|
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Buck Bean Brewing Co. - Black Noddy Lager Review
Brewery: Buck Bean Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: Reno, NV.
Established: 2008
Tidbits: Doug and Daniel met through an ad on Probrewer.com asking for a new venture in Reno. They can all three of the main line brews. 2008 GABF Bronze medal winner.
Availability: All Year
Type: Bavarian Schwarzbier
ABV: 5.2%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Motor Oil black with hints of brown and hues of red at the surface. The head is ultra thin, at a quarter inch tall and fades to a trace of the top of the glass.
Aroma: Roasty toasty chocolate maltiness, with mellow amounts of grassy hop. The smells don't throw extremely well from the glass, but as the glass is brought to the nose they show decent.
Taste: Watery to some extent in the front, but the chocolate, and roasted malt quickly breaks the mildness. Some light tingle comes next with a touch of fruit and maybe som e black pepper spice.
Overall: Thin and clean with pleanty of roasty and chocolatey notes intermingled with light spice and mellow fruit touches thoughout. Body is thin which is a benefit in the lackluster aftertaste.
Similar Brew(s): Chatoe Rogue Black lager or Full Sail - Session Black Lager
Score: 7.8/10
 
|
|
Monday, October 24, 2011
Heavy Seas Brewing Co. - Winter Storm Ale Review
Brewery: Heavy Seas Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: Baltimore, Md.
Established: 1995
Tidbits: Hugh Sisson founded Marylands first Brewpub in 1989. He left the Brewpub to start Clipper City/Heavy Seas in 1995.
Availability: Year round
Type: Imperial ESB
ABV: 7.5%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Visually awesome with plum-red hues bleeding through the browns of the body. The head, a half-inch tall and lid-worthy is antique-white and fluffy.
Aroma: Plenty of grain presents nicely, on first inhale. Inhale number 2 brings sweeter notes from the malt of dried cinnamon or toasted bread...plentiful earthy hops close things out.
Taste: Dark-fruit of prune &/or plum lead the way...this presents a hint of sour up front that the hop has to overcome more than enhance. Alcohol tingles ever-so-slightly as the bitter attempts to break through. It does, and really brings things full circle. As the second sip hits the back of the throat, the multiple flavors are interacting well and are working with each other in harmony.
Overall: It's been a couple of years since I had this one, and I'm so happy I grabbed it to finish off my mixed-6. Medium to full mouthfeel leaves a mid-leveled sour aftertaste at the corners of the tongue. Pleanty of flavors to discipher which makes this a very complex ESB. Good job HS crew.
Similar Brew(s): 21st Amendment Brewing - Grandpa Jack(Part of the Strong Beer Series)(might not be available)
Score: 9.0/10
|
|
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Bear Republic Brewing Co. - Hop Rod Rye Review
Brewery: Bear Republic Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: Healdsburg, California.
Established: 1995
Availability: Year round
Type: Rye IPA
ABV: 8%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: This beautiful beer comes out of the bottle nearly opaque, in a deep mahogany brown tone. Mild reds and some yellows peek through mostly towards the bottom of the glass. The head was crazy thick and looked like a child's bubble-bath, of antique-white. It cascaded from the top fading slowly to a rocky outcrop on the glass sides.
Aroma: The smell is pretty impressive also...Roasted caramel, with an intense ember note, which I gather is the Rye. Light hop floral trinkits are interwoven with more sweet near the finish, brown sugar or even a dark fruit of prune are coming to mind.
Taste: Definite sweetness nearly overpowers the usual IPA qualities...There is though a suffice amount of floral hop bitter that squelches some of the the sugary sweetness. The rye is there but not as powerful in the taste profile as it is in the nose...It does bring some dryness and mellow spice to the end where a touch of alcohol brings warmth.
Overall: Thicker and more syrupy than expected. A tad too much sweetness for me. I wouldn't turn this brew away if offered it, and would probably still order it over half of the other brews on a regular Beer Bars Tap menu. Mouthfeel is medium to heavy and the aftertaste while decent holds the tongue with sour a touch too long.
Score: 8.0/10
 Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, July 25, 2011
Leavenworth Brewing Co. - Boulder Bend Dunkelweizen Review
Brewery: Leavenworth Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: Olympia, Wa.
Established: 1992
Availability: Once each year
Type: Alpine Style Dark Wheat Ale
ABV: 4.7%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: This brew pours a deep dark opaque Ruby-brown, with absolutely no light penetrating through. The head doesn't build to tall but is of an off-shade of white, and soap bubbly.
Aroma: A rediculous amount of heavy-duty malt, in the tones of wheat, chocolate, and caramel. Virtually no hop character in the nose, nor any sense of alcohol.
Taste: Light toasty elements to the malts bring out a smokey essence that is great on the tastebuds. Chocolate malt is the most dominate part, with a trace of hop bitterness peering through.
Overall: I love this beer. I wish I would have bought a whole six-pack instead of just a single...It is that good. Mouthfeel is lighter than medium, and leaves a delectable roasted cocoa on the tongue. Can't say enough good things about this beer.
Score: 9.0/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, June 27, 2011
Flying Dog Brewing Co. & Brewers Art Brewing Co. - "Table For Two" Collaboration Review
Brewery: Flying Dog & Brewers Art Brewing Co.
The Facts:
Location: Frederick/Baltimore, Md.
Established: 2011
Availability: Limited
Type: Belgian Table Brew
ABV: 5.0%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: "Pretty, so pretty"...A very nice orange influenced golden-wheat image brings you in and helps hold your interest. The head pours an inch thick of a bubbly bright-white.
Aroma: The nose is nearly as impressive as the visual. Grain is powerful, but not killer. Some sweet essences of honey, that are a complimentary addition to some spice that could be either coriander, or the yeast notes.
Taste: I get plenty of what I would say is either crystal or pale malt up front. This almost blands things out a touch too much, when a subtle, but completely noticeable hint of honey.
Overall: When I heard of this collaboration, my first thought was this is gonna be amazing. And I have to say it is Re-Diculous, IMHO...A great traditional brewerery in Brewers Art mixing it up with an avant garde brewery in Flying Dog...I really couldn't ask for anything more. Mouthfeel is clean and on the medium side, while there is a mild lingering aftertaste that I appreciate also.
