste: Sweet, gentle malts hold the also, gentle hop character well. There is a nice balance of all flavors, nothing overshadowing the others. Malts are lightly roasted, while the hop is more of pine, and grass, then of grapefruit or orange. The finish is barely dry, but definitely bitter.
Overall: I have been on an organic kick since eating better quality foods, was my main New Years resolution. This IPA not only has organic malt, like all of the other Organic beers I've reviewed, but it also has organic hops from New Zealand. This gives the hop pop a cleaner and fresher taste to me. The mouthfeel is light, and leaves a ultra mild sour on the bottom of the tongue.
Score: 8.5/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, January 10, 2011
Williamsburg Ale Werks - Chesapeake Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Williamsburg Ale Werks.
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.3%
Sight: A great sight of semi-clear bright sunburst orange pours from the bottle. A tremendously fluffy meringue-like bright-white head of an inch seals in the the scent from the elements.
Aroma: Pleasant and mildly aggressive citrus notes of grapefruit, and a twinge of lemon come through first. Those smells give way to a light-malt that in combination, give me a, and I know this is weird, but, a "circus peanut" type essence(Call Me Crazy)...which isn't a bad thing at all.
Taste: A creamy sweet malt led skeleton, structures the mildly bitter grapefruit and orange notes. Alcohol is just underneath it all and tingles as well as warms the mouth well.
Overall: This is my first brew from Willamsburg Ale Werks, th only microbrewery in Williamsburg, Va. They have done a really good job with this beer, tastes between the malts and the hops are balanced well with the citrus popping a touch above the rest. The mouthfeel is light to medium with a very cool sour, pinching the corners of my tongue.
Score: 8.9/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Friday, January 7, 2011
New Holland Brewing Co. - Mad Hatter IPA Review
Brewery: New Holland Brewing Co.
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 5.25%
Sight: Traditional IPA orange is the base color that supports a bright-white, cream-driven half-inch head on top. Medium lacing follows down the inner body of the glass as it's drank.
Aroma: Grapefruit citrus rides on top of a lightly roasted malt body. The second inhale bring hints of earthy-pine, and alcohol spice to the show, finishing up very mellow.
Taste: Earthiness is the name of this game, leading the way over a roasted malt frame. Spice and light warmth from alcohol come secondly, as the taste hold well and ends with a drying bitter that isn't too punishing.
Overall: I drank 5 in the 6 pack before I did this review, and have to say that this one had to grow on me. At first I wasn't getting the strengths of the earthy notes and finishing dryness, but now I am and I dig them. I think I was trying to hold it up amongst some of my fav IPA...which really isn't fair. But when dissected alone it is a good quality IPA. Mouthfeel is lighter than medium with a more dry than sour aftertaste.
Score: 8.1/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Russian River Brewing Co. - Damnation Belgian Ale Review
Brewery: Russian River Brewing Co.
Type: Belgian Ale
ABV: 7.75%
Sight: The brew comes out aggressively, with tremendous bubbling from the bottom. The body is translucent wheaty-yellow with a foamy, almost whipped egg-white like, fingers thick head on top.
Aroma: Wheat and orange in the beginning, almost hefe-esque. Then on the bigger inhale the light spices pop through with ultra-light malt, and a touch of earthy/woodsiness.
Taste: Smooth, creamy, light, and citrus-fruity. Orange citrus, wheat, and possibly a spice of corriander are the strengths, with a mild bitter coming near the finish along with some alcohol warmth.
Overall: I have been sooooo looking forward getting my hands on a Russian River Brewing Co. beer for so long now...specifically Pliny The Elder. But on a recent trip to Philly, there was no Pliny to be found, but Damnation was, so I grabbed it. Best description...50% Hefeweizen/50% Begian Trippel, 100% Good. Mouthfeel is light to medium and creamy, with a very mild sour-sweetness lingering on the back of my tongue. The balance of all the flavors are Re-Diculously on target, that I don't know if it could have been done better. All the notes are in each and every part of the sip. Making me crave Pliny even more.
Score: 9.2/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Stoudts Brewing Co. - American Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Stoudts Brewing Co.
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 5.0%
Sight: The body empties into the glass a roasted golden-yellow hue, with a half-inch thick bubbly white head. The head seals in the brew completely from the elements after it fades to a thin film on the surface.
Aroma: Citrus of lime, and grapefruit lead the way, but make way for a lightly toasted malt frame of the beer. A hint of spice comes through also near the end of the second inhale.
Taste: Impressive first sip with mild citrus esters bouncing to and frow off the sweet malt body. Balance is well defined and I get all the flavors along with a hint of bitter, evenly throughout the drink.
Overall: Not designed as a sessionable brew, but I could drink this one all day long...So I call it sessionable. Medium bodied, with a little creaminess. A good representation of the malt, while having a strong dosing of hop citrus, bitter and dry that isn't overpowering. A light-sour/sweet aftertaste will pinch the corners of the jaw, enticing you to take another swig.
Score: 9.1/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, January 3, 2011
Four + Brewing Co. - Wyld Organic Extra Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Four + Brewing Co.
Type: Organic Extra Pale Ale
ABV: 4.0%
Sight: There is a beautiful crystal-clear golden-wheat color that comes from the bottle, but doesn't give anything in way of froth, or foam for a head...a tad disappointed.
Aroma: Wonderful orange sweetness rides a mild malty back. Deeper inhale bring more of the same, but with an even more hardcore punch. If you like citrus, this nose will completely satisfy.
Taste: Somehow, I don't get any carbonation filling my mouth while sipping this brew. It's unfortunate too, because I do get nice flavors from, a lightly creamy malt body with plenty of hop character showing through. Mellow bitter, and a friendly dry, carry the brew all the way to the finish.
Overall: I really enjoyed the basic concept of this beer, but the lack of carbonation in my bottle leaves those flavors water-logged...almost as if someone melted an ice cube in it. Unfortunately, I can't give it a better mark on the point scale, because of the lack of body. I love when brewers use organic ingredients...does a body good, keep up the series of Four + and keep experimenting with the organics, it will reap rewards for you and the customer.
Score: 7.9/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Mendocino Brewing Co. - White Hawk Select IPA Review
Brewery: Mendocino Brewing Co.
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.0%
Sight: The hawk pours a burnt-orange with some yellow highlights poking through here and there. The head isn't anything to get excited about...roughly a half-finger in height, and dies to a puffy film of blinding-white on the surface.
Aroma: The usual hoppy notes are there, but are under-acheiving comparably to other IPA's I've reviewed...Citrus and light caramel malts are the main characters showing.
Taste: Malt driven first sip with a touch of alcohol, and a ultra-distant hop bitter. With the second bigger gulp, I get plenty more malt this time with a hint of toastiness...the hops try but just can't get to the party completely.
Overall: I picked this up as the last brew in my mixed-6 pack, and figured I'd try another beer from the west coast. I'm am though having trouble with this being considered an "IPA" the malt dominates, and the hops are less-impressive that some basic Pale Ales I've had. If they categorized it correctly, I would have given it better marks. Mouthfeel is medium and there is a mild sour bite to the tongue in the aftertaste.
Score: 7.3/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Saturday January 1, 2011
Bison Brewing Co. - Organic IPA Review
Brewery: Bison Brewing Co.
Type: Organic India Pale Ale
ABV: 6%
Sight: Bison IPA pours a see-thru copper-gold, with light bubbling rising to the surface. The head comes out a bright white an wanes quickly, leaving a wispy film on the surface.
Aroma: Friendly, non-overpowering citrus notes of grapefruit, and a touch of orange. Malt does creep over those notes, to bring in a mild caramel backbone with a very subtle tingle of alcohol.
Taste: More of the fresh organic malt pops than the hop, not to say the hop isn't there...Those hops are a touch underacheiving, but still bring in the appropriate bitter as well as a chilled dryness that reps the style well. A little alcohol bite closes out the taste profile nicely.
Overall: I got this beer as a sample from the brewer because he saw different reviews on my site of different organic brews. I'm glad he did. I wish alot more breweries would embrace the organic malts and/or hops in even a limited capacity, but I'm not holding my breathe in the meantime. The mouthfeel is lightly creamy with a nearly non-existant aftertaste. Keep up thinking gloabally and acting locally...Good Job.
Score: 8.4/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, December 20, 2010
Terrapin Beer Co. - Rye Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Terrapin Beer Co.
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 5.3%
Sight: The brew pours a bright golden-orange that is tough to see through, due to the floating sediment. Head is a fluffy of a whipped egg-white, that dissolves slowly and leaves a ultra-thin film covering the surface almost entirely.
Aroma: Citrus covers the mild field grains nicely. A fresh herbiness, on the clean deep inhale make me look even more forward to divulging into this one. It closes out with a slight tingle of alcohol.
Taste: A grapefruit-rind hop dryness, that provides a delicate bitter, leads to a balanced malt body. On second sip a pleasant grain breadiness fights through the sweet notes.
Overall: Not bad, but overwhelming either. It does match it's name well, grains, sweets of citrus and mild dryness are there and are balanced. The mouthfeel is medium, with a gentle aftertaste that lingers minimally.
Score: 7.9/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Breckenridge Brewery - Small Batch 471 Double IPA Review
Brewery: Breckenridge Brewery
Type: Double IPA
ABV: 9.2%
Sight: This Breck pours a nice copper-golden yellow that is merely shading your vision as you look through it. There is an underachieving white head that leaves some lacing as it dies.
Aroma: Again, an underwhelming component to the "Big" small batch beer. Sweet caramel malt and a slight hoppy citrus are there, but not as bold as I should expect. Orange and pine are there also slightly...on a deeper inhale.
Taste: And once again, not really impressed with the flavor profile here. More of a malt character than a hoptastic treat. Caramel come first and foremost, then there is a generous hop floral that is trying, but doesn't quit make it to the party. More of a numbing pine/earthy hop that lends to the uneventful finish.
