A taste of… 60 Minute IPA

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
6 Cannery Village Center
Milton, Delaware, 19968
United States
302-684-1000

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of 60 Minute IPA was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was a “Bottled on 10/28/09 C” stamped on the neck of the bottle.

N.B. – I have known Sam Calagione for a number of years. I have interviewed and attended a number of beer dinners hosted by him as well.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A light amber brew with small to medium carbonation is crowned with a tall but light and airy linen colored head of medium to large bubbles.

Aroma: The first aromas are of floral greenery, followed by a second visit that finds more nuances of the initial herbal aromas. The third nose-dive reveals a hint of roasted, rather toasted malt hiding in the back growth. There is little new news in that moment between lip and sip.

Mouth feel: There is a medium, not to hefty feel to this brew.

Flavor: The first flavors are citric and grassy with a hint of malted barley grain. A second visit brings increasing citric flavors that are relaxed by the herbal flavors that are unique to hop bittering. The third sip reveals a saltine cracker under flavor that lets the hops take center stage as it saunters off, stage left, as a supporting role well done but under appreciated.

Finish: There is a remarkably light and quick finish of fresh green herbal flavors.

Comments: The fact that this is 6% alcohol by volume is noticed only when/if you read the label. I can imagine that this must have been what a good deal of the lighter colored ales produced in the United States prior to Prohibition must have tasted like.

Food & Beer: Casual grilled foods such as hamburgers and frankfurters would be good matched to the herbal flavors but even more interesting they would bring out the malty flavors that hide under the hefty hop presence.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10099/6108

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/dogfish-head-60-minute-ipa/7431/

A taste of... Iron Hill Honey Do-Wit Beer

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
710 South Madison Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 472-2739

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Iron Hill Honey Do-Wit Beer was sent to me by the folks at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant. It has been kept in a cool, dark, dry place for some time (I am betting six months…) so it has been well cared for but might be past its prime. However, at 9.5% alcohol by volume, I doubt it. There was no “Best by…” information on the bottle or label.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A whit beer that pours crystal clear and has some hefty bubbles cruising through a dark honey colored brew.

Aroma: The first aromatics might scare folks who have never tasted a wheat brew. Those in the know can appreciate the sharp aroma. A second visit to the aromatics finds a range of toasty biscuit aromas. The final nose-dive reveals a touch of spice.

Mouth feel: There is some full body to this brew, but no flab.

Flavor: The unique flavor that wheat brings to beer and ale is very much in evidence at first impression. A second sip finds the alcohol and then a rich, almost unctuous sweet grain flavor. There is some floral from hops flowers but the alcohol slobbers all over the shy flowers. The third sip has all taste receptors recalibrated and in their battle stations ready for the alcohol and ready for the sweet malt to give the heat some heft.

Finish: This is a long lasting finish that ends almost as sweet as a sherry.

Comments: After drinking this bottle of beer I doubt any man would be able to do much of any of the chores and any woman would probably loose interest in getting those chores done after finishing her bottle.

Food & Beer: Smoked meats would find a fine friend if this brew was the beverage of choice.

The Brewery: http://www.ironhillbrewery.com/wilmington/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/news/2020986

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/iron-hill-honey-do-wit/104618/

A taste of… Eye of the Hawk Select Ale

Mendocino Brewing Company
1601 Airport Road
Ukiah, California, 95482
United States
(707) 463-2627

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Eye of the Hawk Select Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: Here is a crystal clear copper, with an almost red hue, brew with noticeable but not obvious carbonation that forms a rather limited head of tiny bubbles that leave a trace of Belgian Lace.

Aroma: The first sensation reveals a caramel undertone that a second visit confirms while a not-quiet burnt sugar sensation stays in the background. Finally there is a slight sensation of smoke that is almost impossible to find again. The moment between lip and sip has a teasing caramel scent.

Mouth feel: There is a real big body here. But my word ain’t she foxy!

Flavor: First impression is of almost maple syrup that is plowed over by an alcoholic warmth and sherry like base flavor. The second visit brings out even more burnt sugar, caramel, crème caramel, singed marshmallow flavor glimpses. The hop bitter flavors are more off-stage managers of this flavor presentation.