Score: 9.0/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
Name: John Thompson
Comments: I thought this was great as well. It had the yeast profile of a Raging Bitch, and the malt profile (albeith lighter) of a Resurrection. Thought the table beer description was spot on. Very good.
|
|
Monday, May 9, 2011
Lost Coast Brewing Co. - Great White Review
Brewery: Lost Coast Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Eureka, California
Established: 1990
Availability: Year Round
Type: Witbier
ABV: 5.0%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: The "shark" pours nearly clear bright-wheat yellow with the reminants of unfilteredness floating around in the glass. There isn't much of a head, but there is a halo of lacing on the inside of the pint.
Aroma: Wheat, citrus of orange and lemon, and light spiciness lead the inhale. Very little else in the way of a nose coming from even a deep inhale.
Taste: First sip is a tad blah, but after taking a deeper drink, the spices...subtle as they are, come through. Orange peel, clove and light coriander are the strengths, while a even mouthfeel is it's weakness.
Overall: I got this one while in NC a month or so ago, and waited on popping the top and reviewing, hoping I was gonna be overly-impressed...the name led me to this assumption. But after drinking it I definitely wouldn't worry about going in the water! To uneventfully balanced for me. Nothing to be "scared" about in terms of flavor, maybe it should be name "Wit-Perch"...Sorry Lost Coast.
Score: 6.8/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, April 27, 2011
Voodoo Brewing Co. - White Magick of The Sun Review
Brewery: VooDoo Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Meadville, Pennsylvania
Established: 2009
Availability: Year Round
Type: White Ale with Spice
ABV: 6.75%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: The brew pours a very cloudy bright-gold with pleanty of fizzy-bubbles rising from the base to the top. The head comes out full-force of a bright cloudesque white almost 2 inches tall...dies off quickly, but still encapsules the ale below the surface.
Aroma: Tremendous nose of fresh-wheat, orange, and coriander. The strength is mesmerizing, nearly intoxicating just from the inhale...Good job.
Taste: The taste components come through a little more muted than the nose would lead you to believe. Wheat grains and spice dominate with an underlying dryness that would probably be a hop or two thrown in. Coriander & allspice are strong but don't kill the balance that is achieved throughout the taste palette.
Overall: I can take or leave the white ales, but this one from VooDoo Brewing has impressed me. Clean and refreshing, not too bad on the mouthfeel...Medium, with limited aftertaste. The spices are balanced well.
Score: 8.5/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Sunday, April 25, 2011
Mother Earth Brewing Co. - Dark Cloud Review
Brewery: Mother Earth Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Kinston, North Carolina
Established: 2008
Availability: Year Round
Type: Munich-Style Dunkel Lager
ABV: 5.1%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: This one pours 100% beautiful...Deep-mahogany brown, with touches and glistens of red peeking through. The light-brown head comes out short, and dies quickly leaving a encircling film on the surface.
Aroma: The nose isn't as strong as most Dunkels I've tried. There is though, a mild, dank, sweet-charred malt aroma emanating from the pint.
Taste: Wow, smooth, thin and full of coffee and chocolate notes throughout. A light creaminess coats the tongue perfectly and helps keep the toasty notes linger til the finish.
Overall: I tell ya, I have now had 2 brews from Mother Earth, and they are 2 for 2...This is the best Dunkel I've had outside the ones I've had while stationed in Germany. Fits the traditional characteristics of the style perfectly...Another superb job from Josh Brewer and his crew. Keep it up.
Score: 9.3/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Boston Beer Co. - Sam Adams Wee Heavy Scotch Ale Review
Brewery: Boston Beer Company
The Facts:
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Established: 1984
Availability: Year Round(Limited)
Type: Imperial Series Scotch Ale
ABV: 10.0%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Wee heavy pours as it's name states...Heavy almost syrupy, in the color of deep-garnet with sweet glistens of red forcing through nicely. The head starts slow then builds to roughly a 1/2" tall mocha brown...rocky, with wispy ridges throughout.
Aroma: Awesome charred malt, with plenty of sweets mixing in on the first inhale. A deeper inhale brings out more of the sweets from the unique Scottish peat malts. I'm a completely impressed with the nose. Complex, but still simple.
Taste: Sweet and thick. Chocolate, and coffee are strong. The scotch essence bleeds through perfectly, with a warming that comes through from behind. Even without being aged in SCotch barrels, there are definitely characteristics of a barrel in there. Smooth as hell without the expected alcohol aggression.
Overall: I was expecting a over the top brew in this Imperial Series Scotch Ale, but what I got was a Re-diculous melding of flavors from the country of kilts. Malts were dead on and the uniqueness of the peat malts really made this completely enjoyable. The mouthfeel is thick and syrupy, but doesn't remain on the tongue or throat, but for a minimal time. Great job Sam Adams.
Score: 9.1/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Full Sail Brewing Co. - LTD 04 Review
Brewery: Full Sail Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Hood River, Oregon
Established: 1987
Availability: Limited Edition Series
Type: American Pale Single Hop/Malt Lager
ABV: 7.0%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Crystal clear straw yellow, with plenty of bubbling carbonation traveling from the bottom. There is an ultra thin head of pure white that forms than dies off quickly
Aroma: Candy-sweet malts and grains are strong. Fresh dough abounds. Light hops take the nose through til a alcohol spice overwhelms it all.
Taste: Creamy sweetness leads to a resiny grain bite. Some hints of lemony hops come next with alcohol and malt fighting out at the finish.
Overall: The brew is a touch confusing to me. It is part of Full Sails "LTD" series of brews where they use a single hop type as well as a single malt type. I get a full array of flavors and smells coming through...nothing specifically stays to type for me. Mouthfeel is light, with a mellow sweet aftertaste holding the tongue corners well.
Score: 8/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Dixie Brewing Co. - Blackened Voodoo Lager Review
Brewery: Dixie Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: New Orleans, LA, via Wisconsin
Established: 1907
Availability: Year Round(Limited)
Type: Schwarzbier
ABV: 5.0%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Not expecting this to be as "light" as it is. More of an dark-amber brown, with some glistens of red throughout. The head pours out minimal, off-white, and disipates to nearly nothing quick.
Aroma: Crazy sweet nose. Malts are roasted well and distract from a mild hop. A chilled-out addition of dark fruit(raisin) is in there also.
Taste: Sweet and tingly. Roasted and malty. Slightly burnt toast is basically what I get. Traditional flavor profile. Not bad, but nothing completely original either.
