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Peter LaFrance



Monday, June 30, 2008

A taste of... Federal Jacks

“She’s over on the other side… Want to leave a message?”

“Here’s my card. Just tell her I stopped in. I’ll be back… Thanks.”

The bartender slid my business card into the ledge of the cash register along with a number of others and returned to stacking pint glasses on a shelf beneath the bar.

The remnants of my “flight” of tasting glasses sat where I left them, on the laminated beer-menu that briefly explained each of the seven beers brewed there. A selection of two or three ounce samples of the pubs brews not only allows the customer to feel like they can make an informed decision about which beer to order a full pint of, it also puts the house beers in context. In many cases just one sip of a particular beer might not be enough to appreciate all its nuances. When tasted in context with darker or lighter brews the nuances become more noticeable and picking a favored brew is easier. In this case I was more than familiar with the Ringwood yeast flavor profile common to all the Federal Jack’s brews because Alan Pugsley was once the brewer at a small brewpub in lower Manhattan. Ah, those were the days! Manhattan once had six brewpubs to choose from. That is no longer the case. Today, not even a six-pack. But I digress…

The main reason I found myself sipping a flight of samples at Federal Jack’s was because a college classmate of mine contacted me about getting together when he visited family in Kennebunk, Maine. It was determined that the ideal place to meet was Federal Jack’s, for two reasons. The first was because I have had the pleasure of working with the general manager on an article about romantic brewpub events. (No… Not me and her… folks who visited the brewpubs.) The second was because we could coordinate my five hour drive from Brooklyn and his plane trip from Texas and rendezvous at 1900 on a Friday evening.

My preferred method of visiting a brewpub is to sit at the bar, preferably, and sample one or two pints with one or two bar-snacks, an initial reconnaissance. On my return there are interviews to be arranged with the usual suspects… manager, brewer and chef. This, however, was not a traditional visit to a brewpub. This was a sentimental journey so my persona as journalist took some time off. Nevertheless the following notes and photographs give a general Idea of a taste of Federal Jack’s

It’s not a small place…

Federal Jack’s Beer Menu

Menu text and “My notes”:

The ales you are enjoying are the creations of Alan Pugsley, Brewmaster of the Kennebunkport Brewing Company (KBC) and Shipyard Brewing Company of Portland, ME. Alan is an experienced British Master Brewer and brewpub consultant who has designed breweries and formulated beers for over 90 microbreweries and brewpubs throughout Britain, the United States, Europe and Asia.

The Shipyard English-Style ales require time honored traditional brewing methods. The hops for the beer comes from the Pacific Northwest; the barley and yeast from England; the spring water from the lakes and rivers of Maine.

It takes eight hours to brew a batch of our ales and eight days before the beer is ready to be served in our brewpub. Try the sampler and find just the right style & enjoy!

Goat Island Light: A very light, low alcohol beer with its own distinctive, light flavor. (It is) Named after the Goat Island Light House in Cape Porpoise, ME. 3.8% ABV

My notes: Yes, it is a light beer… with a slight metallic after-taste.

The Shipyard Export Ale: Full bodied, yet lighter in flavor. A great malty balance followed by a subtle hop taste. Styled after the Canadian ale of old. 5.13% AVB

My notes: Light it is, with a slight phenol presence in the nose.

Taint Town Pale Ale: Classic style of a British Bitter. (This brew has a) Clean, crisp and aromatic with a subtle balance between malt and hops – a local favorite. 4.75% ABV

My notes: A pleasant light beer with a light hop flavor and crisp finish.

Brown Ale: Just like Maine’s moose, this ale is brown and beautiful. A much more pronounced malty flavor with just the right amount of hops for flavor. 3.88%ABV

My notes: Very similar to the Taint Town with a sweeter, less dry finish.

Old Thumper: 1985 British Grand Champion Beer, Old Thumper is a non-traditional English Bitter now brewed by KBC and the Shipyard Brewing Company. 5.75% ABV

My notes: A brown ale with fruit esters in front and at the finish.

Fuggles IPA: Feeling hoppy? Fuggles is a single-hopped ale that satisfies many an India Pale Ale enthusiast. A wonderful balance and deceptively smooth. 5.75% ABV

My notes: This brown ale has a noticeable citric flavor that I associate with Cascade hops.

Blue Fin Stout: This is the classic Irish stout. Full bodied, yet soft, and spectacular in appearance with it’s black body and creamy head. A wonderful stout. 4.88% ABV

My notes: Stout? It seems to be more of a Porter with a long lusty, slightly astringent dry finish.