Finish: There is a bit of malingering but the end result is almost (notice I said almost) dry.

Comments: A rich, almost vinous brew that carries a note of 8.0% alcohol by volume.

Food & Beer: A joint (not that kind…) of mutton (try and find that!) with a chestnut puree and roasted yams and sautéed collard greens would make a fine meal mate for this Hawk.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/200/641

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/mendocino-eye-of-the-hawk-select-ale/357/

A taste of… Blue Point Hoptical Illusion

Blue Point Brewing Co. ‎
161 River Avenue
Patchogue, NY 11772-3304
(631) 475-6944

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Blue Point Hoptical Illusion was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was date number on the neck: “2819 R 09:28:7C”

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?
The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A crystal clear bronze colored brew has a healthy carbonation of tiny bubbles that form a thick, not too dense rocky head of sandy brown medium to small bubbles that tat a fair Belgian lace.

Aroma: The first impression is of fresh green herbs (marjoram and thyme). A second visit reveals some orange citric and roasted grains. A third deep visit (inhale deeply) yields more of the herbal aromas and less of the grain influence. The moment between lip and sip has a vital grassy sensation.

Mouth feel: It is hard to find the body of this beer because of the intense first flavor impressions. A second visit finds it svelte but not thin.

Flavor: As noted above, there is a real sensual wallop going on here. The first sip after the first impression has the receptors ready and waiting. The result is a barrage of various pings and spikes of the hop oils. The grain flavors that survive this close-air-support hops delivery can be found in the final flavor seeking aspiration.

Finish: The finish on this brew is long lasting. As noted above the final notes are left to the malt but just barely.

Comments: These folks have taken the hop obsession just to the edge. Any less malt and this would be a less appreciated beer. Any more hops and it would have been hard to comment favorably on.

Food & Beer: The high levels of hop flavors make this a fine “stinky” cheese beverage of choice.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/764/20168

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/blue-point-hoptical-illusion/39047/

A taste of... Wolaver’s Organic India Pale Ale

Otter Creek Brewing
793 Exchange St.
Middlebury, Vermont, USA 05753
(800) 473-0727

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Wolaver’s India Pale Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a LOT # number on the neck: LOT2593110309.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A slightly hazy bright amber, well carbonated brew is topped with a fairly dense light parchment white head of small and tiny bubbles. The Belgian lace is casually constructed.

Aroma: First impression is a spring morning new-mowed lawn freshness. A second visit finds a grain sensation. Third visit reveals a relationship between the two previous flavor voices. Between lip and sip there was/was not a sudden surprise.

Mouth feel: Any impression of body is hijacked by the first sexy sting of hop flavor.

Flavor: First there is a hop bitterness that is almost biting. A second sip reveals a sturdy foundation of roasted sugar candy that lets the hops maintain its swagger but sets a framework for the hops. A third sip has all the parties in step and the taste receptors sense a harmony and all is right with this part of the world.

Finish: No sweet kiss goodbye from this brew… a bittersweet farewell.

Comments: In context with the rest of the Wolaver’s line of brews this would be the one comes closer to an India Pale Ale than any of the others. That said, it is a refreshing brown ale that should feel right at home with an organic household.

Food & Beer: This brew would be my choice of beverage on a hot summer day with an organic bacon, lettuce and tomato (heirloom) sandwich on brewer’s grain bread.


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/119/399

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/wolavers-india-pale-ale/7487/

A taste of… Blue Heron Pale Ale

Mendocino Brewing Company
1601 Airport Road
Ukiah, California, 95482
United States
(707) 463-2627

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Blue Heron Pale Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: There was a slight chill-haze to this antique gold colored brew. The carbonation is quite lively and forms a relatively dense slightly orange head of tiny and small bubbles. The Belgian lace is more knitted than tatted.

Aroma: The first impression is that of a light floral perfume. This is followed by a toasted grain aside that leaves the third visit to only confirm the first two impressions. The moment between lip and sip reveals little more.