Overall: It's an okay beer. Pretty good clone of the style other than the color. Mouthfeel is light and thin, with almost no aftertaste. The brewery is now contracted through Joseph Huber Brewing, Monroe, WI. do to being abandoned after the destruction of Katrina.
Score: 8/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
SlyFox Brewing Co. - Pikeland Pils Review
Brewery: Slyfox Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Royersford, Pennsylvania
Established: 1995
Availability: Year Round
Type: Pilsner
ABV: 4.9%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Pikland Pils pours from the can a beautiful beaming straw yellow, that is easy to see through. The head forms of a bubbly brand-new-sheet white roughly a quarter to half inch thick. It hangs, then wanes almost in an instant, leaving an ultra thin film on the surface.
Aroma: I wasn't expecting a strong nose, due to the style, but SlyFox out foxed me with pleasant notes of grain, yeast and lemon overwhelming the glass. On a second deeper inhale I pick up a sweet camamel maltiness I also didn't expect.
Taste: Sweetness of malts, with a touch of sour bitterness from the hop is what I absorb first. The flavors are crisp, and strong, but not too agressive. Earth comes through in the continued sips...grass, grain, and more of the Re-diculous hop backbone. Minimal warmth from alcohol, and a tingle of carbination help finish.
Overall: From time to time you come along a beer of basic style. Not expecting much, but to maybe quench your thirst or satisfy an urge. We'll I came into this review of a basic styled brew(Pilsner), with little expectations but the ones before-mentioned...boy was I blown away. The Pikeland Pils isn't a normal Pilsner. It is a work of art. the nose was strong and friendly, the taste is nearly perfect and completely balanced. There is a minimal aftertaste of sweetened-sour on the back of the tongue, that keeps you coming back for more. The mouthfeel is medium and ever-so slightly creamy, which again is perfect. I bow my head to this nearly dead-on brew...Great Job SlyFox.
Score: 9.3/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
SlyFox Brewing Co. - Dunkle Lager Review
Brewery: Slyfox Brewing Company
The Facts:
Location: Royersford, Pennsylvania
Established: 1995
Availability: Fall & Winter
Type: Dunkel
ABV: 5.3%
Observations & Opinion:
Sight: Dunkel pours a translucent deep-brown with hints of ruby shimmering off a controlled light. The head comes thin, alabaster, and foamy...leaving a lace ring on the inner part of the glass.
Aroma: No potent nose to speak of, but I do get light notes of grain bread, obvious roasted malt and subtle earthy notes coming through. A deeper inhale doesn't help much unfortunately. Bummed out a little.
Taste: Welcome roasted caramel malt with a side of 7-grain bread too boot. Light and I mean light earth tones show as well in the form of slight bittering, and an added a touch of dryness. Sweet, and thin, not bad, but not great either.
Overall: Well this is the third in my SlyFox Brewing trifecta of reviews tonight. Overwhelmed with the Pils, Happy with the IPA, but sadness reigns with this Dunkel. Nothing really stands out...No unique malt composition, not a bold body, the nose was too chill, just not aggressive enough to please my palate. Mouthfeel was thin with a dry aftertaste on the sides of the tongue. I didn't hate it, but wouldn't search it out either. Sorry SlyFox, as Meatloaf said, Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad". Keep up the great brewing, I will definitely seek out more styles from you when I can.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Goose Island Brewing Co. - 312 Urban Wheat Ale Review
Brewery: Goose Island Brewing Co. - Chicago, IL.
Type: Wheat Ale
ABV: 4.2%
Sight: Being a wheat brew you get exactly what you expect, Bright cloudy golden-wheat yellow. The head comes quickly, rising about a 1/4 inch tall and dies off immediately leaving a hyper-thin film on the surface of white.
Aroma: The nose is a tad underwhelming. I was expecting sweet malt notes that didn't really come through. I do get a very subtle citrus-fruit of lemon that drowns out the wanted wheat essence.
Taste: Light bready malts give way to a lemony creamy mouthfeel. Mild yeastiness walks all over the front flavors and takes the beer to its end.
Overall: I like most Goose Island beers I've had, but this one disappointed a bit. The flavors weren't distinct, and along with minimal originality, I could find better elsewhere. It is easily drinkable, especially being at 4.4% ABV. Sorry G.I., maybe next time.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Monday, February 7, 2011
D.G. Yuengling Brewing Co. - Bock Beer Review
Brewery: D.G. Yuengling Brewing Co. - Pottsville, Pa.
Type: Bock
ABV: 5.1%
Sight: A nice deep dark orange tinted brown, with lighter notes near the bottom. It actually bears a strong similarity to the original Lager. The head builds to about a fingers-thick bubbly white...it holds well and leaves minimal lacing.
Aroma: Not expecting much from the nose, but I do get yeast, and toasted, almost charred wood. Minimal to no hop effects at all.
Taste: It comes through with a fairly strong roasted malt body. Some dryness, not necessarily of the hop variety(as usually missing from Bocks), is there. More malt character, with sweetness overriding the nearly burnt beginnigs, closes it out.
Overall: Seeing the label..retro stylings with a goat drinking a beer from a big glass, remind me of "Celebrator". Now I've had many bocks in my day, while living in Germany and I can say that this is a very good interpretation of the style. Mouthfeel is light, with a vague sour sweetness holding the corners of the tongue.
Score: 8.8/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
River Horse Brewing Co. - Tripel Horse Review
Brewery: Riverhorse Brewing Co.
Type: Belgian Style Ale
ABV: 10.0%
Sight: The brew flows out a beautiful golden-orange that is almost clear. A bright-white foamy head nearly fills the glass to the brim. Very attractive presentation.
Aroma: The yeast strain is dominant on the nose, which is a good sign for the style. Citrus notes of orange, with spice of coriander fight through. the big inhale doesn't bring more scents but just intensifies the notes already recieved.
Taste: Orange and melon overshadow the yeastiness a tad, but still are basically balanced. Sweet light malts, carry things from front to back with spices of definite coriander and possibly a nutmeg or allspice. I hardly taste any of the 10% ABV, which is nice.
Overall: I had the Hop-A-Lot-Amus from Riverhorse before and considered it so, so...so I didn't know what to expect. I can say though now that this is a very good Belgian-styled brew. The spices and yeast notes were almost spot on...mild hop, nice fruitiness, and a light to medium mouthfeel. There is a very subtle twinge of alcohol the grapples the back of the tongue, enticing another sip. Good job.
Score: 9.0/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Great Divide Brewing Co. - Hoss Rye Lager Review
Brewery: Great Divide Brewing Co.