Overall: I had the chance to check this brewery out while in Colorado in November, but decided against it...With this being my first attempt with them, I'm not as upset that I didn't now. Mouthfeel is mediumand coating, with an aftertaste of sour that lingers for a long time. A bit disappointed.
Score: 7.2/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, November 29, 2010
Founders Brewing Co. - Red's Rye PA Review
Brewery: Founders Brewing Co.
Type: IPA with Rye
ABV: 6.6%
Sight: Translucent auburn-redness flows from the bottle nicely creating a slightly off-white head, about 1/2" tall. The head does fall to a ultra-thin film on the surface.
Aroma: Nice floral notes drift from the mouth of the glass with grapefruit, orange, and pine being dominant. There is a pleasant maltiness that comes out on the deeper inhale.
Taste: Malt front with a hanging dryness. Some bitter follows to the finish where pine and mild citrus elements come though.
Overall: My first Founder's Brewing Co. brew, that I picked-up during a recent trip to Philly for a beer run. I enjoyed it. 70 IBU's are there nicely and the flavors are balanced well from front to back. Mouthfeel is medium, with a very light sour aftertaste left on the tongue. Founders created a decent IPA with a slight twist.
Score: 8.3/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Thursday, November 10, 2010
Boulder Beer Co. - Buffalo Gold Ale Review
Brewery: Boulder Brewing Co.
Type: Golden Ale
ABV: 4.95%
Sight: Boulder made a very nice beer to gander at. Simple, translucent gold, that goes with the name, with a light-whipped egg-white head that dies to a thin film on the surface.
Aroma: Mostly malt and biscuity-yeast are the significant notes recieved on the initial inhale. A second breath brings a touch of floral grass or pine to the mix.
Taste: Very light at the first sip. Malts are dominant but mellow. The flavors are clean and even throughout, with a hint of sour dryness at the very end.
Overall: This is a beer for craft beer afficionados as well as people who are new to the quality of craft beers. Light and mellow, but still with enough flavor from the malt to make this sessionable brew enjoyable as hell.
Score: 8.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, October 29, 2010
Avery Brewing Co. - Indian pale Ale Review
Brewery: Avery Brewing Co.
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.5%
Sight: Translucent orange that has a dark tone to it. Deep yellows will show when displayed in front of light. The head pours white and thin, then leaves a creamy film on the surface.
Aroma: Re-diculous hop presence with healthy notes of grapefruit, orange and lemon tickling the nostrils nicely. A mellow sweet light-malt follows through the second inhale. I so hope the taste stands true to the nose.
Taste: Wow...Actually surprised that the malt is what flows first to the tastebuds. A great sweet malt, with a heavy dosing of dry piney floralness mixed within. The citrus comes through nicely by way of pops and crackles, breaking through the malt body. The finish is soft with a hint bitter that I enjoy.
Overall: Well I was hoping that I would be satisfied with this IPA when picking it up at the store...I was more than impressed with it to say the least. Floral-citrus-malt-bitterness that was well balanced and flowed evenly from start to finish. The mouthfeel is light to medium and the finish leaves a nice tart bite on the tongue that I wish I could keep all day.
Score: 9.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Saison Du Buff - Dogfish Head Version Review
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Type: Farmhouse Ale
ABV: 6.8%
Sight: A nearly opaque nice dark-grain yellow with some clearing towards the bottom of the glass. Plenty of carbonation bubbling from the bottom to the bright-white soapy head that seals the surface of the brew.
Aroma: Notes of orange peel and lemon bounce off a hefe-esque light malt backbone. Spices are ringing through on second inhale, Parsley and rosemary are the more dominant.
Taste: A mild malt that cradles the citrus and spice very well. Orange zing with a bite of lemon ride through til the uniqueness of the Italian spices try to make an appearance. Rosemary and parsley are the only spices I can pull from the palate, but it is good that I can distinguish the spices of this version better than the other two.
Overall: Definitely digging this colaboration from three of the country's best breweries...This one is right up there with the others in sense of an overall beer...the thing that is unique to this one from the other two is that I taste more of the flavors more distinctly than previous versions. The malt is crisp and defined, the hop presence is there, but more muted than the Stone version. The spices of Italy are more pronounced than in the other versions. So it is better on some fronts and comparable on others. This one falls right in the middle of the three. Mouthfeel is light to medium, with a mild aftertaste of tart. Hope to see more colab's of this quality from other breweries in the future.
Score: 9.1/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Long Trail Brewery - India Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Long Trail Brewing Co.
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 5.9%
Sight: This brew pours a cloudy sunburst golden brown, with yellows shining through at the bottom and top. The head pour evenly throughout, as to not leave a over/under thick head.
Aroma: The nose is Re-diculous on this one...I can almost taste the pine needles and orange slices in the inhale. These smells are balanced and truely inviting, just sitting on the table in front of me.
Taste: The tongue gets a very lax malt on the front with some of the hoppiness coming over the top. Citrus of orange and lemon break through with the malt carrying the flavor profile through to the end of a light tingle of alcohol.
Overall: More of a malt body than expected...There is a decent hop linger of the citrus without much of a bitter of dryness usually found in IPA's...Mouthfeel is light to medium and there really isn't much of an aftertaste to speak of. The intense nose had me so looking forward to the taste but was a little let down...Not bad but then again not great.
Score: 7.8.10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Nebraska Brewing Co. - IPA Review
Brewery: Nebraska Brewing Co.
Type: IPA(Firkin)
ABV: 6.5
Sight: Beautiful amber brown that is clear and dark. Actually very surprised at the nice head I got from the firkin pour. Nice bubbly white topper that holds for a while.
Aroma: I get an actually more mellow citrus/floral nose than I was hoping for. A mild sweet of orange and a zest of lemon are the notes that break through subtly. Very inviting and non-obtrusive.
Taste: Malty and dry up front with a awesome zing of pine punching the back of the throat hard. It flows well from front to back where a tad of alcohol warmness come through.
Overall: Not too bad...more malt than i think a traditional IPA should be, and not as bitter as I'd like it, but the is dryness there definitely. Mouthfeel is medium, leaving a decent aftertaste of more malt that holds the tongue well.
Score:8.4/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, October 20, 2010
Devils Backbone - Kung Pow "Enter The Hop" Far Eastern Influenced IPA Review
Brewery: Devils Backbone Brewery
Type: Far Eastern Influenced IPA(Firkin)
ABV: 6.8
Sight: A nice hazy light-orange that is translucent with hints of yellow and brown peeking through.
Aroma: Sweet floral tones of tangerine and possibly grapefruit run amuck. This nose is tremendous and enhances the anticipation for the taste.
Taste: Malty sweet to start, then the hop bitter hits very well. Twinges of citrus are prominent throughout. Flavors balance well all the way through. No one flavor dominates the others.
Overall: Truely dug it. I've been wanting to try something from DBB for awhile, and should have by now(only 1 hour or so away). They have won many medals at many competitions including GABF, which increased my eagerness to try them. The mouthfeel was medium with a mild pinch of an aftertaste on the roof of the mouth is pleasant.
Score: 8.7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, October 19, 2010
Oliver Ales - Freddies Revenge "A Nightmare On Pratt St." Review
Brewery: Oliver Ales
Type: Seasonal Pumpkin Ale...from Firkin
ABV: 5.8%
Sight: A nice crystal clear auburn-brown, with hues of red popping through in the right light. Light off-white bubbling is on the surface.
Aroma: Nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon radiate from the glass with the pumpkin overtones keeping the nose in check. malt holds well throughout the sniff, with a little alcohol near the end
Taste: I am probably wrong on this but I get a nice creaminess of toffee in the front of this smooth ale. Pumpkin comes through well next...not weak, but not overpowering either(just right). The seasonal spices are presented on the appropriate levels not too strong and not to weak. A very nice malt sweetness holds things together well.
Overall: All of the flavors are balanced nearly perfect, no on component dominants another. The mouthfeel is light to medium with a nice creaminess coating to the mouth. Nothing lingers in the aftertaste, This is a true "pumpkin" ale not a "pumpkin spice" ale...Once again Brewmaster Stephen Jones put out an excellent brew.
Score: 9.2/10Â
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, Monday, October 11, 2010
Saison Du Buff - Victory Brewing Co. Version Review
Brewery: Victory Brewing Co.
Type: Farmhouse Ale
ABV: 6.8%
Sight: Slightly foggy golden-yellow throughout with a pure white thin head that pours quickly out of the bottle. There is some mild carbination rising from the bottom to the minimal film on the surface.
Aroma: Sweetness of grapefruit lead things off with an orange zest popping off of a a light malt base.
Taste: Citrusy with a bit of a yeasty undertone. Grapefruit, lemon, orange, with a hint of clove possibly thrown in. A very light malt backbone holds things together well and supports the unique seasonings that are inter-mingled within. Supposed to get sage and rosemary, but i am not able to seperate them completely from each other. There is a little dryness at the end that i love.
Overall: Superbly done. I enjoyed this one from Victory a little better than the Stone version, which i gave a 9.1/10. The flavors are a little more balanced in this version, with nothing overpowering the others. The mouthfeel is light and a slightly sour/sweet aftertaste holds the corners of the tongue pleasantly.
Score:9.2/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Magic Hat Brewing Co. - HI.P.A. Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Magic Hat Brewery
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.7%
Sight: It pours a dull cloudy golden-yellow with clearing towards the bottom of the glass. A decent bright-white head almost fills the top of the pint glass, but fizzes out quickly, leaving a spotty-film on the surface.
Aroma: Very friendly nose, that is strong but not too overwhelming. Citrus of orange fronts everything with a very light malt sweetness that blends well and keeps the flow from front to end balanced.
Taste: Nose and tongue don't quit match. It has a more floral taste than the citrus, not bad though. The initial sip brings a very good dryness that leads to the florally/slightly citrus sweetness that is cradled in a very light malt body. It flows very well from front to back...dry hangs throughout, and finishes with a little warmth of alcohol and a mild sour aftertaste.