Mouth feel: There is a full, creamy body to this brew that sharp sweet and bitter spikes immediately elevate into flavor sensations.

Flavor: The first impression is of a continuation of the flavors that came charging along with that full mouth feel. The second visit finds more of a grain flavor, more dry than sweet. The third sip has the taste receptors looking for specific flavors and left to chase after combinations of sweet and sharp-bitter that are hard to pin down. This is a game I would be pleased to play for at least an hour or so.

Finish: The finish is more dry than sweet and rather long lasting.

Comments: This is a large brew that enjoys a full body and such a close relationship between the flavors that it ends up being more fun to drink than study.

Food & Beer: There is enough flavor spikes of bitter and tangy hops to refresh the pallet after a rich braised dish of either flesh or foul. A relish of caramelized onions and a cranberry chutney would do no harm.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/200/630

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/mendocino-blue-heron-pale-ale/354/

A taste of... Blue Point Winter Ale

Blue Point Brewing Co. ‎
161 River Avenue
Patchogue, NY 11772-3304
(631) 475-6944

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Blue Point Winter Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was date number on the neck: 2939 R 12:07 4E.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A deep amber brew with a fine carbonation with bubbles that form a rocky tan head of medium and large bubbles.

Aroma: First sensations are of lightly roasted grains (a newly opened package of grape nuts cereal), and then comes a toasted grain follow up. A third aromatic recon reveals caramel notes. Between lip and sip the search for spices and flowers is fruitless (A first for a winter-ale to my recollection…)

Mouth feel: Pleasing not plump.

Flavor: First impressions are almost all sweetness and then the slightly singed accents wander in. Second impressions include a growing bitterness that is more bitter than metallic. A third visit finds the flavors easing off and settling down for a long winters nap.

Finish: There are no long goodbyes here and this brew leaves with a refreshing last impression.

Comments: Words cannot express my appreciation for the omission of the “usual” winter ale spices and such adjuncts.

Food & Beer: Soft, but not truly stinky cheeses would enjoy the company of this brew… stoned wheat crackers though… rye might fight with the sweetness in this brew.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/764/2819

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/blue-point-winter-ale/11226/

A taste of… Wolaver’s Oatmeal Stout

Otter Creek Brewing
793 Exchange St.
Middlebury, Vermont, USA 05753
(800) 473-0727

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Wolaver’s Oatmeal Stout was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was date number on the neck: “2579 BOTTLED 10/08/09”

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.
I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: This crystal clear deep red garnet colored brew is topped with a fairly thin head of tiny, tightly knit bubbles. They were not taught they were of tatting. (No noticeable Belgian Lace.)

Aroma: The first impression is the rich roasted aroma of highly roasted barley malt. A second visit reveals a bit of tobacco and some leather. The third visit has resemblance to a warm chocolate brownie that is remarkable.

Mouth feel: There is more to the body than first met the eye.

Flavor: First impressions are of tobacco, prune and liquorish. The second sip brought out more of the prune and the receding of the sharper flavors first met. The third sip left less of an impression that the first, perhaps because of flavor fatigue (this is not a bad thing… just the taste buds getting used to something new).

Finish: At first this seems to be a coyote-beer sneaking away trying not to wake you up. Then there is a sweet trace of grain that refuses to leave without saying goodbye.

Comments: Here we have a real “Porter”, or as the Irish call it, a “black beer.” If they will give me that I will agree that this is one very nice porter.

Food & Beer: Baked ham, sliced not too thin, with a layer of thin sliced sharp cheese, and a touch of sweet brown mustard, on a half loaf of crisp baguette would make a fine snack to pair with this dark brew.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/119

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/wolavers-oatmeal-stout/28631/

A taste of… Red Tail Ale

Mendocino Brewing Company
1601 Airport Road
Ukiah, California, 95482
United States
(707) 463-2627

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Red Tail Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck or label.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?
The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A slight haze, perhaps due to a chilly serving temperature, is no slight to this dark amber brew, topped by a quarter inch or so of a fairly dense light tan head of small bubbles.

Aroma: The first impression is burnt sugar candy bordering on butterscotch. The second impression brings out a depth of roasted grain. The third visit reveals a slight tang of either burnt candy or caramel.