Type: Rye Lager
ABV: 6.2%
Sight: This brew pours out burnt-orange and crystal clear. A thick foamy head of about 1 inch forms, then dies off to a side-lacing and surface coating pure-white film.
Aroma: Sweet caramel malts, very sweet come out strong, along with a little spice. There is also a nice earthy pulse that sneaks in the inhale from time to time.
Taste: Light toastiness shows first with caramel and a tingle alcohol. Some earthy notes carry the flavors to the end, where there is o hint of bitter.
Overall: This beer is good, but not overwhelming...unfortunately. I was expecting alot from it, because i dig rye beers alot. I'm not hating on it, but it was missing something. Mouthfeel is light to medium, with a light sour/sweet aftertaste.
Score: 8.0/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Left Hand Brewing Co. - Good JuJu Review
Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Co.
Type: Herb/Spice Ale
ABV: 4.5%
Sight: The brew pours a translucent citrine-orange that has a light fogginess on the bottom of the glass...where carbonation flows heavily. There is a very thin head, that dissloves to nothing on the surface.
Aroma: A light malt nose leads the way with sweet hints of citrus and honey following closely. On the deeper inhale there is a earthy hop presence.
Taste: Ultra-light malt body, that carries a very aggressive ginger character. That ginger is very pleasant even though aggressive. A touch of creaminess, along with hop bitter close it out nicely.
Overall: While in Boulder a month or so ago I didn't get a chance to check out Left Hand and I wished I did. This brew is very light and refreshing...perfect for a summer afternoon. The ginger, adds a unique taste that I truely dig. Mouthfeel is light and slightly creamy, with a non-existant aftertaste.
Score: 8.9/10
Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Submit your Comments
Your Comments:
|
|
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Crispin Artisanal Ciders - "The Jacket" Hard Cider Review
Brewery: Crispin Artisanal Ciders
Type: Hard Cider - Aged in Kentucky Whiskey Barrels
ABV: 8.3%
Sight: I would usually pour a cider in a fluted wine glass, a special made "Crispin" glass, but not in a rocks glass. The label suggested pouring it over Ice in a rocks glass so I did. When in the glass, it is a cloudy yellow with a toasted toffee tint. Translucent at the top and bottom of the glass, but basically blinded when looking through it's main body.
Aroma: The smell didn't live up to my expectations. I do get some of the apple cider, a sour of lemon or vinegar, but unfortunately it doesn't go beyond that.
Taste: The initial sip is impressive to me. A bit tart from the apples and the belgian yeast combo start the taste explosion. Some of the whiskey essence fights through the main body to pop with a more impressive tart at the finish. Balanced flavors keep this sipper aggressive as well as inviting at the same time.
Overall: Re-diculous. This is the best Hard-cider I've had to date. Sweet, tart, a touch of alcohol all make this cider drink more like a wine or a fine apple brandy. Mouthfeel is light to medium and leaves a nice crisp tart on the tongue. I would suggest that if you want a cider to impress this would be the one. Could have gotten a better score if the nose impressed more. Limited release so If you see it, grab it. You'll be happy you did.
Score: 8.7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Dogfish Head - Red & White Review
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewing
Type: Belgian Wit
ABV: 10%
Sight: This brew pours from the bottle a beautiful hazy light-cherry red that is nearly impenitratible to light. A little foggy sediment doesn't completely settle at the bottom. The head pours thin and bubbly white, and dissolves to a scarce film on the surface.
Aroma: Sweetness of grapes and of a very, very light malt front this nose. With a second inhale there is a nice spike of alcohol with a little bit of spice that could be that coriander. The pinot noir juice smell hits at the end of the deeper inhale.
Taste: Alcohol is the big taste that comes forward the most. There is a nice fading of that alcohol into a warming wine grape sweetness that leads to the mid-point of the brews body. A nice mellow dryness comes through well leading to a touch of the coriander spice and cherry juice. The finish is very light and clean.
Overall: I was looking forward to this brew, after seeing it at the brewpub in Rehobeth...Couldn't find it around Baltimore, until recently. I enjoyed this, but was a little disappointed in the overwhelming taste of alcohol...I know it is 10% ABV but I was hoping for more of the Pinot Noir flavor than the alcohol. The mouthfeel is medium to full with a fairly clean and light aftertaste. There is a very good complexity of flavors throughout which make this a very desirable brew. If you get a chance to get this, make sure you grab it while you can.
Score: 8.3/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Crispin Cider - The Saint Review
Brewery: Crispin Cider Co.
Type: Hard Cider
ABV: 6.9%
Sight: This is a very elegant...Lemon Italian Ice in the color...almost a light neon-yellow that is more opaque than translucent. A very good intial judgement comes from the pour.
Aroma: Very sweet inhale of apples, white grapes, and a touch of maple syrup. More apple and a hint of yeast and alcohol tingle nose. The very subtle maple syrup added makes this a smoother more evened body than the classic Crispins I've had before.
Taste: I have had the Classic Blue Line of Crispin and enjoyed them completely...but with "The Saint" the addition of the maple syrup and Belgian yeast bring it up too another level. The spice of alcohol is still there but it isn't as intense, due to the added sweet and creamy texture from the syrup. The Belgian yeasts are a nice touch adding an even more unique dimension. The mouthfeel is full and creamy...It will coat the back of your throat. Aftertaste is mellow to non-exsistent. I think this would pair great with a nice filet of Sea Bass.
Overall:
Score: 8.6/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, October 22, 2010
Dogfish Head - My Antonia Imperial Pilsner Review
Brewery: Dogfish Head Brewing Co.
Type: Continually-Hopped Imperial Pilsner
ABV: 7.5%
Sight: It pours a crystal-clear bright golden-yellow that shows nice carbonation from the bottom to the top. A thick bubbly pure white head comes out of the bottle quick, and nearly overflows the glass. It then dissipates to a 1/4" thick film on the surface.
Aroma: Sweet light malt front that gives way to a nice hoppy overall tone to the nose. The deeper the inhale the more floral pops your gonna get...Fresh-cut grass, light citrus of lime, and maybe a little yeast. There is a smidge of caramal sweetness to end it.
Taste: As I described in the aroma, I get a matching creamy mouth of caramal sweetness with a very aggressive hop undertone. Lends more to a Hefe/Pale than a Pils to me. Citrus bitterness of lime from the hops is pleasant and not overpowering. Some grain notes mix in well between the other flavors.