Overall: Not bad. Not great. I was a little skeptical of getting this when I saw it on the singles shelf due to the recent takeover by North American Breweries. I became a little dis-enhearted with a good Craft Brewery being taken over by a Macro entity. I thought though, nothing has really changed but who gets the $2.00 I spent on this single, so i grabbed it. Glad I did...I love hops and this seemed like it would be right up my alley. A light to medium mouthfeel that keeps more of the dryness of hops active than the bitterness. I still might by one if I'd see it again.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, October 4, 2010
Tuppers Brewing Co. - Hop Pocket Ale Review
Brewery: Tupper's Brewing Co.
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 6%
Sight: Very cloudy dark-orange brown main body with light highlights on the bottom that have hints of gold. The head pours an off-white and is ridiculous in the aggressiveness...overflowing the glass and then some.
Aroma: A sweet citrus tone bounces off of the pleasant lightly roasted malt body. Floral notes run crazy throughout this brew, with a modest tingle of orange-zest near the end of the inhale.
Taste: The first sip is very in-your-face with sweetness that is overpowered by a tremendously dry-hop bitterness. A little orange and lemon come to the front, but can't break completely through the intense hop presence that is still dominate from the beginning.
Overall: It's hit or miss for me...I do like the hoppiness it brings and continues throughout the whole drink, but the way the hop is presented isn't the way i dig it. There isn't as much floral distinction it the taste...they are all melded together. The body is medium, that leaves a slight dryness on the tounge for a while after the drink is finished.
Score: 7.1/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Great Divide Brewing Co. - Rumble IPA Review
Brewery: Great Divide Brewing Co.
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 7.1%
Sight: A great citrusy-hop pop in the front that doesn't overpower, but let's you know it's there. A slightly roasted maltiness also comes through with a little tingle to the nose.
Aroma: A great citrusy-hop pop in the front that doesn't overpower, but let's you know it's there. A slightly roasted maltiness also comes through with a little tingle to the nose.
Taste: Toasted caramel covers a very nice hop presence. The body stays even as it goes from the caramel to the finish that has a nice bitter-sour bite with a hint of dry.. The middle is mellow with the hints of hop citrus and oak tones intermingling throughout.
Overall: A very good brew, where the oak adds a nice component of toastiness of caramel as a contrast to the citrusy hoppiness. They work off each other very well and add to the complexity of the beer. Light to medium body leads to a nice finish that holds the tongue with a little sour pinch.
Score: 9.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Great Divide Brewing Co. - Samuri Rice Ale Review
Brewery: Great Divide Brewery Co.
Type: Unfiltered Rice Ale
ABV: 5.1%
Sight: It pours slightly cloudy, but still very clear golden-yellow with darker hues throughout. There is a fingers thick fluffy white head that quits quickly, leaving an ultra thin film on the surface.
Aroma: Malt fronts this sweet smelling brew. It is lead into a slight hop earthiness that doesn't take over at all. A little citrus of lemon or lime that keeps it a tad off-balance...in a good way.
Taste: Biscuitiness and a great light malt begin what is a fairly simple brew. A light sour that the rice brings keeps this beer different, and original from those macros we dislike. The finish brings a hint of hops along with a tad dryness.
Overall: Not bad. Sweet and light in taste, with a decent balance that leads to a mild aftertaste. Definitely worth a try if your looking for a beer with a light mouthfeel, as well as the potential of being sessionable. The other good thing for this beer is that you could keep it in the fridge to give to a person who isn't used to drinking craft beer without shocking them too much or someone you might want to start changing over to the good side of drinking beer.
Score: 7.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Riverhorse Brewing Co. - Hop Hazard APA Review
Brewery: Riverhorse Brewing Co
Type: Unfiltered American Pale Ale
ABV: 6.5%
Sight: A cloudy burnt-sienna brown that pours full of a creamy white head that goes an inch or so tall before fading down to a nice filmy cap on the surface of the brew.
Aroma: Sweetness from malt along with ,ore sweetness from the hoppiness. Orange, Lemon-zest, and grapefruit are the top dog when it comes to overall tone of the smell. I get no alcohol tingle in the inhales, which to me is good.
Taste: In the first drink I get a dry-malt, then someof the tremendous hop citruiness fights through. Orange and maybe lime and not lemon, along with a bit of tart, which could be that grapefruit...surprises, because I don't think I have actually gotten a grapefruit taste from a beer before.
Overall:Decent balance between the malt and hop, with the hop winning out overall, due to the dryness all the way through. The mouthfeel is medium with a slightly tart aftertaste that stays on the sides of the tongue.
Score: 8.1/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Stillwater Artisanal Ales - Of Love & Regret Review
Brewery: Belgian Saison Ale
Type: Belgian Saison Ale
ABV: 7.2%
Sight: This brew pours with a very animated bubbly white head that nearly goes over the top of the glass. Opaque burnt orange-brown is what the body displays.
Aroma: Starts off with a heaping helping of wheat that is refreshing and sweet. Lemon zest, and yeast follow boldly, and on the second inhale I get more citrus, this time its orange that tingles the back of the nose.
Taste: It comes across a sweet tingly orange from the beginning that leads into a tremendous, wheaty body. The tingle continues through as the yeast pops and takes it to the end that is slightly creamy.
Overall: From the first inhale you can tell this is gonna be a great saison. The wheat is strong but still not overpowering as one might think. The Belgian yeast is the key component that holds it all together and keeps the balance. Mouthfeel is medium with a hint of creaminess that lingers on the sides of the tongue.
Score: 8.9/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Stone Brewing Company - "Oaked" Arrogant Bastard Ale Review
Brewery: Stone Brewing Company
Type: American Strong Ale
ABV: 7.2%
Sight: This is one of the most beautifully colored beers I have had the pleasure of trying. It is a Deep translucent mahogany brown with hints of red & black hitting it depending on which way it is held. The whipped-head poured full and mocha in color about an inch thick.
Aroma: Caramel comes forth strong up front with cream and a touch of oak beeming through also. On a further inhale, after a swirl I get a little spice, along with a mild hop.
Taste: Creaminess, some alcohol heat and roasted caramel are the frontrunners here. The oak is in the middle and is awesome. It adds a completely new and aggressive dimension to the original. Sweetness of plum, or prunes are there for me also. In the end it actually fades nicely leaving only that mild fruit-sour tingle to the tongue.
Overall: The oak-aging makes the original Arrogant Bastard, while good, great. A new dimension opens up in the palate. More creaminess is created also in the medium body of this addictive brew. Balance from front to back won't leave you wishing you had more of this and less of that. A complete well-rounded brew.
Score: 9.2/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Oliver Ales - Pratt St. Ale House - Nitrogen-poured 3 Spires Review
Brewery: Oliver Ales
Type: English Golden Ale
ABV: 5%
Sight: Crystal clear golden-orange body with no carbonation or head to speak of...It's not the beer it must have been a bad poor from the brewery. Never fear, I charge on with the review.
Aroma: Very light in the nose. I get some light hop of pine and grass. The light malt scent is of a caramel sweetness. Again these smells are very light and unpronounced.
Taste: Very clean and nicely sweet. To me it's like a mild tea with a very earthy hop character. The front is mellow and the malt comes through sweet with a light sour bite. At the finish, the hops hold strong and become the whole of it all. Earthiness of pine, very mild citrus, and a tad dryness are it.
Overall: I've had this great beer a few times prior and got the positive from the nitro-pour...even getting this growler with no carbonation didn't really take the flavors and smoothness away. The only complaint i guess would be the tingles that come with the rest of the pour. I can actually give it a good score with the missing components, but would have given it an even higher score if poured to it's appropriate perfection.
Score: 8.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, August 30, 2010
North Coast Brewing/Acme - California IPA Review
Brewery: North Coast Brewing
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.5%
Sight: Light copper-orange with a hefty white fluffy head that laces nicely down the sides of the glass. The head diminishes to a thick film on the surface.
Aroma: An earthy hop front of pine and a little grass give way to a light orange middle. There is a mild caramely malt that comes up on a deep inhale.
Taste: First, i get a yeasty bisquit blandness combining with a citrus tingle. Not the usual citrus tingle, but a lemon and orange combo that is unique and refreshing. The malt is, as with the nose a bit on the caramel side. It melds well with the creaminess that takes this beer to its end, where a light alcohol twinge hits the back of the throat.
Overall: I am a big IPA guy, like you might already know, and I bought this bottle because of the artwork. I found the girl to be fittingly California and retro at the same time...Kinda thought what it would have been like to be "cruisin" in a woody with surfboard on top, down PCH on my way to hit some waves. Those would have been nice memories if I was born in the 60's, but I wasn't. So instead I enjoy the medium mouthfeel of the brew and think about what could have been.
Score: : 8.4/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, August 27, 2010
Dogfish Head - Squall IPA Review
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Type: Imperial India Pale Ale
ABV: 9.0%
Sight: A very beautiful golden-orange, copper-penny-like with a lighter yellow towards the bottom. The head pours creamy white and is a good finger thick. Lacing is abundant and sticks to the glass all the way down.
Aroma: Subtle but pronounced orange essence up front with an earthy, slightly piney twinge following. I get caramel malt notes and some of that alcohol comes in near the end. The nose of this brew is very fragrant but not to the point of overkill.
Taste: Mild up front, but the tongue does get a mild burn from the alcohol. Orange and some earthiness present well and balance with the lighter malt base. Some sweet malt hangs in the back of the throat along with tingles from alcohol with a bigger gulp. The brew finishes leaving a thin creamy film on the tongue.