Below: The proper use for the Federal Jack’s beer menu.

Just a glimpse into the brewery.

Important information:

As I noted previously, this was not a proper investigative report. It was a sentimental journey and a chance to just enjoy good beer and lobster, mussels, clams, the view of the boats, the fresh air and the opportunity to swap lies and swat flies and have some fun.

I will note that I had a very good brown ale with my "Lobster Feast"... Solstice Ale. It was a brown ale but had a less aggressive hop presence together with a less emphatic sweet malt flavor. All the flavors were in the right place and the balance was the key to making it a great pair with the rich lobster.

Also of note is the distinct "Ringwood" (yeast) house flavor that is either appreciated or not. I appreciate it.

Mission accomplished… for real.

Cheers!

Peter LaFrance

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

A taste of… Gulden Draak

Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
Lindenlaan 25
Ertvelde 9940
Belgium

Preface: This sample, sent by the good folks at Global Beer Company, has been living in my refrigerator for at least three months. Well kept, I am interested to see how the long big chill affected this 10.5% ABV brew. Without promotional material I again sail into uncharted waters…

Appearance: This is a very lively brew when opened at 50F. It took two stages to pour this pint. This is a deep brown amber, incredibly effervescent brew topped with a sandy brown head of glistening large, larger and tiny bubbles that hold together until they recede down the sides of the glass leaving a fine lace.

Aroma: Initially there is a deep roasted malt, almost caramel aroma, followed by oak accents and crystal sugar candy touches. Finally the lip-to-sip anticipation is sharpened by an alcohol warmth that starts before the brew is in the mouth.
Flavor: This is a stereotypical example of Belgian triple style ale. It resembles sherry wine in flavor but is carbonated rather than still. All of the tawny sherry notes are there with some oak accents.

Mouth feel: There is a big feel to this brew. (Again, at 10.5% ABV this is no surprise.)
Finish: A stereotypical vinous finish leaves no surprises.
Comments: There were no surprises here! This brew poured, had the proper-to-style aroma and flavor. All of this, after possibly more than six months in a refrigerator. Then again, it might have been improved.

The Brewery: http://www.vansteenberge.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate:
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/48/155

ratebeer:
http://www.ratebeer.com/Ratings/Beer/Beer-Ratings.asp?BeerID=86652

Monday, June 23, 2008

A taste of… Odd Notion Summer 08



Magic Hat Brewing Company

South Burlington, VT

USA



Preface: This sample, sent by the good folks at the Magic Hat Brewing Company, has been living in my refrigerator for a week or two, at least. On a rather close, almost humid morning I shall let it show me it’s stuff. Without promotional material to tell me what this is I sail into uncharted waters…

Appearance: What a surprise! This is a deep amber, almost garnet red brew topped with a light tan sandy rocky head knot of medium and large bubbles that lace nicely on the sides of the glass.

Aroma: The first aroma was of roasted malt bullied by an odd hop aroma, the second trip to the well evoked prune and plum undercurrents (yes them too) until finally the overall impression I am left with is the threat of kilned malt and weird hopping.


Flavor: (Yes it belongs above “Mouth Feel”.) Between sip and lip the prune flavors intensified. There is a spike, or tang, that is neither hop nor malt. What malt there is waits until past the finish to step up and even then gets slapped down by lingering hop presence.


Mouth feel: There is a rather thin feel to this brew that ignores the anticipations evoked by the dark color.


Finish: There is a real rush to the finish and it does linger a while in the style of a new acquaintance who you just found out is an insurance agent and is hanging around fervently hoping he/she can find an excuse to give you his/her business card. Not unpleasant but somehow not comfortable.


Comments: I really hope I find out that this is some kind of wheat beer flavored with flowers of the Tibetan Bitter Thorn or some such rare treat. Wrapping my mind around this brew was not easy. I will report later!


What others say:


Friday, June 20, 2008

A taste of… Samuel Adams Boston Ale



Boston Beer Company
Boston, MA, Latrobe, PA, Cincinnati, OH
USA

Preface: This is the last of a series I call “Deli Beers.” These are bottled beers procured from what is called a “deli” (short for delicatessen – a food store that specializes in sliced meats, cheeses, bread and some dairy products, processed and canned foods.). The voyage from brewery to the consumer in a Deli is long, torturous, and not good for man, beer or beast. If a bottle of beer can survive that trial it deserves to be tasted. This last victim of my tasting notes is Samuel Adams Boston Ale. (N.B. This 12 oz. bottle of Samuel Adams Boston Ale was a gift from my friend Boon.)