Overall: Was very satisfied with this (C.H.I.P.)Continuously Hopped Imperial Pilsner. Got the hops and dryness I love, and also finally got a decent beer in the pilsner style, that was in dy'er need in the American Beer market. Mouthfeel is medium with a creaminess the helps hold the sour bitter aftertaste that lingers on the tongue.
Score: 8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Victory Brewing Co. - "Moonglow" Weizen Bock Review
Brewery: Victory Brewing Co.
Type: Weizen Bock
ABV: 8.7%
Sight: Deep dark amber-brown, that is opaque to an extreme. It pours with a thin head of off-white, that disappears quickly, leaving the surface naked to the elements.
Aroma: Lotsa malt that bleeds dark fruit and nose tingling spices. Alcohol is there in abundance, but not to an extreme that I don't want to inhale more and more of it. Sweetness is the main part and it is very attractive.
Taste: Sweetness and alcohol are in the forefront and are brutal on the tastebuds. Raisin, prune, plum, and grain make this, a very flavorful brew. The malt fades and lets the yeast come in near the end. The finish comes up blah, with a tad tart that I could take or leave.
Overall: I like the originality of the style, the lighter flavors of the dark-fruit are nice, instead of being to overpowering. The mouthfeel is medium, and there is a nice sweet, slightly tart aftertste that is uneventful. I wish there were more carbonation, to give this brew a more attractive tingle to the mouth.
Score: 8.1/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Friday, September 10, 2010
Birra Moretti - Lager Review
Brewery: Birra Moretti
Type: Lager
ABV: 4.6%
Sight: Clear and golden wheat in color this beer has plenty of bubbly carbination rising from the bottom. The pour leaves a thin, and active white head about a half fingers length.
Aroma: Light malt essence up front with a pop of earthy pine, possibly a sour note from dill on second take. Biscuitiness of yeast would round it for me.
Taste: Refreshing and light is the character. A slightly sweet malt backbone that is enhanced with a sour yeastiness and mellow hoppy bite. Mouthfeel is light and doesn't leave any bad aftertaste to speak of.
Overall: I got exactly what I expected from this beer. A slightly sweet lager with a light body that goes down easy. The sour that comes in around mid-point is what makes this brew unique from the other "lighter" lager or pilsners from Europe. If you drink it be careful, it wouldn't be hard to forget how many you have had. Good job Moretti, looking forward to getting my hands on La Rossa.
Score: 8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, September 6, 2010
Goose Island Brewery - Honker's Ale Review
Brewery: Goose Island - Honkers Ale
Type: ESB/English Style Bitter
ABV: 4.2%
Sight: Transparent light-amber yellow with a creamy bright-white head that dissipates quickly from it's original fingers thickness, to a surface covering film on top.
Aroma: Hop pine and orange, almost tangerine, that are very frisky on the nose. Malt comes around, but is very subtle and basically comes through only on a deeper inhale. It is a very welcoming smell that makes you want to drink of it ASAP.
Taste: Earthy pine and nut, give way to a yeasty-dryness that cuts those earthy tones down. The second sip gives more of the first, but with an element of citrus...i would go as far as to say a certain type because it is muted, but it is there. The finish is mellow, and leaves that citrus tang on the edges of the tongue.
Overall: Nice with an extra-light body, which sorta surprised me...Figuring most ESB's are a little more light to medium in mouthfeel. Alcohol taste is very distant if there at all. The dryness actually overtakes this brew after getting to the middle of the glass. I like that element though, some won't.
Score: 8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Dogfish Head - Ryehobeth(Brewpub Exclusive) Review
Brewery: Dogfish Head
Type: Rye Brewpub rarity
ABV:5.5%
Sight: Subdued, but still a flashy golden yellow with nice orange flashes in the light. The head pours thin and bright white with very light glass lacing.
Aroma: Very light nose with subtle hints of citrus and light rye essence. All in all very mild smells from within.
Taste: Biscuit and light orange are upfront with a mild spice from the rye. There is very little hop presence, which usually would be a bad thing to me, but not in the brew. It helps the flavors flow to a finish that is very easy with a little more citrus and maybe a hint of clove or corriander.
Overall: Very easy and enjoyable on the palate. Light but still enough character balance between the rye and citrus to give it a complex feel. The ingredients mix well with each other and balance nicely. Mouthfeel is ultra light with no significant aftertaste at all.
Score: 8.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Dominion Brewing - Octoberfest Lager Review
Brewery: Old Dominion Brewery
Type: Octoberfest specialty lager
ABV: 5.6%
Sight: They say copper, but I would say it is more of a dark copper to dark-amber with lighter hues towards the base of the glass. It pours with a thin slightly off-white head that vanishes quickly to leave the surface wide open.
Aroma: Toasted malts, a hint of caramel, along with some spice of alcohol are the main tingles to the nose. On a deeper inhale you get a subtle but still noticable hop presence.
Taste: First impression is of a deep roasted malt that plays well with a pleasant dryness. Those flavors meld into a cool tingle from that alcohol presence. The close gives a light hop bitterness that fades nicely to end.
Overall: My first Octoberfest of the season, and I was not disappointed at all. Dominion has done a great job of keeping the balance between the flavors of traditional Marzen/Octoberfest brews...Roasted malts, medium mouthfeel, light hops, and dryness that is clean and refreshing. A tad deeper in the copper tone than I might expect, but close there also. I Keep trying Dominion brews and continue to be impressed. Keep up the good work.
Score: 9.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, July 30, 2010
(Old) Dominion Brewing Co. - Beach House Golden Pilsner Review
Brewery: (Old) Dominion Brewing Co.
Type: Pilsner
ABV: 5.2%
Sight: Very nice translucent golden yellow body that pours with a thick fluffy white head. There is a thin fluffy film remaining on the surface after the head disappears.
Aroma: Wheat, yeast and a nice surprising hop presence lead in the fresh nose. Sweetness is light, if it is noticeable at all.
Taste: Surprisingly the light malts are the initial impact on the tongue. There are light lemon esters fighting through a light hoppiness. It finishes almost creamy with a tad tartness at the corners of the tongue.
Overall: Very good effort from Dominion. Refreshing and clean with a light to medium creamy-type mouthfeel. The aftertaste is a pleasant tartness to contrast the rest of the brew. A definite thirst quencher that is easily sessionable.