Overall: Kinda disappointed with it overall...yeah there were good points, the malt was sweet and creamy, the earthiness was pleasant and welcoming. On the other hand the hop presence was a let-down...sure I got some citrus in the nose but, not what I expected with the tremendous amount and type of hops used. I also didn't get any dryness from said hops, along with very little bitter, if any. Maybe my expectations of DFH are so high that I am hurting the review, but I really don't thing so. In closing, the mouthfeel was actually light to medium and the finish was duller than expected.
Score: 7.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Lancaster Brewing Company - Hop Hog IPA Review
Brewery: Lancaster Brewing Company
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.9%
Sight: It pours a deep reddish-brown that is translucent in nature. The head is bubbly and full(finger and a half thick), and dissipates to a nice lacing cream.
Aroma: Hoppy and sweet citrus are the first impressions. With a deeper sniff I get the caramel sweetness along with a twinge of alcohol.
Taste: Spice of alcohol pops first then that caramel follows. The hop presence is underwhelming and because of that the citrus essence lacks also. The brew finishes with a slight bite towards the back of the throat, but nothing really to make you want more.
Overall: Mouthfeel is medium, with a minimal coating of the tongue. Basically lackluster and unimpressive. The "Hog" must have eaten the hops on this one. I want my IPA's to be full of bitter hops and citrus...so maybe my expectations are a little high...I don't think so though. I am sorry Lancaster Brewing co., but get with it and hop it up.
Score: 6.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Dominion Brewing - Hop Mountain Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Dominion Brewing
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.6%
Sight: Nice amber-orange body that is more orangish-amber towards the bottom of the glass. The head pours with a fingers thick creamy white head...that dissolves to a ultra-thin film on the surface.
Aroma: Ridiculously awesome orange front that leads to a deep malt base, with hints of earthiness. A bouquet of florals and citrus intermingle well together.
Taste:
Actually surprised with the profile...I was expecting an almost overwhelming, almost IPA-esque hop- citrus start because of the nose, but got a very laid back citrus/malt combo which was superbly blended. The front leads to a slightly dry middle that transitions to a tingly finish, leaving a creamy coating on the tongue and pinches on the jaw corners.
Overall: Wow, I am getting more and more impressed with the quality of brews coming from this brewery, Octoberfest and Beach House were super duper and now this Hop Mountain Pale Ale is rivaling it. Smooth, citrusy, lightly bittered, dryness, with a creamy center. I could drink this beer as a regular drinker. The mouthfeel is light and creamy and leaves a light sour pinch to make you wanna have another.
Score: 8.9 /10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, August 23, 2010
Brooklyn Brewery - East India Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.8%
Sight: This brew pours a very attractive light copper tinted gold, with a moderate bubbly white head roughly a fingers thick. It leaves a solid film on the surface when the head diminishes down.
Aroma: Clean and crisp nose at first with a pleasant hoppy citrus character that dwindles to a mild malt essence with a deeper inhale.
Taste: The front gives a definite earthy tone...grass, dryness of hops and a sweetness of malt. The middle lends the the citrusy esters that are common to the brew type...Brooklyn Brewery balanced this through til the end with a continual hop presence that finishes sweet and clean, with very little aftertaste.
Overall: I was a little twisted with the breakdown of the brew...It looks and smells of an IPA, but I don't know if it really follows to the letter, the description of an IPA. The characteristics are there, hops, dryness, citrus, and malts, but the flavors are a tad backwards. The hops you'd expect to be dominant aren't the main tastes...The more overwhelming taste is of the malt. I woouldn't say it was a "lighter" malt either. The malt is sweet and tends to overpower the hops all the way through.
The brew fits more of an english bitter than an IPA. That doesn't mean that it isn't good, just means to me that thetitle could be a little misleading.
The mouthfeel is medium and is full of carbination, finishing with a mild to no aftertaste.
Score: 7.7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Saturday, August 21, 2010
The Bruery - Mischief Belgian-Style Ale Review
Brewery: The Bruery
Type: Belgian Ale
ABV: 8.5%
Sight: Beautiful golden body with a tint of orange to it. The head comes out of the bottle very fast and fluffy white, but finishes the pour smoother and creamy...An inch plus thick. After dissipating, the surface is covered with a beaten egg-white-esque film.
Aroma: Yeast, hops and fruit of pear are taking the lead in the first inhale. On the second deeper inhale I get a little more yeast, but also some more fruit essence and spice of alcohol.
Taste: Tingles of spicey pepper and alcohol(not overpowering) are the first noticeable marks, along with some yeasty essence. On second swig I get lemony citrus popping along with the drying hops making the first appearance. I am trying to figure out the other fruity character I'm getting, but not commiting to a specific one(thinking a melon(sweeter)).
Overall: Overlapping flavors and belgian character are what make this beer live up to it's name. It plays with you mischievously, first is spice, then hop, then fruit, then back to hop and some more fruit...It doesn't make up it's mind on what it wants to push forward. That could be by design and is actually a very good approach. The flavors, even though abundant are still balanced well. The mouthfeel is medium and tingley with a finish nice and slightly sour.
Score: 8.6/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Sunday, August 8, 20100
Widmer Brothers - Drifter Pale Ale
Brewery: Widmer Brothers
Type: Pale Ale
ABV:5.7%
Sight: Deep translucent rust-orange with a pretty light and fluffy white fingers thick head. That head dwindles done to a scarce white film on the surface.
Aroma:Awesomely sweet malt front with a come-from-behind hop bite that is very inviting...Me being a hop-head an all. A light spice comes through near the end to help close it out.
Taste: Those malts show through in the taste here as well as in the nose. Rich caramels that are sweetened to almost perfection. They lead to a nice orange hoppiness that is crisp and a nice enhancement to the fronting malts.
Overall: First Widmer Brothers brew for me and what a good first impression. This beer is deep and crisp with nice touches of malt and hop, that bounce off each other in harmony. The "Drifter" leaves a smooth, to non-existant aftertaste., while leaving a mouthfeel of light to medium.
Score: 9.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Lagunitas - Hop Stoopid Ale
Brewery: Lagunita's Brewery - Petaluma, California
Type: Imperial Indian Pale Ale
ABV: 8%
Sight: Orange of light copper that is see-through with a nice fluffy white head that minimizes to a creamy film covering the surface. Nice lacing going down the sides of the glass.
Aroma: Tremendouly hoppy with citrus of orange and lemon. A sweet light malt comes from behind nicely.
Taste: Smooth...Oh so smooth, crisp hop bite with a decent light dryness that I love. The middle is malty sweet and easily blends to a subdued finish.
Overall: This beer is superb. excessive on hop bitter and citrus character. Not to agressive as to be overwhelming. The malt is blended just right to have a light mouthfeel and a very chill aftertaste. Hell of a beer Lagunita's....If you like hops balanced nearly to perfection with malts, then this brew is for you. With this beer they put the "craft" in craft beer.
Score: 9.1/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, August 2, 2010
21st Amendment Brewery - Back In Black IPA Review
Brewery: 21st Amendment - San Francisco, California
Type: Black IPA
ABV: 6.5%
Sight: The deepest a brown can be without being black. The head pours pretty , tan and 2 fingers thick. Creamy on top and soapy on the sides.
Aroma: Roasted malts, mellow yeast and a little alcohol bite are the main characters the nose picks up.
Taste: A very clean malt that is deep in depth(roasted just right), to front the melange of a brew. Some coffee essence is there, along with a nice hop dryness. The finish is uneventful...In a good way.
Overall: I think this is my first black IPA, and I say "wow". Mouthfeel is light to medium with little or no aftertaste. You actually can get the best of both worlds out of this brew...Stout roasted malt and IPA hoppiness. Can't really go wrong with that and 21st Amendment did a great job in the mixing of the two.
Score: 8.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Riverhorse Brewing Co. - Hop-A-Lot-Amus Review
Brewery: Riverhorse Brewing Co
Type: Unfiltered Double IPA
ABV: 8.5%
Sight: Opaque roasted brown body with a white thin head that mellows out to a very thin surface film.
Aroma: Grass, Hops, and Orange are the over-smells coming from the glass. A mild sweetness of caramel is there in the background.
Taste:
Malt and alcohol are the big tastes that hit up front. A little hop bitter follows with a citrus tone, completing the initial tastes. That smell of caramel comes to fruition in the middle of it all. This caramel is the glue that keeps the front and back in a smooth blend.
Overall: This brew is a little backwards in its presentation. Most IPA's and DIPA's I've tried have the citrus and bitter up front and the malts are mostly at the end. Not a bad thing...to me it is an original thing and is what makes this brew distinct. The mouthfeel is medium and creamy with an orange aftertaste at the back of the throat.
Score: 7.9/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wolaver's "Pat Leavy's" - All American Ale Review
Brewery: Victory Brewing Co.
Type: Organic Amber Ale
ABV: ?
Sight: Golden brown with lighter tones toward the bottom. Barely any head comes through from the pour. Small lacing on the surface is white.
Aroma: Plentiful hoppy nose with a light malt backbone. No spiciness or alcohol characters come through to tingle.
Taste: Lotsa bitter bite from the major organic hop presence. There is a dry element in the front that i dig also. The malt is an undertone but does a good job of chilling things out to a decent balance. In the end you get a slight bite of alcohol on the throat.
Overall: A nice hop body that makes the malt an afterthought. The mouthfeel is light and crisp. Aftertaste is slightly sour on the corners of the tongue. For most a one an done, but for others it could be drank in moderation nicely.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Thursday, July 22, 2010
21st Amendment - Brew free or Die IPA Review
Brewery: 21st Amendment
Type: India pale Ale
ABV: 7%
Sight: Translucent dark-yellow with an overall golden tone. The head pours thick, white, and soapy...dissipating to a fluffy film on the surface.
Aroma: A strong citrus hop front. The malt holds up and supports the hoppiness and keeps it coming til the next inhale.
Taste: Nice malty front with a citrusy bite melded within that malt. It has a creaminess that feels smooth against the walls of my mouth.