Appearance: This amber copper, brilliant, mildly effervescent brew is topped with a luscious café au lait rocky head of well knit bubbled that recedes to a proper “lace.”

Aroma: First impression is of biscuit toasted malt, followed by caramel and finally, between lip and sip, a herbal green accent.

Mouth feel: A medium mouth feel is bolstered by a malt sweetness that develops almost to a toffee before it…

Flavor: is met by an almost rowdy hop presence that leaves the malt in the dust until the very end of the finish when…

Finish: the two of them come together and dance off into memory. They are remembered fondly but the entire experience is rich enough that I will endorse their glass design. (The folks at Boston Beer sent me the glass and Jim Koch explained the rather particular aspects of the design at David Burk’s restaurant.)

Comments: I suggest that this brew find its way on the tables laden with slow-and-low barbecue as well as grilled seafood. The marriage of smoke/char flavor and malty brew is pleasant and long lasting.

I also grant that the glass design allows for a sure and controlled pour from a bottle. It is also helpful in catching the aromas in the tulip shaped bowl and the “gathered” top shows off the head and lace to their best advantage.

The Brewery: http://www.samueladams.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate:
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/1193/

ratebeer:
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/samuel-adams-boston-ale/159/

Thursday, June 19, 2008

A taste of… Bass Pale Ale


InBev UK Ltd.

Luton LU1 3LS

UK

Preface: This is the third of a series I call “Deli Beers.” These are bottled beers procured from what is called a “deli” (short for delicatessen – a food store that specializes in sliced meats, cheeses, bread and some dairy products, processed and canned foods.). The voyage from brewery to the consumer in a Deli is long, torturous, and not good for man, beer or beast. If a bottle of beer can survive that trial it deserves to be tasted. The third victim of my tasting notes is Bass Pale Ale. (N.B. A 12 oz. bottle of Bass Pale Ale cost me $2.10(US).

Appearance: A burnished deep copper colored moderately carbonated brew is topped with a lightly packed light tan head of medium to large bubbles. The head forms more of a foam than a traditional “lace” as it recedes.

Aroma: The first impression is a metallic tang, followed by a dusty herbaceous accent that finally picks up a touch of toffee.

Mouth feel: This is a fairly full medium body that carries the sensations after they are slaked and chilled. Chilled, and wet, the flavors are almost a pleasant surprise.

Flavor: There is a blend of apple, pear, plum and fresh grape juice all ensconced on a base note of caramel that is overtaken by that metallic clang that started in the aroma.

Finish: For all of the efforts of the malt and the slightly edgy hop flavor spike, the finish is smooth and not all unpleasant. From a surely abused bottle it is in fine shape.

Comments: Once again I must applaud a mega-brewer for pumping out a beer than can survive the brewery to Deli. This is not to say I suspect that there is more than just malt, hops, water and yeast in this product. That said, I really don’t care what they put in this brew. As familiar as I am with the draft version to this product I must note that it remains a touchstone for the style.

The Brewery: http://www.bass.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/293/811/

ratebeer:
http://www.ratebeer.com/Beer/bass-pale-ale/133/

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

A taste of… Miller Genuine Draft


Miller Brewing Co.

Milwaukee, WI

USA

Preface: This is the second of a series I call “Deli Beers.” These are bottled beers procured from what is called a “deli” (short for delicatessen – a food store that specializes in sliced meats, cheeses, bread and some dairy products, processed and canned foods.). The voyage from brewery to the consumer in a Deli is long, torturous, and not good for man, beer or beast. If a bottle of beer can survive that trial it deserves to be tasted. The second victim of my tasting notes is Miller Genuine Draft. (N.B. A 12 oz. bottle of Miller Genuine Draft cost me $1.10(US) the same as Budweiser.

Appearance: A brilliant light gold color topped with a thin head of quickly dissipating bubbles that leave not so much a “lace” as foam.

Aroma: First impression was of grain and cereal accents (perhaps a hint of corn), second impression does nothing to change the initial impression. The impression between lip and sip is neutral.

Mouth feel: This is a wet, cool liquid brew with little mouth impression. (It is a flavored carbonated refreshment.).

Flavor: As noted above, this is a cool experience of refreshing beverage..