Score: 8.9/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Kona Brewing Co. - Wailua Wheat Ale w/Passionfruit review
Brewery: Kona Brewing Co.
Type: Wheat Ale
ABV: 5.4%
Sight: Bright White-Yellow almost completely see-thru. A very thin head pours, then disappears very quickly. No lacing on the surface whatsoever.
Aroma: Very strong wheat essence with a citrus over-scent. Not pulling the passionfruit in the inhale, but getting more lemon.
Taste: Grains and yeasts are the main tastes i get up front. A sweetness of citrus then comes over the top to take over the whole thing. I assume that is the passionfruit. It is nice and mild...just enough to cover the grains but not too much to offend.
Overall: A refreshing and clean brew that has a nice light mouthfeel and almost no aftertaste. The passionfruit is definitely there but it isn't a distraction, its an addition to the smoothness of the beer. A great brew for the summer season or a regular day in the tropics.
Score: 8.6/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Dundee - Original Honey Brown Review
Brewery: Dundee
Type: Brown Lager
ABV: 4.5%
Sight: Transparent deep brown with lighter-brown almost golden hues throughout. Problem is that there wasn't any type of head to speak of through the pour.
Aroma: Nice light malt front with a tingly hint of alcohol that lead to the sweetness of the honey the deeper the inhale.
Taste: A little dryness up front with the honey showing through decently. The brew goes to a mild malt sweetness in the middle with a slight alcohol taste near the end.
Overall: Not bad, but definitely not what I was hoping for either. I wanted a dominant honey taste to be there, but actually got treated to a balance between the malt and the honey. The mouthfeel is light to medium with a slight sour aftertaste left on the tongue.
Score: 7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, July 23, 2010
Spoetzl Brewery - Shiner "Smokehouse" Helles Review
Brewery: Spoetzl Brewery
Type: Helles
ABV: 4.9%
Sight: Golden yellow with plenty of small bubbles of carbination rising to the surface from the bottom. The white head was lacey thin on the surface.
Aroma: Wow...smell lives up to it's name. Smokey wood-chip pop on top of a decent malt backbone.
Taste: Malt on top of wood chips is the easiest way to describe it. Very unique to me. The smoke flavor is almost, I repeat almost overpowering. There isn't a big finish either meaning not really an aftertaste.
Overall: Unfortunately, not really impressed. It seems like they did this as a gimmick, instead of for the quality in taste. The smokey wood taste doesn't really add much to this brew. Could taste close to thier "Bock" without that smoked-woodiness. Mouthfeel though is light and if you enjoy the unique taste, it could be an okay session beer.
Score: 7.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
21st Amendment - Hell or High Watermelon Review
Brewery: 21st Amendment
Type: Wheat
ABV: 4.9%
Sight: Nice straw yellow with a creamy fingers-thick head that evaporates to a thin lacey film on the surface.
Aroma: Grains and yeast cover the pleasantly moderate watermelon esters. Very inviting...
Taste: Mellow wheat front that is overpowered by a sweet watermelon. Malt follows from berhind and the melon comes back to reignite the sweetness. It has light to no aftertaste.
Overall: great idea of the watermelon infused wheat ale. Not to much fruit taste to make this weird or disgusting. It is a good balance between the wheat malt and melon juice. Definitely a sessionable brew with it's low ABV. Perfect for a summer day at the beach, especially because of the 12oz. can packaging.
Score: 9.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Pordham
Brewery: Pordham Helles Lager
Type: Helles
ABV: 5.7%
Sight: Straw yellow with a ever so slight tinge of orange to make it different. The head pours ultra thin and is gone instantly.
Aroma: Grainy and yeasty with no significant sweetness to speak of. Very mild to even a deep breath.
Taste: Almost the opposite of the nose...sweet malt comes through strong. A light citrus note hits also. The finish is clean and leaves a very light tingle to the back of the tongue.
Overall: Very refreshing and clean. A definite session brew. The mouthfeel is light. There is no aftertaste of any signifigance. Light alcohol content is another big plus to drink a few of these during a hot summer day.
Score: 7.9/ 10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Gordon Biersch - Blonde Bock
Brewery: Gordon Biersch Brewery
Type: Bock
ABV: 7%
Sight: Clear orange with golden touches at the base. There was a very thin head of white that completely disappears at the surface.
Aroma: Grassy, earthy notes pop first with a little malt and a touch of lemony citrus.
Taste: Wheat and a nice sweetness from citrus(mostly lemon or even light orange). The citrus holds well through til the end. The middle brings in a unrecognizable spice that brings a nice distinction from other bocks I've had. The finish rebounds with a balancing maltness that brings the brew back to the front.
Overall: A very surprising beer to me...Sweeter and a little spicier than I was expecting. This is more of a Helles than a "Blonde" bock as the name indicates. The mouthfeel is soft and light, and despite the 7% ABV, this is definitely a sessionable beer. I've had a few "GB's" at beerfest's, and thought of the samples as good, but not superb...This beer gave me a new outlook on them and will be seeking out more styles of "GB".
Score: 8.2/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Victory Brewing Co. - "Sunshine" Weissbier Review
Brewery: Victory Brewing Co.
Type: Weissbier Bavarian Style
ABV: 5.7%
Sight: Cloudy straw yellow with a thin white head that leaves a film that completely encloses the brew underneath.
Aroma: Awesomely strong wheat essence with a pleasant citrus back(lemon/grapefruit).
Taste: More mellow wheat/grain taste than most wheat beers. Subtle citrus high notes that lead to a soft malt finish that actually leaves the tongue clean.
Overall: Nice, refreshing and light. Great for a warm summer afternoon. I definitely recommend drinking it before it warms up...turns a tad sour the warmer it gets. Another great effort from Victory.
Score: 8.4/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Kenya Brewery - Tusker Lager Review
Brewery: Victory Brewing Co.
Type: Lager
ABV: 4.2%
Sight: Light golden yellow with a thin white head that leaves a sparse film on the surface
Aroma: Mellow malt and grains along with a very light hoppiness. Actually very blah...nothing stands out.
Taste: Sweet malts and biscuit to start. Evenly balanced from front to back. A subtle sour near the end that hangs for a while.
Overall: Not really impressed. The mouthfeel is light, and the palate is clean and sessionable. It is better than any macro lagers out there but nothing to praise.
Score: 6.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Avery Brewing Co. - 14'er ESB Review
Brewery: Avery Brewing Co. - Boulder Co.