Overall: Expected alot and was basically fulfilled. The IBU's are a little misleading to me. They are muted more than expected due to the hyper-
maltiness. The mouthfeel is medium with a very light aftertaste on the tongue
Score:8.6/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, July 16, 2010
Bells Brewery - Oberon Ale Review
Brewery: Bells Brewery
Type: Summer Seasonal
ABV: 5.8%
Sight: Wheat yellow with a very light orange hue. Ultra thin head of white that made a swirl pattern on the surface.
Aroma: Light malt, grains and yeast are up front. The light sweets come from citrus...maybe grapefruit or a little lemon.
Taste: Fresh and clean light sweet malty beginning, then the sensible hop character comes forward with a slight citrus ester. The middle to the finish are nicely balanced between grain and more citrus. That same citrus pinches the corners of my throat.
Overall: Very nice a mellow for a hot summer refresher, or thirst quencher. Mouthfeel is light, with a mild sour that leaves the palate quickly.
Score: 8.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
St. Louis Brewery - Schlafly Brand "APA" Review
Brewery: St. Louis Brewery
Type: American India Pale Ale
ABV: 8%
Sight: Cloudy burnt-orange with darker tones throughout. The head was very thin and coats the surface beige.
Aroma: Caramel malt surrounded by citrus of grapefruit orange and a little lemon. Very evenly balanced.
Taste: Malt is prominent to me from the beginning. The hop is more melded citrus...meaning flavors are overlapping each other and not a certain citrus is standing out. There is a mild bite of alcohol that leads to the tangy aftertaste that pinches the back corners of the tongue.
Overall: It's an okay effort...I was expecting intense hop bitterness, but never quit got it. The malt unfortunately covered it up for the most part. The mouthfeel is light to medium and the finish hangs awhile. Good, not great...Okay, not bad.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Bells Brewery - Two-Hearted Ale Review
Brewery: Victory Brewing Co.
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 7%
Sight: A dull yellow with an orange hue that is lighter at the bottom. The head is thin and fluffy, but disappears to a white film quickly.
Aroma: Malt and muted citrus make for a pleasant bouquet base, that the light piney earth undertones can creep from within.
Taste: The earthiness comes through in the form of a dry, slightly bitter hop front. The malt notes are also there from the beginning.The brew is actually too balanced between the bitterness and the sweetness to show any flavor popping or being pronounced. There is a tad sour note that stays with the tongue nicely.
Overall: It is a good brew. Balanced and flavorful. Mouthfeel is medium with a pleasant light aftertaste of sour citrus is welcomed. Recntly it was ranked #2 by Zymurgy, in regards to IPA's of the year.
Score: 8.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, July 9, 2010
Goose Island Brewery - IPA Review
Brewery: Victory Brewing Co.
Type: IPA
ABV: 5.9%
Sight: Summery translucent bright-orange with golden tones at the bottom. The head is a finger-thick that is fluffy white and dies off to leave a creamy film on that surface of the brew.
Aroma:Earthy floral front with a hop citrus pop. A nice nose of sweet malt on a deeper inhale.
Taste: Orange and grapefruit with a light sweet caramel backbone. A mild tingle of alcohol from front to back keeps things together well. It finishes with a light sour that pinches on the inner cheeks.
Overall: Not too shabby. The nose matches the taste. The mouthfeel is light to light medium and is very pleasing to to tongue. Refreshing and clean overall with a light aftertaste that can be inviting for more than 1 at a time.
Score: 8.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
St. Louis Brewery - Schlafly Brand "Dry Hopped APA" Review>
Brewery: Schlafly Brewery
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 5.9%
Sight: Nice sunset orange with gold tones peaking through the translucent to opaque body the head was a bubbly white, a fingers thick.
Aroma:Subdued orange with an earthiness that i'm not so sure about(it is pleasant to those nose). Malty sweet touches meld all of it together well.
Taste: Malt sweetness is the leader in flavor and it jumps in from the front. Secondly you get a light tingle from the alcohol along with a subdued hop bitterness following. Not much of a hop-citrus taste, but a mild dryness is intermingled to help even everything out.
Overall: Not a bad APA at all. Very balanced throughout, with a medium mouthfeel. Nothing really pops as the dominant taste for me. I really didn't get the benefit in the dry-hopping at all. it didn't bring those "fruity flavors or aromas" as described on the bottle neck.
Score: 8.2/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Hop Ottin' IPA Review
Brewery: Anderson Valley Brewing Co.
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV:7%
Sight: Deep bright orange that isn't able to be seen through. A half finger thick head that is fluffy and white.
Aroma: Previlant orange citrus notes and an earthy backbone with sweet malts poking through.
Taste: Awesomely smooth dry hop punch in the front then the great sweet malts hit up next. Finishes with a light aftertaste that holds the tongue nicely.
Overall: I am very happy that i grabbed this one to finish my singles 6 pack the other day. Great nose, a medium to light mouthfeel. Citrus and hops. I couldn't ask for much more.
Score: 8.9/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Stone, Victory, & Dogfish Head Colaboration - Saison Du Buff (Stone Session) Review
Brewery: Saison Du Buff
Type: Farmhouse Ale
ABV: 6.8%
Sight: Orange tinted yellow with light-red hues throughout...A rocky thick white head that dissolves slowly.
Aroma: Orange peel, spice, and a sweet malt balanced perfectly.
Taste: Citrusy sweetness of grapefruit, orange, and a touch of lemon come through nicely. Clove or corriander help sweeten up the nice light malty backbone. Another spice comes through, I think rosemary, but could be wrong. There is a bit of bitterness that is inviting and helps add some dryness to things.
Overall: Expected alot out of this collaboration, it delivered and then some. Sweetness, hoppy bitterness, and the uniqueness of ingredients all come together well to make this a top notch beer. I didn't get the specifics of the extra spices of italian, but it didn't matter to me. A great beer from 3 of the best breweries out there. I wouldn't expect anything less.
Score: 9.1/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Flying Dog - "Doggie Style" Classic Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery - Doggie-Style
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 5.5%
Sight: A nice see-through amber-brown with a touch of orange. The head is roughly an inch thick and is a bubbly off-white.
Aroma: Lightly toasted malt sweetness up front, maybe caramel, with some hop bitterness(not alot) and a touch of an earthy element.
Taste:
A tad dry in the beginning, with that sweetness we got with the nose. A pleasant bitter that bites through each sip. It finishes with a subtle tanginess on the sides and back of the tongue.
Overall: Nice sweetness is the hallmark of the brew. The mouthfeel is light to medium with the bitterness i like. I'd consider this a session beer although othes might not. It is definitely deserving of the numerous medals it has won for it's category.
Score: 8.1/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, June 25, 2010
RJ Rockers - Fish Paralyzer Review
Brewery: RJ ROCKERS - ON TAP
Type: Belgian-Style Pale Ale
ABV: 7.5%
Sight: Anything but "Pale" to me...Deep dark brown with burnt orange tint when light is thrown at it. The head is smoothe a finger thick and creamy...lasting on the surface til the first sip
Aroma: Roasted malt and yeasty at first breath, then a hint of spice sneaks in there with the tingle from alcohol
Taste: Much malty sweetness with a light dry element. A tad sourness holds the edges of the tongue. A light smokiness comes through with a fuller mouth.
Overall:With the name, I was expecting it to be over-the-top, but it is really good. It, to me, is more light a Brown Ale(Newcastle) than a Pale Ale. The mouthfeel is medium to full but doesn't hinder this brew from being enjoyed as a session beer. Great job RJ...I wasn't really that impressed with "Son Of A Peach" as many others were, but you've redeemed yourself well.
Score: 8.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Southern Tier Brewing CO. - Farmers Tan Imperial Pale Ale Review
Brewery: SOUTHERN TIER BREWING CO.
Type: Imperial Pale Ale
ABV: 9%
Sight: Crystal clear bright yellow with a slight hue of orange is topped with a fluffy white head that starts an inch thick and wanes to a thin film on the surface
Aroma: Sweetness of Grapefruit is the dominant pop on first breath. Other citrus come through(lemon and light orange), along with a bit of breadiness.
Taste: Grapefruit and wheat come through strong...Almost sweet and tingly-dry enough to remind me of a white wine. The alcohol of 9% is there but not as strong as you might think...It is subtle and holds the tongue well.
Overall: The easiest way to describe this beer is like this..."A lemonhead in a shot of pure-grain"...Maybe not that dramatic but you get the picture. Very citrusy and slightly bready. Very refreshing, and although alcoholie(sp.)it still is definitely a sessionable beer(mostly because of the light to medium body). Beware though of that 9% alcohol, it might bite you in the butt.
Score: 8.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Oskar Blues Brewery - Dale's Pale Ale Review
Brewery: OSKAR BLUES BREWERY - DALES PALE ALE
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 6.5%
Sight:Dark yellowesque-brown with golden yellow towards the bottom. A small head tops the surface is off-white
Aroma: Sweet and mildly hoppy with a tad bit of spice that tingles the nose.
Taste: Malty backbone with nice hop-popinness which comes through on the back end. The body is light to medium and there is a light aftertaste on the tongue
Overall: Nice balance betweeen the malt and the hop bitterness. Sweetness is dead on and doesn't take away from the hop bitterness that i love. Kudos to Oskar Blues, and congrats for winning Gold for this one at World Beer Championships this year.
Score: 8.7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Shipyard Brewing Co. - Fuggels IPA Review
Brewery: Shipyard Brewing Company
Type: IPA
ABV: 5.8%
Sight: Translucent orange(deep dark) with an average head that is quick to disappear.
Aroma: Lemony floral nose that you pick up with a deep inhale. Normal breathe is subtle and average.
Taste: Hop is underlying, compared to the malt. Not an appropriate character of an IPA to me. Some lemon essence comes from behind the sweet and the alcohol.
Overall: Not great but not all that bad. Seems lost at identifying itself. More malt sweet that than hop bitter, and not in a good way. Alcohol is too previlant and the end is basic and lingering.