Mouth feel: There is a middle-weight feel to this contender.

Flavor: First impression is spent sorting out which is the spike of hop tang and the tang of crystallized scorched sugar. The second visit lets the flavor receptors get familiar with the less noisy flavors and hear the mellow undertones of sweet grains and more floral and less citric hop accents. A third sip recognizes more balance and less contrast of flavors.

Finish: The final flavors do not linger long. The dry finish is both pallet cleansing and the base for anticipation of flavors to come. (Served before dinner and your guests will be more than ready for their meal.)

Comments: The basic ale is essential and yet has a flavor range to interest both the person beginning to experience “specialty” brews and the beer-geek.

Food & Beer: This is a fine table beer for most one course family meals made up of a grilled, roasted or braised protein, simple starch and bitter greens.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/200/631

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/mendocino-red-tail-ale/353/

A taste of… Blue Point Toasted Lager

Blue Point Brewing Co. ‎
161 River Avenue
Patchogue, NY 11772-3304
(631) 475-6944

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Blue Point Toasted Lager was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was date number on the neck: “3359 R10:08 7E”

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A crystal clear amber-with-a-touch-of-gold brew with very tiny bubbles of carbonation is crowned with a sturdy but rocky parchment white head of small and medium bubbles that leave a substantial Belgian Lace.

Aroma: The first impression is of slightly toasted grain followed by a leafy green aroma that is more companion than challenger. A third appreciation of the aromatics reveals the original factors in more complex association. (Blame your olfactory sense for learning to fit things together that are complementary.) From lip to sip these aromatics can be appreciated.

Mouth feel: A medium body is under appreciated with the first flavor impression.

Flavor: There is a real sweet right jab followed by an incredibly sharp hop hook first impression. The second visit is less aggressive but has just as sharp a hop spike. The third visit calms down the taste sensors but they are still rather stunned.

Finish: The hop spike continues through the finish and leaves a rather dry exit.

Comments: It takes a bit of getting used to… that is to say that this is not a quaffing beer. Either you are intrigued by the complex relationship of the almost metallic tangs from the hops and the spear of sweet from the malt or you are offering it to your buddy and telling him to pass it on so everyone can have a taste.

Food & Beer: Here we have a brew that would stand up to the perfect storm of rich and saline that Boston Clam Chowder is famous for. Ahoy Boston!

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/764/2318

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/blue-point-toasted-lager/11221/

A taste of… White Hawk I.P.A.

Mendocino Brewing Company
1601 Airport Road
Ukiah, California, 95482
United States
(707) 463-2627

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of White Hawk I.P.A. was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck.
The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: The orange-copper, nicely carbonated brew is topped with a fine head of tiny bubbles that form a dense but rocky light orange-copper colored crown. The lace is very noticeable.

Aroma: The first impression is of caramel sugar candy, followed by a toasted grain sensation that culminates in a rich caramel grain impression.

Mouth feel: A full bodied brew but now way near obese.

Flavor: The first impression is roasted grain that is muscled out of the way by a bitter tang that is not unwelcome. The second sip reveals a burnt sugar under current that gets along quite nicely with the hop tang. Finally, there is a run for the finish that is won handily by the not quite metallic spike of the hop flavors.

Finish: That rush to the finish ends in a fairly long, but not obnoxious victory lap by those hops flavors.

Comments: The “I.P.A.” style seems almost as broad as the “Pale Ale” style, of which it is a significant sub-style. That said, I can find little unique about this I.P.A. but since it doesn’t make that almost mandatory dive into the hop sock a deep one I find it refreshing in flavor and body.

Food & Beer: The flavor spikes in this ale would be enjoyed even more when poured as an accompaniment to a grilled beef steak dinner.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/200/4970

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/mendocino-white-hawk-original-ipa/14940/

A taste of… Boston Lager

Boston Beer Company
30 Germania Street,
Jamaica Plain, MA‎
(617) 983-9036‎

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Boston Lager was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was an “Enjoy before” of May 2010 on the label.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.
I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?
The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: The crystal clear amber brew has a sparkling carbonation. The small bubbles form a linen-white head of rocky foam that leaves a nicely tatted Belgian Lace.