Type: ESB
ABV: 5.13%
Sight: Straight up orange with a dulling browness hue to it. The head pours light Off-white that is a finger thick.
Aroma: Orange citrus and grass lead the way with a sweetness pulling up the rear. Very plasant and inviting.
Taste: A nice dry grassy and hoppy front with a little citrusy bite. The malt sweetness is the thing that brings things around full-circle.
Overall: Fits the style well with angy bitterness and brownish in color, malt balance and a light to medium mouthfeel. Enjoyable and sessionable. It finishes clean with a light citrus tingle on the back edges of the tongue. Good job paying tribute to those beautiful peaks in your backyard Avery. I'll see you in November.
Score: 8.3/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
South Hampton Publick House Brewery - Double Witte Review
Brewery: South Hampton Publick House - Witte Beer
Type: Witte(White) A Double
ABV: 6.6%
Sight: Bright and cloudy yellow with a fluffy thick head of white that hangs fat for a while.
Aroma: Hops, lemon, some orange, and alot of wheatiness. A very nice and complex nose.
Taste: Smooth and sweet on first swig. Creamy coating of the tongue and sides of the throat. Not bitter or punchy-bold like most wheat beers. Definite orange and lemon along with some spice from most likely coriander or clove.
Overall: Mouth-feel is pleasant and light. Complex taste and nice balance from front to back. I really like witte beers and this one can hang with some of the best German's out there.
Score: 8.7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Belgiums BAVIK Pils Review
Brewery: BAVIK PILS
Type: Pilsner
ABV: 5.2%
Sight: Bright white-yellow with a very thin white head that is gone way to quickly as it leaves trailed lacing.
Aroma: Floral sweet with an aromatic refreshing overall nose
Taste: Mildly sweet and almost buttery. Light bitter that finishes with a mellow sour aftertaste
Overall: Not bad a all. When first poured it looked like a white beer...very very light in yellow color. Not as much of an aftertaste as i wanted. That is what would have seperated this Pils from alot of others. A good beer but not distinctly memorable.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Thursday, May 27, 2010
New Zealand's Monteith's Pilsner Beer Review
Brewery: MONTEITH'S PILSNER
Type: Pilsner
ABV: 5%
Sight: A deep Golden Yellow with a thin white head that dies off quickly
Aroma: Floral hints along with a touch of sour. Clean subtle hop presence that is fresh and crisp.
Taste: A tad bit of lemon along with a nice bitter bite start it off. The light to medium dryness comes next and it finishes off leaving a tongue coating sour that hangs for a while.
Overall: Nothing special about this pils...you can't really go wrong when you follow traditional methods. I would drink this pilsner than any other of the big brewers offerings. This will lead me to trying other Monteiths beers in the future.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, May 25, 20100
DuClaw Brewing Company - Sawtooth Review
Brewery: DuClaw Brewing - Sawtooth
Type: Belgian White Ale
ABV: 4.8%
Sight: Cloudy wheaty-gold with a nice full white head that is gone almost as fast as it appeared. It leaves a thin white film on the top of the beer.
Aroma: Citrus, wheat and subtle malt sweetness. Something else I can't really place. A very inviting scent.
Taste: Orange with a medium to full citrus bitter are prominent. There is a nice tingle on the tongue from the alcohol. The ending stays bitter to almost sour to the lingering aftertaste.
Overall: Full filling body that has a nice sweet. The aftertaste is a nice compliment to the beginning.
Score: 8.2/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Brewers Art Brewing Company - La Petroleuse Ale Review
Brewery: The Brewer's Art
Type: Belgian Ale
ABV:7.8%
Sight: Cloudy deep orangish-brown with nice golden hues at the bottom. The head is full and creamy, but disappears quickly.
Aroma: In order of dominance: Alcohol, Citrusy-orange, and malt sweetness.
Taste: Alcohol also mildly dominates the taste, but the citrus does come through, lightly mixing with some mild hints of malt. The finish is uneventful and leaves an alcohol taste on the tongue.
Overall: I was so anticipating this beer, but when i finally took a drink, the excitement vanished. I didn't get malt or the citrus that much, and that was disappointing. I don't hate it, but I think the expectations my be making me bias in the rating I am given. The Belgian influences are there, and are why i give it some extra respect.
Score:7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Brewers Alley Brewing Company - 1634 Ale
Brewery: Brewer's Alley Brewery
Type: Rye Beer
ABV:5.8%
Sight: Dark iced-tea brown with red tones...No head formed at all(and I poured it sloppily too boot).
Taste: The initial taste of alcohol is strong and almost overwhelming. Some malt and possible caramel does cover the alcohol taste. It finishes as uneventful as it began, with little aftertaste.
Overall: Mellow in everything but the taste of alcohol. It almost makes me not want to finish it. I did and got used to the taste and it grew a tad on me. Not completely terrible, but not really all that good either.
Score: 6.2/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Barley & Hops Brewery - Hoptopsy ESB Review
Brewery: Barley & Hops Brewery
Type: ESB
ABV: 5.6%
Sight: Light Copper with virtually no head. Gold hues at the top and bottom of the glass
Aroma: Some nice malt sweetness with a chill floral "over-scent" , that is crisp and refreshing.
Taste: Very nice hoppiness that lets go to a nice malt body. The tongue stays entertained long after the swig. The finish is dry and welcoming.
Overall: Nice balance between 3 things...sweetness, bitterness and dryness. It is supposed to be an ESB, but it would rank with some of the better IPA's out there.
Score: 9.0/10.
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, May 10, 2010
Ommegang Abbey Ale Review
Brewery: Ommegang Brewery
Type: Dubbel
ABV: 8.5%
Sight: Dark Iced-tea brown with a huge rocky-tan head that laces considerably.
Aroma:Some sweet honey, and mild chocolate engage the nose at first, then subtle fruit comes next. Some spice...maybe clove or cinammon to finish it.
Taste: The first mouthful yields a blah taste...wait a few seconds then it hits ya...licorice and maybe toffee. The alcohol comes in and smacks ya...then a mild fruitiness of plum or raisin close out the taste.
Overall: Lighter bodied than the name or color would imply. Very mild carbonation and a decent taste of alcohol. The fruitiness tries to balance things out, but not enough to do so effectively. Decent try but not quite there.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Harpoon Brewery Summer Beer Review
Brewery: Harpoon Brewery
Type: Kolsch
ABV: 5%
Sight: Crayola clear yellow with a minimal white head and very light lacing.