Score: 7.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Evolution Craft Brewing - Lot #3 IPA Review
Brewery: Evolution Craft Brewing - Lot #3 IPA
Type: America India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.8%
Sight: Orange hued yellow body with a gorgeous fluffy white head that coats the surface of the beer after leveling out.
Aroma: Very strong and intense citrusy hop nose with a little maltiness and pininess to boot. The deep inhale is mesmerizing.
Taste: Over the top hop bitterness with citrus of orange and a little lemon showing dominance. The middle becomes sweet with a mild sour on the back of the tongue leaving you wanting more and more.
Overall: Just what I expected from Evolution...A full flavored brew that is both unique and recognizable in the category. Great hop presence, with moderate malt, all packaged in a light to medium body. Nearly everything I could want in a great IPA..."beef up the hops more and I'd almost be willing to give it a 10".
Score: 9.4/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Abita Brewing Co. - Turbo Dog Review
Brewery: Abita Brewing - Turbodog
Type: English Brown Ale
ABV: 5.6%
Sight: Dark Mahogany brown with a creamy tan mid-sized head
Aroma: Creamy chocolate with a touch of alcohol to give it a little burn to the nose. Toffee and/or caramel are there with a deep inhale. This is a great start.
Taste: Chocolate and coffee aren't there as much as expected. The alcohol is the overwhelming taste. Mild and/or bland til the end, depending on how long you let it rest in your mouth before swallowing. A little spicy aftertaste hangs onto the tongue a little too long.
Overall: With the nose of this being so good and inviting, i was expecting a chocolate milk with alcohol. Boy, was I let down. Dry and almost chalky to the taste with the wanted chocolate coming in way to late in the profile to help. The mouthfeel is light to medium with a decent amount of Carbonation tingling the tongue.
Score: 6.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Thursday, June 17, 2010
Barley & Hops Brewery - Annapolis Rocks Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Barley & Hops Brewery
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 6%
Sight: Clean golden yellow with a darker tint and a light hue of orange. The head was not there, but on the second pour out of the growler it was better.
Aroma: Mellow at hop nose with some mild citrus and pininess popping through on deeper inhale.
Taste: Light Bitter with more malt from behind. Alcohol and citrus intermingle but aren't as pronounced as one might expect. Malt breads it up a bit on second sip, but that just makes it heavier than it should be.
Overall: Second tasting from Barley and Hops Brewery and unlike the first review of Barley and Hops - Hoptopsy ESB, this one was basic and uninteresting. Mouthfeel is medium to full and no in your face distinct flavor to make me go Ohh or Ahh about. I will though get another growler when i am near Frederick because I have faith that they will come through again.
Score: 6.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
ABita Brewing Co. - Amber Ale Review
Brewery: ABITA BREWING CO - Amber Ale
Type: Marzen/Amber
ABV: 4.5%
Sight: Deep dark copper brown with an off-white thin head that disappears to an even thinner top lacing.
Aroma: Sweet caramels and light cherry comes through up front. Maltiness sneaks up on you, but is there on a deep breath
Taste: Toasted malts with some sweet touches come front and center and are followed by a light alcohol bite. The finish coats the tongue with a creaminess that is pleasant and totally enjoyable.
Overall: A fairly balanced beer from front to back. Smooth with a light mouthfeel. Easily goes down and can be overjoyed if not paying attention. Could be paired nicely with spicy foods such as Steamed Crabs, Mexican, or those from where it is brewed, Louisiana...Jambalaya, or Crawfish.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, June 14, 2010
Heavy Seas Brewery - Gold Ale Review
Brewery: HEAVY SEAS - GOLD ALE
Type: Ale
ABV: 4.5%
Sight: Clear golden-yellow with a finger thick white head that disappears quickly
Aroma: Fresh hops and floral tones with a slight nose of alcohol.
Taste: Bitterness is there, along with some butteriness that coats the tongue. A light tingle from the alcohol as well as a sweet maltiness.
Overall: It's okay...I usually love Heavy Seas beers, but this one let me down a bit. Not much character to seperate it from a basic ale. Even a basic ale can be creative, but not this one.
Score: 7.7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Monday, June 14, 2010
Wild Goose Brewing Company - IPA Review
Brewery: Wild Goose Brewing Company
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.1%
Sight: Frothy white head, a finger thick tops this orange-hued brown-bodied brew.
Aroma: Nice orange top notes with underlying flowery tones very clean refreshing.
Taste: Mild and heavier than expected. Orange and malt dominate. Maybe a subtle floral tingle to the tongue with alcohol lightly coming through in the corners of the jaw.
Overall: Was hoping for more, rooting for a Maryland based beer, but this one kinda stays leveled. The nose is very attractive, but the taste was ok, and finishes uneventful. Overall a basic beer.
Score: 7.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Great Divide - Titan IPA Review
Brewery: GREAT DIVIDE BREWING
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.1%
Sight: Amber golen body with a awesomely fluffy creamy white head
Aroma: Grassy, Earthy, and slightly sweet. Some pine and citrus accents add to the complexity
Taste: Lightly bitter and dry to start it off. Ot flows nicely into a subtle malt sweetness. It finishes with a mellow alcohol touch that tingles the tongue
Overall: It's good, but doesn't have that bite of the over the top bitterness that I love in a great IPA. Decent effort, Could drink one too many of these
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, June 11, 2010
Dogfish Head - 60 Minute IPA Review
Brewery: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Type: IPA
ABV: 6%
Sight: Nice copper tone with a creamy white head about 1 1/2 fingers thick.
Aroma: Sweet citrusy nose with a pleasant floral undertone.
Taste: Mild and lightly hoppy with a slightly dry floral tingle. The alcohol pops and hangs in the back of the throat til the next sip.
Overall: Chill and mild with nothing really standing out. The hoppiness is there but very lax. Not much dry. The alcohol taste is mild also. I guess it could be called balanced, but still nothing overly impressive.
Score: 8.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Friday, June 11, 2010
Stone Brewing Company - IPA Review
Brewery: Stone Brewing IPA
Type: IPA
ABV: 6.9%
Sight: Nice golden yellow that is translucent and has an orange hue to it. The head is an inch or so thick and is creamy white.
Aroma: Awesome floral bite up front with nice citrus punches from the hops. A light malt sweetness at the end.
Taste: Sweet, tingly and clean are my first impressions. Orange is the biggest taste, then dryness comes through with the light maltiness closing it out.
Overall: Nicely balanced with the citrus sweetness, hoppy dryness and tongue-clinging malt. A splash of alcohol essence to bring it all together. A classic that won't disappoint.
Score: 8.7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
SARANAC BREWERY - India Pale Ale Review
Brewery: SARANAC - INDIA PALE ALE
Type: IPA
ABV: 5.8%
Sight: Clear bronze yellow with some flairs of lighter yellow at the base. The head pours finger thin a clears quickly leaving a thin white film on the surface.
Aroma: The aroma doesn't drift to far from the glass...you need to dip your nose to get it. Earthy hoppy and slightly citrusy with very little sweetness from the malt also.
Taste: Spice(clove & coriander) in the front, that brings dryness to the party. The bitterness is a bit underwhelming(probably between 40-50 IBU's) but is there. There isn't much malt sweetness to speak of.
Overall: Light to medium body and a pleasant mouth-feel, tingly and dry. The hops that are noticed are mellow in my opinion. There is a touch of alcohol taste that stays with the dry on the tongue til the next taste.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, June 7, 2010
Red Hook Brewery - Slim Chance Ale Review
Brewery: Red Hook Brewery
Type: Light Lager
ABV: 3.9%
Sight: Translucent golden-yellow with a very minimal white head
Aroma: Citrusy, mostly lemon, but some orange hints also. Mild floral tones that hang.
Taste: Some dry, some citrus, but not all that hoppy. Almost creamy in texture.
Overall: Not too bad for a craft light beer. Good taste of citrus and a nice attempt of balance with the dry. The malt is basically none existant, and there is a pleasant coating on the tongue at the end.
Score: 7.6/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Monday, June 7, 2010
Abita Brewing Company - Restoration Pale Ale Review
Brewery: ABITA Restoration Ale
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.0%
Sight: Pleasant Darker Golden-yellow with a finger-thin white head
Aroma: Very blah. Not much of a nose at all...possibly a light malt twinge
Taste: Earthy but muted, Bptter but not really bitter, dry but not really dry...It's hard to explain. No pronounced sweetness really, but a little orange
Overall: Very tricky describing this one. It's not bad nor at all unique to be classified as great. On first taste there is a bitterness that wants to come through but doesn't quite do it. There is a dry aspect that doesn't really completely go dry. I guess i would put it this way...If someone was talking to you while you were underwater you can hear them, but the words aren't clear or distinct. Multiply that effect a number of times and that is how the taste is. There, but muted
Score: 7.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, June 4, 2010
SIERRA NEVADA - Harvest Series - Southern Hemisphere Review
Brewery: SIERRA NEVADA - Southern Hemispere - Harvest
Type: American IPA
ABV: 6.8%
Sight: Translucent amber-brown with a tinge of red to add a little uniqueness. The head poured thick, creamy, tan, and lasting.
Aroma: Nicely Hoppy...Alot of hop nose, but not too much as too make you turn your head like with some other beers. A slight hint of spice tingles the back of the throat.
Taste: Tingly and bitter with a nice amount of dryness, i take it that, that is from the earthy hops the beer was focused on. A note of citrus rings through(most like lemon). The dryness holds the tongue firmly, not letting go til the next swig. The end finishes buttery and again helps the dryness hold on for some time.
Overall: It pours nice and has what i like...Bitter, and Dry. There is a little off-balance action going on, nothing to pull your attention, but it is there. I mean there is Bitter, and Dry, but I really don't get much malt action at all. I actually enjoy that this time around and that might be what makes this brew different. It could be over-enjoyed if not paying attention, that is how easy it goes down. Another fine product from Sierra Nevada.