Aroma: The first impression is of malted barley, followed by a second impression that brings a bright fresh floral scent into play. The third impression remains clean and fresh. Between lip and sip the fresh bright grain and floral sensations continue.

Mouth feel: There is a creamy body to this brew.

Flavor: First is a metallic spike of vegetal tang. This is an ideal first meeting with the nuances of the flavors of hops. This is because the first impression is followed by the toasted grain flavor that has a bit of a tang to it as well… almost sugar caramel. The third sip brings both the first impression and second impression together and the range of flavors become more obvious. Fourth or fifth sips extend the flavor profiles and the nuances of the grain and hops are allowed to develop.

Finish: After all this flavor fun the finish is quick with a dry mineral pallet cleanser leaving anticipation of the next sip.

Comments: One of the best “beginner” beers for someone developing a range beyond mass produced fizzy lager style beers. This flagship brew is not brewed at the Jamaica Plain brewery as demand exceeded capacity many years ago.

Food & Beer: I could see this as an ideal beverage to serve with a Sunday dinner of roasted chicken, roasted potatoes and either cooked or fresh bitter greens. I can see this as a chance for a family to learn about how beer is a food to be shared and consumed with good food and conversation lasting more than five minutes. I see it as a way for parents to introduce young adults to the temperate use of beverage alcohol and the appreciation of the culinary and social aspects of family dining. Well… I can dream can’t I?


The Brewery: http://www.bostonbeer.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=69432&p=irol-homeProfile

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/104

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/samuel-adams-boston-lager/158/

A taste of… UFO White

Massachusetts Bay Brewing Company
dba
Harpoon Brewery
306 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 574-9551

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of UFO Hefeweizen Unfiltered Wheat Beer was purchased for $1.75(USD) at Peas & pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: I did pour this brew in the semi-traditional way – placing the glass over the bottle and then inverting the bottle and glass allowing the brew to flow from the bottle directly down into the glass and lifting the neck so that the neck is never in the beer or the head. This allows the yeast to “percolate” through the beer as it is poured.)
Here is an American wheat beer that has all the traditional characteristics of the Bavarian wheat beer. The exception is the rather tame effervescence. The head, of small and medium bubbles was a short-lasting mountain of foam that leaves little lace on the sides of the wheat beer glass.

Aroma: There is an aroma of just kneaded bread dough meeting the first olfactory observation. A second visit brings aromas of dried herbs and some lemon citric sensations. The third impression finally finds come hop green aromas.

Mouth feel: There is a surprising amount of body to this brew. Again, I note the less than enthusiastic carbonation.

Flavor: American wheat beers are quite different from their German, or even Belgian, cousins. The first sensation is of lightly roasted grains with a slightly metallic under current. The second visit finds the hop flowers blooming and making themselves known. The third reveals a rather light set of flavors that are refreshing together but are difficult to deconstruct.

Finish: There is a quick exit for the flavors of this brew. I could make a pun using the “Veet” sound as a play on the word in French for quick - "Vite".

Comments: It is not easy to comment on what I consider a summer seasonal brew as it is still winter. In context I have fond memories of this brew, on tap, with cold lobster salad.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10097/48933

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/harpoon-ufo-white/101806/

BEER SPECIFICATIONS - UFO White
Style: American White Ale
History: brewed since 2009
Original Gravity: 12 P
ABV: 4.8%
IBU’S: 10
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Shellfish, seafood, soft cheeses, and green salads

A taste of… Stone Levitation Ale

Stone Brewing Company
1999 Citracado Parkway
Escondido, CA 92029
(760) 471-4999

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Stone Levitation Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: This was a lively brew when poured at the respectable temperature of 45F. As seen in the picture, there is a lot of head to this brew. Not that there is anything wrong with it. If I had been less traditional and taken a bit more care it would be quite normal, I am sure. That said… it crowns a deep amber, almost auburn copper brew that “throws” just a slight haze.