Finish: The balance of malt and hop develops from a trace to less than a memory.

Comments: I applaud this beer for surviving the trip from brewery to Deli. I mean this, it is in a clear glass bottle and the chance of going “skunky” was not evident. For that they get an “A” for effort. They have huge nerve shipping in clear glass.

The Brewery: http://www.mgd.com/av.action

What others say:

BeerAdvocate:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/105/2280

ratebeer:

http://www.ratebeer.com/Beer/miller-genuine-draft-(mgd)/405/

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

A taste of … Budweiser



Anheuser-Busch Brewing Co.

St. Louis, MO

USA

Preface: This is the first of a series I call “Deli Beers.” These are bottled beers procured from what is called a “deli” (short for delicatessen – a food store that specializes in sliced meats, cheeses, bread and some dairy products, processed and canned foods.). The voyage from brewery to the consumer in a Deli is long, torturous, and not good for man, beer or beast. If a bottle of beer can survive that trial it deserves to be tasted. Which beer was to be first on my list? Why the most abused beer in the world… N.B. A 12 oz. bottle of Budweiser cost me $1.10(US).

Appearance: A very effervescent brilliant gold brew is topped with a snow white head of medium to small bubbles. The head falls relatively slowly leaving the lace to also slip down the sides of a beer-clean glass.

Aroma: The first impression is of fresh hay, the second impression evokes over ripe apples and the final notes are a mixture of both.

Mouth feel: This is a relatively light bodied brew that needs the relatively high carbonation to announce itself.

Flavor: There is little flavor or aromatic impression between lip and first sip. The flavors take a bit of time to develop from initial impression of simply wet refreshment to perceptible flavors. First is a slight apple flavor followed by a slight grainy note that is rushed over by a whiff/trace of bubblegum (Bazooka) that looses out to a metallic hop tang that escapes back into the initial impression of wet refreshment.

Finish: There is little to remind you that you have just had a sip/swallow/swig/chug of beer.

Comments: I have always been in awe of brewers who can take such a wide variety of malts and hops and balance them all into a beer that takes no intelligence to enjoy. Budweiser delivers on all the marketing points used to sell it. This is a true “no-brainer” beer. It is very refreshing, demands no attention other than just refreshing sensations. When I don’t what to have to think about what I am drinking this is the beer to enjoy.

The Brewery: http://www.budweiser.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/29/65

ratebeer:

http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/budweiser/473/

Monday, June 16, 2008

A taste of... Chamberlain Pale Ale


ORIGINALLY POSTED 02 JULY 2007


Shipyard Brewing Company

Portland, ME

USA

Appearance: This is a dark copper colored brew, not quite red. A light tan, frothy, large bubble, yet firm head sits atop this brew.

Aroma: There is a great deal of hop character to the initial aroma. However, there is a roasted malt, almost a bread aroma that follows through. Finally, in the end, the floral notes of the hops dominate.

Mouth feel: As this is a bottled beer, the carbonation is a little high, resulting in a small acidic bite. Nevertheless, the mouth feel is of a creamy smooth beverage.

Flavor: The flavor of hops dominates this beer all the way through to the end. My impression is that this beer is rather high in international bittering units, higher than even than initial and final impressions. The undercurrent of malt flavors are what keep the hops from becoming overpowering.

Finish: The hop accents in the finish of this beer are not overpowering. The finish leaves off without an astringent sensation. In fact, it is quite a refreshing beer for such a high hop content.

Comments: After tasting this pale ale, I am even more interested in revisiting the rest of the Shipyard products. For two reasons; first to compare Chamberlain Pale Ale to their other products, second; to become more familiar with the beers brewed in Maine. I did note, when I opened this bottle that it is a twist-off cap. For some reason I found that unusual.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Mirror Pond Pale Ale (Deschutes Brewery)




Appearance: this is a burnt orange, slightly hazy, very effervescent brew. The head is a sparkling rocky light tan that breaks down fairly easily, but remains very rocky. Not a terribly tight head to this beer.

Aroma: The aroma starts off sweet and malty and is then met by a very fresh and floral cascade aroma that is easy to identify. Hidden in the background there is a slight tutti-frutti type of aroma.

Mouth Feel: But this beer has a very full mouth feel to it and the effervescence adds a creamy texture.

Flavor: The first sensation of flavor is of the malt, well roasted, rather toasty. When the hops arrive, they are underwhelming, and I can not find the characteristic grapefruit flavor of cascade hop.