Score: 8.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Brewers Alley Brewing Company - India Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Brewer's Alley Brewery
Type: IPA
ABV: 5.4%
Sight: Cloudy orange with golden touches on the top and bottom. A one finger thick white head that dies almost immmdiately after the pour.
Aroma: Very clean and strong orange nose with some bite from the hops. Other citrus notes pop as well, grapefruit and lemon mostly.
Taste: Nice bitter and orange rind are the first tingles on the tastebuds. Medium body that is a little pleasant, with a finish that is simple and dry.
Overall: Like it alot. The nose really brings you in and has you wanting to drink this badly. Fisrt sip is intriguing, but after that not much to elaborate on.
Score: 8.3/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Abita Brewing Company - Jockamo IPA
Brewery: ABITA Brewing Company
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.5%
Sight: Very attractive orange-brown with a lighter hue on the bottom. It pours with a very nice and creamy head that hangs on nicely.
Aroma: An overwhelming orange on first inhale then get some light florals in the nose also...Completely enjoyable and intoxicating.
Taste: Orange is dominant, but there is definitely grapefruit and i would say lime coming through also. Not as much bitter bite as you might expector want with an IPA, but some bitter is there. The finish hangs onto the tongue nicely.
Overall: Love it, a great effort from Abita. Nice citrusiness and just the right amount of dryness. The only complaint could be not enough bitter for an IPA, but the body, nose, and mouthfeel totally overcompensate for any hop bitterness lacking. Great balance and just an all around great beer.
Score: 9.4/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Saturday, May 22, 2010
SMUTTY NOSE BREWING COMPANY - "Finestkind" IPA
Brewery: Smutty Nose Brewing
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.9%
Sight: Opaque cloudy orange with lighter tones on the top and bottom. Light head that leaves a little lacing.
Aroma: Nice citrus hoppiness that comes clean and holds the nose for some time.
Taste: Bitter and dry with a pleasant floral and citrusy punnch. The body is light to medium and it finishes hanging onto the roof of the mouth.
Overall: The dry more than the bitter is what is most dominant. It comes through clean and almost overwhelming with the dryness. I ilke it. Some of you won't. Very good effort Smutty Nose.
Score: 8.1/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Wednesday, May 19, 2010
ALLAGASH Brewing Company - Dubbel Ale Review
Brewery: ALLAGASH DUBBEL
Type: Dubbel
ABV: 7%
Sight: Beautiful opaque medium brown that tends lighter at the bottom. It has a thin head with some lacing.
Aroma: Malt, caramel, and alcohol are the first and most aggressive tastes. I get chocolate in there also. No bitterness to compare to the strong malt body.
Taste: Citrusy with a bit of a yeasty undertone. Grapefruit, lemon, orange, with a hint of clove possibly thrown in. A very light malt backbone holds things together well and supports the unique seasonings that are inter-mingled within. Supposed to get sage and rosemary, but i am not able to seperate them completely from each other. There is a little dryness at the end that i love.
Overall: No flavor really stands out, and that would usually mean a balanced beer, but not with this one. The malt wants to stand out but the chocolate won't let it...The chocolate wants to also but the caramel keeps it in check. It has an light to medium body that is dull in the middle and no-existant at the end.
Score: 7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Sunday, May 16, 2010
MAGIC HAT BREWERY - Lucky Kat Pale Ale
Brewery: Magic Hat - Lucky Kat
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.8%
Sight: Cloudy, virtually opaque, orange-hued brown, with light yellows at the bottom. Some very thin white head that disipates almost immediately , and leaves some light lacing.
Aroma: Mild citrus of orange and lemon come through well. Then a touch of earthy hoppiness, and some spice(maybe corriander.
Taste: Muted mixes of citrus and carbination. The bitterness is there but is dull for a 60 IBU beer. The taste does stay with the tongue for a long time and turns sour the longer its there.
Overall: Not bad, but the flavors aren't distinct enought to really pull any one from the others. Can be enjoyed, but it wouldn't be my first choice for a Pale Ale or an offering from MAGIC HAT. Try Blind Faith or #9
Score: 7.2/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Erie Brewing Company - Railbender Ale Review
Brewery: ERIE BREWING COMPANY
Type: Scottish Style Ale
ABV: 6.8%
Sight: Dark mahogany brown with lighter highlights at the bottom...Minimal white head that is gone very quickly.
Aroma: Very basic smell of malt, with no bitterness, floral, or fruitiness noticed at all.
Taste: Nice emphisized malt up front with a hint of sweet sugars and a smidge of caramel. Subtle hoppiness that is very light and the aftertaste lingers on the tongue pleasantly.
Overall: Nice medium body brew that puts the focus on malt. There is almost a good balance between the maltiness and the bitterness, but the malt wins out. Very enjoyable and can easily be over-enjoyed due to its ease of drinkability.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Southern Tier Brewery - 422 ALE Review
Brewery: SOUTHERN TIER BREWERY.
Type: Pale Wheat Ale
ABV: 5.8%
Sight: Hazy dark golden yellow with almost no head or lacing.
Aroma: Spicy sweet with a bready nose. Some orange notes come through the deeper you inhale.
Taste: Orange zestiness with light bitterness. Medium body with a touch of spice that tingles the tongue. The finish is easy and smooth.
Overall: Tingles nicely and mellows to a citrusy smooth finish. The wheat makes it a little more filling, so your either gonna drink it slower or not as many overall.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Saturday, May 8, 2010
FLYING DOG BREWERY - Snake Dog IPA Review
Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery - Snake Dog IPA
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.1%
Sight: Very cool translucent orange with yellow hues at the base.
Aroma: First note to hit you is the citrusiness of the hop, then a slight hint of what I think would be, Caramel?...could be wrong but in the same category though.
Taste: Nicely bitter in the beginning, then some touches of that orange, and a tad bit of spice that tickles your tongue. The finish is a welcome chilled out dryness.
Overall: The nice nose leads to an even nicer sensation for the mouths senses...Bitter and sweet balanced well, and a good dryness that hits the right spot.
Score: 8.7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Blue Point Brewing - Hoptical Illusion Review
Brewery: Blue Point Brewing
Type: American India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.8%
Sight: Nice golden amber with with a creamy thin lacey head.
Aroma: Interesting subtle hop with citrus accents...Orange, and a touch of lemon. Very clean and very refreshing.
Taste: Nice bitter punch in the front, then dryness comes in and kills it nicely. Some pleasant citrus touches intermingle with the dry bitterness. Finishes with a tingle that lingers in the back of the tongue.
Overall: Great Beer...Well balanced between hop bitterness, the citrus accents, and light malt.goes down easy and has me craving another, and another, and another...Oh, plus the label is pretty cool.
Score: 8.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, May 3, 2010
SOUTHERN TIER BREWERY - IPA Review
Brewery: SOUTHERN TIER BREWERY
Type: American style Indian Pale Ale
ABV: 6.9%
Sight: Nice clear Golden-orange with a frothy white head lasts for a good long time while sitting in the glass.
Aroma: Sweet Orange to a light grapefruit. Nice bitterness, but not too strong. The orange essence is the most upfront scent.
Taste: Full bodied with a nice hop front that gets pulled back by the sweetness of the orange zest...actually I would say more of an orange rind, than zest. Some lingering bitterness that is much welcomed, and then a nice touch of malt to close it up.
Overall: I'm not surprised that STBC has put together a very positive review worthy IPA. Most are the same song and dance. This one goes one step further with an orange infusion that is pleasant and welcomed.
Score: 8.4/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Monday, May 3, 2010
Evolution Craft Brewery - PRIMAL PALE ALE Review
Brewery: Evolution Craft Brewery
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 5%
Sight: Amber yellow with a very thin white lacing head
Aroma: Grassy citrus earthy tone, with a small amount of spice. Mild malt sweetness is there, but not the dominant note
Taste: Clean and very refreshing. The malt hits first...a light sweetness that gives way to nice hop bitterness. There is a welcome dryness that evens it all out. I get a little earthiness, maybe pine in the body.
Overall: I like it alot. Would best be paired with semi-spicy foods, like seafood. The overall body is full but not filling. The dryness is what brings the whole beer together. Good job EVO.
Score: 8.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Southern Tier's Phin & Matt's "Extraordinary Ale" REVIEW
Brewery: Southern Tier's
Type: American Pale Ale
ABV: 5.4%
Sight: Mild bitter bite when first sniffed. Some sweetness comes through near the end with maybe orange or light grapefruit essence.
Aroma: Mild bitter bite when first sniffed. Some sweetness comes through near the end with maybe orange or light grapefruit essence.
Taste: Not that bitter at all, very mild with some citrus. The taste of alcohol is definately not subtle...Its inyour face...I know the ABV doesn't represent it, but it is there. The finish is uneventful and fades quickly after the swallow.
Overall: This brew is everything but "Extraordinary". Nothing different from the many other American Pale Ales out there.Sorry Southern Tier, I enjoyed a few of your other beers, but this one is to normal to be great.
Score: 6.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Dogfish Head - BURTON BATON Review
Brewery: Dogfish Head Brewery
Type: Oak-aged Imperial IPA
ABV: 10%
Sight: Beautiful Translucent Brown with hints of orange...Some light lacing that dwindles as the volume goes down.
Aroma: Candied sweetness...maybe raisins or plums. Malt and oak come through strong with some vanilla at the finish.
Taste: Up front hit of bitter and alcohol then the sweetness from the malt comes forth. The Dark fruits whatever they are come up to smooth it all out.
Overall: Decent. The taste of alcohol is almost too much but the malt and fruit hints save the day...No aftertaste as the sweetness subtly overwhelms the bitter and alcohol nicely.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
OLIVER ALES - "MY MONKEYS GOT WOOD" Review
Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery - Snake Dog IPA
Type: Porter
ABV: 8.5%
Sight: Mahogany brown with touches of red with an antique white head.