Aroma: Green grass and new mowed lawn on a bright clear spring day are the first impressions…mint and lilac with a more summertime blending of aromas becoming less defined. The third visit introduces more grapefruit accents.

Mouth feel: This is not, of course, a lightweight brew.

Flavor: If you have no experience with the flavor of hops this is not the best brew to begin your relationship with this herb. However, if you are a hop-head, the first impression is of amusingly multifaceted flavor variations. Here are flavors of Native American herbs that are, in the correct use of the word, unique. The second swallow smoothes out the various flavors and sooths your taste receptors with a rich grain undertone, and alcoholic warmth. The third swallow brings all the citric flavor and aromas forward.

Finish: Those citric flavors keep on truckin’ for a good while. They don’t over-stay but they do leave an impression.

Comments: I would call this the closest I have ever come to what my heart tells me is an India Pale Ale. Perhaps these are not English hops or English malted barley but then… neither am I.

Food & Beer: The special hop flavors and warm alcohol sensation calls for sharp crumbly cow’s milk cheeses with tart apples and onion chutney.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/147/6301

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/stone-levitation-ale/16965/

A taste of… Stone IPA India Pale Ale

Stone Brewing Company
1999 Citracado Parkway
Escondido, CA 92029
(760) 471-4999

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Stone IPA India Pale Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: The clear, bright amber brew is carbonated with tiny bubbles that form a good dense head of small and medium bubbles, knit into a rocky pale brown head. The receding head leaves a promising Belgian Lace.

Aroma: The first aromatics are those of fresh green hop flowers. A second visit reveals a wider selection of floral accents. The third visit calls to mind Tarragon and Marjoram. Between sip and lip the sensations reflect the aromatic profile.

Mouth feel: This is a creamy brew with the feel of a big bodied beverage.

Flavor: The first sensation is of a bitter-sweet combination of almost metallic tang and the edge of burnt sugar candy or caramelized brown sugar. The second visit found citric spikes of bitter orange and grapefruit. The third quick sip was tough. I was tempted to spend a few moments allowing my senses to recover. Then the sharp flavors took the front and fill the mouth and sinuses as well for a rather emphatic stay.

Finish: There is a real crescendo to this brew and it stays for more than one or two curtain calls.

Comments: I would take a good hour or so enjoying this 12 ounce ale.

Food & Beer: A sharp cheddar or Stilton would give the flavors of this brew a battle royal!


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


What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/147/88

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/stone-india-pale-ale-ipa/422/

A taste… of UFO Pale Ale

Massachusetts Bay Brewing Company
dba
Harpoon Brewery
306 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 574-9551

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of UFO Pale Ale was purchased for $1.75(USD) at Peas & pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck.
The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.
I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?
The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: Here is a traditional honey colored cloudy brew topped with a dense head of small bubbles that form a slightly rocky head and leave just a trace of lace on the glass.

Aroma: The first impression is a citric aroma a second visit finds the scent of chopped fresh dandelion greens by the third visit to the aromatics they seem to have blended together into a homogeneous aroma of freshly cut vegetation after a warm spring rain.

Mouth feel: The mouth feel is creamy and fairly full bodied. The yeast suspension also adds to the rich full feel.

Flavor: First impressions are sugar rock candy with flavor spikes of lemon and a burnt candy accent. The second impression is more metallic rather than citric with a dry touch, not sweet at all. The third swallow revealed a smoothing out of the sharp spikes and a sense of banana that was almost not there. None of the flavors dominate and all seem rather shy if the truth be told.

Finish: There is a refreshing finish with a surprisingly long lasting sour-bitter-dry sensation that is hops at its best.

Comments: The idea of a wheat beer with ale esters and hops no longer surprises me. The traditional Bavarian wheat brew with its unique clove, banana and bubble-gum aromas is still safe in Bavaria. The wheat beers (both ales and lagers) are as different from their Bavarian cousins as “India Pale Ale” brewed in Canada and the United States can claim relations with the India Pale Ale of England. Which brings me to the use of the word “style”… no, I’ll save that for another time.