Finish: The finish to this ale is very quick. There is a lingering hop essence that is neither bitter nor floral.

Comments: A sample of this beer was provided by the Deschutes brewing Company. It is to be noted that it has standard crown cap. Not a twist off. This beer was sent to me in celebration of a new label. I believe this particular beer is been on the market since 1997. If I had tasted in 1997I certainly would have been impressed as they were not too many beers at the style available on the market. Tasting this beer this afternoon, if this beer is the original recipe, I applaud the consistency. Let me further note, that this is an excellent palate cleansing beer. If it is available to the on premise establishments in a popular price, I would suggest making it one of the House beers. I would like to try it on draft.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Malts: Medium Caramel Malt

Hops: Cascade (Oregon)

International Bittering Units: 40

Alcohol by Volume: 5%

Brewery Site:

http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/BrewPub/OnTap/5830.aspx

What others say:

BeerAdvocate:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/63/195

RateBeer:

http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/deschutes-mirror-pond-pale-ale/2126/

Thursday, June 12, 2008

A taste of… Buckbean Black Noddy


Reno,

Nevada

USA

Preface:

On Tuesday 10 June 2008, at the height of what local on-air-meteorologists have called a dangerous heat wave, a box of “Yeast Samples” arrived at my door. As you can (pun intended) see, it was canned beer. The packaging was less than successful in that all cans suffered a dent or two. However, none were punctured. They were also quite warm to the touch before they were refrigerated. I can (again pun intended) only hope this has not affected the product.

That said, I offer the following tasting notes…

Appearance:

The press announcement referred to Black Noddy as in the style of Bavarian Schwarzbier and it looks the part. My trusty mini-Maglite revealed that it is actually a deep garnet red brew. As you can see from the picture above, the head was thin. I can attest that the brew was poured rather cold. I will post an addendum with the results of a “proper pour.”

Aroma:

Naturally, a brew poured too cold will have its aromas impaired. However, even chilled, there is a chocolate malt aroma on first impression. The second impression is the first amplified.

The first impression is malty grain followed by whiff of orange scent that I might miss if I wasn’t looking for it. Finally a richer malt aroma greets the first sip.

Mouth feel:

There is a medium bodied brew. As noted on the can, 5.2% ABV is neither flabby nor over endowed.

Flavor:

There is dominance (evocative word to use when talking Teutonic) of chocolate malt here it is as close to style as I have experienced. Is it the real thing? I can boast of sampling the real thing in Munich in 1988 in the presence of folks who knew their schwarzbier.

Finish:

The presence of the hops is long lasting but is a joined by a flavor I associate with some of the citric herbal teas that were so popular in the late 1970’s.

Comments:

A dark beer as a “summer seasonal” brew is not usual. This is an exception. It has flavor that holds up to a chill and would work well in the BBQ environment as well as with traditional grilled/charred meat, poultry and vegetables.

The brewery Site: http://www.buckbeanbeer.com

What others say…

RateBeer:

N/A at posting time.

Beer Advocate:

N/A at posting time.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

A taste of… Buckbean Original Orange Blossom Ale


Reno,

Nevada

USA

Preface:

Yesterday, at the height of what local on-air-meteorologists have called a dangerous heat wave, a box of “Yeast Samples” arrived at my door. As you can (pun intended) see, it was canned beer. The packaging was less than successful in that all cans suffered a dent or two. However, none were punctured.

That said, I offer the following tasting notes…

Appearance:

This is a bright new copper penny colored ale topped with a loosely knit tan head of medium to large bubbles. The head slowly falls and laces nicely.

Aroma:

The first impression is malty grain followed by whiff of orange scent that I might miss if I wasn’t looking for it. Finally a richer malt aroma greets the first sip.

Mouth feel:

There is a heftier mouth feel here than I expected… perhaps an extra measure of dextrin?

Flavor:

The dominant hop flavors strut their stuff early and with enthusiasm. As a partner, malt holds its own and actually leads about halfway through the dance. While this is developing the wall-flower is the “Orange Blossom”. The poor thing might be there to make hops look/taste extra “sweet” but that’s about it. A little less body and bronze color (slap my face and send me to the corner for some time out) and this would be an exceptional summer quaffing brew.

Finish:

The presence of the hops is long lasting but is a joined by a flavor I associate with some of the citric herbal teas that were so popular in the late 1970’s.