Aroma: Nice sweet malt with touches of caramel.
Taste: Some nice spice to start, then the malt hits nicely...Some smokey essence, then it comes alive with, dare i say coconut. A little citrus in there also.
Overall: Completely impressed. I know Oliver ales well, as a regular at The Wharf rat in Fells Point. This was up to par. Nice even sweetness with some mild bitterness. The most important part is(if i'm right) the cocnut essence...Surprisingly good. Top Notch.
Score: 9.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
PYRAMID BREWERY - THUNDERHEAD IPA Review
Brewery: PYRAMID BREWERY
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.7%
Sight: Golden-Yellow with a hint of orange when kissed with light
Aroma: Orange zest with a clean grassy hop presence. Some vague sweetness.
Taste: Crisp bitterness up front that holds onto your tongue til the next sip. The subtle citrus is nice...not too much, just right. A little malt closes it out.
Overall: I like it alot. Refreshing. The bitterness is there and isn't over the top, just hits a little then hangs on. The citrusy sweetness is a nice compliment to the bitterness. The flavors are balanced perfectly...The bitterness is evened out with the light malt by the orange accents.
Score: 8.3/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, April 15, 2010
HEAVY SEAS BREWERY - Red Sky At Night Review
Brewery: HEAVY SEAS BREWERY
Type: Belgian Farmhouse Style Ale(Spring Seasonal)
ABV: 7.5
Sight: Translucent Golden-Yellow with a touch of orange.
Aroma: Fresh Hoppiness with sweet citrus essence(orange, possibly lemon). Mild spice and malt nose.
Taste: Two words...Refreshingly sweet. Has an up front spicey tingle with the fruitiness coming in quickly. It'll coat the back of your throat nicely. The mild malt closes it out and holds on til the next swig.
Overall: Completely enjoyed it. From the smell, to the creamy coating of my tongue. Refreshing, clean, and complex, with the tastes being able to be seperated and noted individually. The balance between the hops, citrus, sweetness and malt is almost dead on. I couldn't ask for a better seasonal. Thanks Heavy Seas for making another excellent beer.
Score: 9.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Brooklyn Brewery Summer Ale - Review
Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery
Type: English Style "Light Dinner" Ale
ABV: 4.5%
Sight:Golden-yellow with a light orange hue.
Aroma: Mild hop presence with some light spice. Floral notes and a level malty nose.
Taste: Very smooth, almost could be a guzzler(if that's your thing). Not bitter at all, some spice(allspice or nutmeg) that tingles your taste-buds. Light richness that can be described as a piece of artisean bread.
Overall: I liked it. A good alternative to the traditional beers(won't mention usual suspects) you'd be chugging on a hot day cooking on the grill or out on the boat. Refreshingly easy to go down.
Score: 8.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Thursday, April 8, 2010
The Brewer's Art - Resurrection Review
Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery - Snake Dog IPA
Type: "Abbey-Style Ale"
ABV: 7%
Sight: Almost Opaque. Deep dark reddish brown with some clarity near the bottom of the glass.
Aroma: Soft and sweet with citrus hints, possibly a touch of honey.
Taste: Velvety bitterness...not too much, not to little. Spice that hangs on, with a rebounding bitterness. Some roastiness of malt that comes out of nowhere. Not much on the sweet that was in the description.
Overall: I was anxious as i poured and waited for th thick antique-white head to chill out. Once i got to it the wait was well worth it. Not to bold, but not a pushover either...Resurrection has found a nice balance between the bitter and mellowness we are all looking for in a brew. Hoppiness that can be appreciated and light malt tha tcan be looked forward to.
Score: 9.2/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Flying Dog Brewery - Raging Bitch Review
Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery - Snake Dog IPA
Type: IPA...Belgian type
ABV: 8.3%
Sight: Appealing deep-orange with touches of yellow towards the bottom of the glass.
Aroma: Hoppy(Obviously) with orange and lime undertones.
Taste: Hptastic. The citrus hits first, then the hops come through with a bitterness that was expected. Closes with a slight hoppy aftertaste.
Overall: Refreshing. A nice balance between the citrus and bitterness. Not that much malt to talk about. Enjoyable in over-moderation.
Score: 8.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Dogfish Head - 90 Minute IPA Review
Brewery: Dogfish Head
Type: IPA
ABV: 9%
Sight: Dark Amber-Orange
Aroma: Hopperific...Strong Hop front with touches of citrus popping through. Some lighter hints of malt and possibly barley.
Taste: Hop Heaven. Bitter, but not too much for me, might be much for some. Tones of citrus(orange peel and shall i say...Lemon)! The finish is relaxed and stays on the tongue for a minute or two for continued enjoyment.
Overall: totally enjoyable. Superb hop presence and not to overwhelming. Full rich fragrence and easily goes down.
Score: 8.7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Magic Hat Brewery - #9 Review
Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery - Snake Dog IPA
Type: IPA...They say "Not Quit Pale Ale"
ABV: 5.1%
Sight: Golden-Yellowish-Orange
Aroma: Sweet Hoppy with Citrus coming through.
Taste: Sweet Start with some light mellow bitterness to continue and finishes smooth with a light maltiness.
Overall: Love this beer. Basically my first foray into the IPA's. Never turned back since. Depth and originality that is basically undescribable. Beer-Heads and the Bud drinker can both enjoy this one without complaining.
Score: 8.6/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Troegs Brewery - Nugget Nectar Review
Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery - Snake Dog IPA
Type: Imperial Amber...IPA
ABV: 7.5%
Sight: Yellow base with deep orange overall tone.
Aroma:Hoppy heavy sweetness almost fresh cut grass scent.
Taste: To me, dry and up front with the dominance in the realm of Hops. Citrusy-sweet in between with some mild maltiness to the bitter end.
Overall: Heard a lot about this beer...Mostly all good and I agree. Mild but strong in some aspects such as smell and up front taste. I can be enjoyed by many types of beerheads.
Score: 8.1/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Dogfish Head Seasonal- APRIHOP Review
Brewery: Dogfish Head Brewing Co.
Type: IPA with Apricots
ABV: 7%
Sight: Orange-tinted Reddish-Brown
Aroma: Sweet Hoppiness with obvious Apricot notes.
Taste: Mildly hoppy with the Apricots coming through strong but appropriately. Not as bitter as you would think. Very easy and refreshing. Mellow malt to finish with a bit of spice and some light malt at the end.
Overall: I was very surprised and impressed. I am a purist i guess when it comes to beer...Lagers, Pilsners, Stoudts, and IPA's, but this fruit infused brew has opened my eyes to the other options out there. This Fruit infused brew was, for lack of a better word...AWESOME!
Score: 8.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Troegs Brewery - Nugget Nectar Review
Brewery: Troegs Brewery
Type: Imperial Amber...IPA
ABV: 7.5%
Sight: Yellow base with deep orange overall tone
Aroma: Hoppy heavy sweetness almost fresh cut grass scent
Taste: To me, dry and up front with the dominance in the realm of Hops. Citrusy-sweet in between with some mild maltiness to the bitter end
Overall:Heard a lot about this beer...Mostly all good and I agree. Mild but strong in some aspects such as smell and up front taste. I can be enjoyed by many types of beerheads.
Score: 8.1/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, March 26, 2010
Dogfish Head Shelter Pale Ale Review
Brewery: Dogfish Head
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.0%
Sight: Deep-Orange
Aroma: Sweet, sorta citrusy, with a nutty hint
Taste: Mild, uneventful, with an easy light malt finish
Overall: It is a smooth beer to drink and if your not careful you coould forget that you have already had 3 or 4. Not a standout, but good...Not Crappy but Ok...Middle of the road for me.
Score: 7.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Otter Creek Spring ale"German-Style Kolsch" Review
Brewery: Otter Creek
Type: Kolsch-Style
ABV: ?
Sight: An attractive Golden-Orange
Aroma: Sorry Otter Creek, but when pouring this beer into my glass i wasn't impressed...Unappealing, almost like a pickling brine...Good thing though is it doesn't last...Turns dull almost unnoticeable.
Taste: Hoppy, with some spice(cardimon or clove)...Easy drinking with a light malty finish.
Overall: I liked it once I got over the initial smell. Not a favorite but someone could twist my arm to drink a few.
Score: 6.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Wolavers IPA (Organic) Review
Brewery: Wolavers
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 5.0%
Sight: Orangish-Brown with Yellow bottom. Pleasant
Aroma: Sweet, Refreshing, Slight scent of Citrus
Taste: Mild hoppiness with the sweetness of Orange...a light malt and a little bitterness to finish easy and dry.
Overall: Wolavers IPA is one of the better IPA's i have had(not a Dogfish Head, but good) Very Mild to the degree that a novice beer drinker can appreciate. Plus, being organic is always a good thing.
Score: 8.3/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, March 15, 2010
EVOLUTION CRAFT BREWING COMPANY - EVO LUCKY 7 PORTER
Brewery: EVOLUTION
Type: Porter("A dark ale brewed with 7 lucky malts")
ABV: 5.7%
Sight: Very dark, almost black with minimal lacing on the glass and not much head
Aroma: A dull Eathy smell, nothing that will grab you.
Taste: It is bland in the beginning, then mildly strong charred-wood almost chocolate in taste.
Overall: Although I can only handle porters in moderation, I could drink a number of these without complaining.
Score: 7.1/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Sierra Nevada's Big Foot Ale Review
Brewery: Sierra Nevada
Type: Barley Wine Style(9.6% ABV)
ABV: 5.7%
Sight: Attractive Auburn Reddish-Brown
Aroma: Sweet Maltiness
Taste: Fruity Hoppiness that isn't as bitter as you might think
Overall: Big hoppy taste that's not too overpowering...Orange that mellows to leave a maltiness that isn't bitter, but almost buttery. It's ashame it isn't available year round.
Score: 8.3/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
|