Aroma: Floral and hops abound with a hint of light citrus.
Taste: Sweet light malt with a mellow hop presence. Some light spice. A tad dry with a light body that coats the tongue nicely.
Overall: The key term in describing this brew is "Light". It could be called "Harpoon Light". It follows the traditional Kolsch style to a tee. Definitely reminds me of being at a Biergarten in Cologne swinging around a huge glass and singing songs on a lazy summer day.
Score: 7.9/10.
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Sierra Nevada - Summerfest 2010 Review
Brewery: SIERRA NEVADA BREWERY
Type: Pilsner
ABV: 5%
Sight: Translucent shiny golden yellow with a full one finger thick head.
Aroma: Hoppy citrus is very forward with sweetness of lime or maybe lemon coming through the most.
Taste: Smooth and bitter, with a dryness deep enough that my mother would enjoy. The citrus is in there, very subtle but there nonetheless. The finish is a tad spicy with a mild taste of the alcohol.
Overall: If my mother says she would drink this, I would start to worry...but on this occasion she is ahead of the curve. Very clean and nicely dry, with a good mix of sweetness and bitter. Keep up the great brews SN.
Score: 8.0/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Tuesday, May 4, 2010
TROEG'S Sunshine Pils Review
Brewery: Troegs Brewery - Harrisburg, Pa
Type: Pilsner
ABV: 5.3%
Sight: Beautiful bright straw yellow. Light white head with minimal lacing.
Aroma: Tremendously sweet. Like nectar from a fresh cut orange. Hop presence is in there but is muted. Very little maltiness or spice at all.
Taste: First notice is the dryness which is light but it is definitely there. The soft wash of citrus(not as powerful as the scent) and florals hit next. Then the hoppiness comes from behind and hangs in the back of your throat til the next step. A light buttery taste coats the tongue nicely
Overall: I was expecting alot from this beer after the first smell.I was unforunately underwhelmed. It is good, don't get me wrong. I was just hoping for a citrus burst on first swig, that didn't really come through. Nice light and refreshing. Worthy of a few bottles on a hot summer afternoon.
Score: 7.8/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Fordham Brewing - Queen Anne Kolsch Review
Brewery: Fordham Brewing Company - Annapolis, Md
Type: American Style Kolsch
ABV: 5%
Sight:Mid toned golden-yellow with a slight hue of brown
Aroma: Crisp flora nose with subtle hoppiness that hangs well
Taste: Refreshing light citrus front with light body, and a medium depth of hop. Turns slightly sweet, then the dry comes out to finish it off.
Overall: Not bad, a basic kolsch. The beer is balanced well and has a very distinct part between the bitter and malty sweet. I like the mellowness of the dry that closes the taste out.
Score: 7.3/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Thursday, April 15, 2010
RJ Rockers Brewery - Son Of A Peach Review
Brewery: RJ Rockers Brewery
Type: Wheat Ale
ABV: 5.8%
Sight:
Aroma: Sweet, and let me think, could it smell of "peach"...Yes! Nice with very little hop to speak of.
Taste: Tongue coating and lightly bitter.Peach is there, but comes across muted...The wheat used in the brewing process is probably to blame. The finish hangs with you and leaves you with a not so friendly aftertaste.
Overall: I was looking forward to drinking this one...The label was pretty cool. When i first smelled it i was also let down because i was expecting to be punched in the nose with peach, but no, way too mellow. It tasted of an average wheat beer with some blah peach added. Sorry to say it, but if this is a sign of thier offerings i won't be looking for the others any time soon...The old addage is true...don't judge a beer by its label.
Score: 5.7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
 Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Anchor Brewing Company - Summer Beer Review
Brewery: Anchor Brewing Company
Type: American Wheat Beer
ABV: 4.6%
Sight: Golden Yellow with a small head that dicipates nicely with some clinging to the sides of the glass.
Aroma: Fresh Grass, lotsa hops and some light sweetness(matbe citrus)
Taste: Nice bitterness with heavy dryness. Mild spice, with an uneventful end...Some of the taste characteristics of Hefeweizen, but with the look of a pilsner.
Overall: Could be refreshing after sweating on a hot summer day, but for me that isn't enough. Dry and bitter, unbalanced...The only sweetness i get isn't in the taste, but in the nose. The wheat is there but not significant enough for me to be interested. Don't avoid, but don't hunt it down either.
Score: 7.5/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, March 29, 2010
Flying Dog Seasonal (SPRING) Garde Dog- Biere De Garde Review
Brewery: Flying Dog
Type: Pilsner with French influences
ABV: 5.5%
Sight: Semi-cloudy unlike most pilsners, Golden-Yellow, almost wheat-esque
Aroma: Sweet hoppiness that is strong when inhaled fully
Taste: Some spice and more maltiness than hoppiness at first which is a little different. Than a sweetness...maybe honey, or mild citrus hto finish.
Overall: Thoroughly enjoyed as it went down a little to easy. Smooth where it coated my tongue for a few minutes after tasting. In my opinion it would go well with Brie and cranberries or a fresh salad with shrimp
Score: 7.7/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Monday, March 29, 2010
Heavy Seas - Small Craft Warning Review
Brewery: Heavy seas
Type: Pilsner(Uber Pils)
ABV: 7%
Sight: Pale Orange with Yellow Hue
Aroma: Light Hoppy Nose with some Sweetness to boot
Taste: Very chilled out beer with almost no spice to speak of Light hoppiness with a little orange-zestiness to finish almost buttery. Some mellow malt essence.
Overall: I liked it. Kinda reminded me of being back in Germany and trying all the local brew almost every village or town had to offer. Can easily get carried away with downing more than needed in one sitting.
Score: 7.9/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
Friday, March 26, 2010
Heavy seas Marzen...Or MarzHon in Baltimore
Brewery: Heavy seas
Type: Marzen(Octoberfest Lager)s
ABV: 5.75%
Sight: Gorgeous Honey-Brown
Aroma: Hoppy with a hint of sweetness and light spice
Taste: Nice, friendly and not overwhelming hoppiness that mellows to a touch of spice(nutmeg? cinnamon?)
Overall: I really like Marzon beers so it didn't surprise me when I totally enjoyed this one. A Great beer to chill out with in your back yard while having some brats from the grill.
Score: 8.9/10
Share this on Twitter
|
|
|