Comments:

As a “summer seasonal” brew I find it a bit robust. That said, I would be interested to pair this with red-sauce real smoked barbecue. This brew would also add a special dimension if used in a BBQ sauce. The intensity of the hops would marry well with the tomato and sugar while the orange might come out and impart a special bite all its own.

The brewery Site: http://www.buckbeanbeer.com

What others say…

RateBeer:

N/A at posting time.

Beer Advocate:

N/A at posting time.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

A taste of… Magic Hat Hocus pocus 2008


Magic Hat Brewing Company

South Burlington,

Vermont

USA

Preface:

This is another one of the brews that the good folks at Magic Hat sent to me about a month ago. As it is soon to hit 100F in a few hours I thought it proper to taste this brew at this particular time.

That said, I offer the following tasting notes…

Appearance:

(The bottle was sweating more than me after half an hour out of the refrigerator…) This is a pale amber yellow, rather well-carbonated brew. The head is almost snow white and as rocky and lacy as could be hoped for.

The brilliant light amber color is pleasing to look at and foretells of a refreshing moment. The snow white rocky head foretells a malty for note.

Aroma:

The first impression is ephemeral and only hints at a vegetal sensation. The second visit introduced hints of citric tones. The third impression added more grassy accents.

Mouth feel:

The light body matches the color of the brew and satisfies that anticipation.

Flavor:

This brew follows a flavor profile similar to almost all of the “summer seasonal” brews I have tasted this year. Between lip and sip there is no suggestion as to neither the sweetness nor the bitterness of this beer. The hops are not major flavor players and seemed to be a blend of more types of hops that have been found in US beers in the past. I am assuming that this is due to the shortage in hops. The malt flavor is lightly roasted if at all and there seems to be a more pronounced house yeast presence in the flavor.

Finish:

There is a brief tussle between the grain and hop that ends in a draw. What lingers is more a request for MORE than a contemplative pause.

Comments:

Guess what? This is a wheat beer…

As with almost all the “summer seasonal” brews I have tried, I believe this is a fine session brew to be enjoyed with gusto and a bit chilled. If there was ever a brew perfect for adding to the enjoyment of grilled food this is the one. Crank up the grill and even your “veggie” friends will be able to enjoy this brew… unless they don’t like beer.

The brewery Site: http://www.magichat.net/

What others say…

RateBeer:

http://www.ratebeer.com/Beer/magic-hat-hocus-pocus/6268/

Beer Advocate:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/96/292/

Monday, June 9, 2008

A taste of… Deschutes Twilight Seasonal Ale


Deschutes Twilight Seasonal Ale 2008.JPG

Bend,

Oregon

USA

Preface:

Friday last I received this sample of Deschutes “Twilight” seasonal ale from the good folks at Deschutes Brewery.

What makes it a “seasonal” is not quite clear, even after reviewing the attached promotional material. However, since I read the entire thing looking for the reason d’être I did learn that there are eight different hops varieties used, and dry-hopped with “…bold Amarillos.”

However, I have a special affection for twilight as a time of day, no matter the season, so I will cut these folks some slack.

That said, I offer the following tasting notes…

Appearance:

The brilliant light amber color is pleasing to look at and foretells of a refreshing moment. The snow white rocky head foretells a malty for note.

Aroma:

The first impression of the hops comes with the first sniff of the brew. After that it recedes into the background of bready barley.

Mouth feel:

There is a relatively light body for the color of this beer. That is not to say that the color of a brew preordains the particular mouth feel or flavor. That said, I expected a bit more body to the first impression.

Flavor:

Between lip and sip there is no suggestion as to neither the sweetness nor the bitterness of this beer. The blend of hops renders easy deconstruction. In my case I found it difficult to identify any particular hop introducing itself. The selection seems to have developed such a complex nature that it comes to be unique. The barley remains quietly in the background about as relaxed as I hoped that the brewers wanted it to be.

Finish:

At the very last trace of flavor there is a hint of bubble-gum… but that takes a long time to develop when this beer is being enjoyed as it should be… with gusto and not in a shy way.

Comments:

Following up on the brief “Finish” notes, I again note that I believe this is a fine session brew to be enjoyed with gusto and a bit chilled. If there was ever a brew perfect for adding to the enjoyment of grilled food this is the one. Crank up the grill and even your “veggie” friends will be able to enjoy this brew… unless they don’t like beer.

The brewery Site: http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/BrewPub/OnTap/5813.aspx

What others say…

RateBeer:

http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/deschutes-twilight-ale/35730/18817/

Beer Advocate:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/63/17984