Food & Beer: I would love to have had this beer with a fried (in Promise Margarine) bologna (Oscar Meyer) and cheese (Kraft) sandwich (Wonder Bread) and a slice of crisp dill (Vlasic) pickle.
I received no compensation for the above product placements.

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

BEER SPECIFICATIONS - UFO PALE ALE
Style: UnFiltered Pale Ale
History:brewed since 2009*
Original Gravity: 14.5 P
ABV: 5.3%
IBU’S: 34
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: spicy seafood, a hearty beef dish, and/or Buffalo wings.


What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10097/53007

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/harpoon-ufo-pale-ale/112112/

A taste of... Stone Pale Ale

Stone Brewing Company
1999 Citracado Parkway
Escondido, CA 92029
(760) 471-4999

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Stone Pale Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck.
The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A burnished copper colored brew is just slightly hazy (poured a bit chilly) and well carbonated. A tan, slightly orange head is composed of tiny and medium sized bubbles that throw (form) a lace of foam on the sides of the glass. This is a sign of an all malt beverage… no corn or wheat.

Aroma: The first sensation is similar to the aromatics on a hot summer day standing in the middle of a field that was mowed the day before. The second visit to the aromatics reveals a roasted grain, or toast aroma. The moment between lip and sip was refreshing but uneventful.

Mouth feel: This is a full bodied but not zaftig brew.

Flavor: The first flavors are not unpleasant spears of hop tang. If you do not know what a “hop” bitterness tastes like this would be a fine introduction to the flower. The second taste found some bitter-sweet flavors with a burnt caramel undertone. Finally the flower of the hops appears (perhaps because it has been poured into a pint glass and rest for a few minutes and warm up a bit).

Finish: There is a fairly quick finish to this brew that leaves refreshing traces of the hop flower flavor.

Comments: The “style police” should be pleased with the labeling of this as a Pale Ale. To my view, anything with a bit of roasted malt and a touch of identifiable hop aroma and flavor can be called a Pale Ale. This one, however, is a very pleasant Pale Ale.
Food & Beer: A sandwich of thin slices of cold rare roast beef with a touch of horseradish mustard on toasted farmhouse bread would make a fine lunch should this be the beverage of the house.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/147/87

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/stone-pale-ale/420/

A taste of… UFO Hefeweizen

Massachusetts Bay Brewing Company
dba
Harpoon Brewery
306 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 574-9551

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of UFO Hefeweizen Unfiltered Wheat Beer was purchased for $1.75(USD) at Peas & pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: Traditional Hefeweizen are cloudy from the yeast left in the bottle or keg that continues the final fermentation. This is a golden lemon colored brew that has a vigorous fermentation that builds a thick head of tiny bubbles that leave a trace of lace.

Aroma: First impression is a bready sensation with a lemon underpinning. Second impression reveals a flower aroma from the hops.

Mouth feel: A tiny dancer on the tongue and pallet.

Flavor: First impression is a whisper of yeast and a kiss of malt. The second meeting leaves a pleasant sensation of green grass freshness and a scintilla of a citric. A final sip leaves the sensation of where-did-it go?

Finish: If this brew was a character in a film it would be that fine looking woman in the white car seen in the film “American Graffiti”.

Comments: The folks at Harpoon have a perfect Summer brew here. I am coming back to try this one in six or seven months.
Food & Beer: Right now though, I would settle down with two of these brews, a bowl of fresh popped pop-corn and one of the “Jack Sparrow” movies rolling off the DVD.

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

BEER SPECIFICATIONS - UFO HEFEWEIZEN
Style: American Unfiltered Wheat Beer
History: Brewed since 1998
Original Gravity: 12 P
Alcohol by Volume: 4.8%
IBU’S: 19
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: spicy foods, seafood, green salads


What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10097/318

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/harpoon-ufo-hefeweizen/2356/

A taste of… Odd Notion Winter 2009

Magic Hat Brewery and Performing Arts Center
5 Bartlett Bay Road
South Burlington, VT 05403
(USA)
802-658-2739

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Magic Hat Brewery and Performing Arts Center in South Burlington, VT . The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?
N.B. This brew was served a bit warm (over 50F), and in a warm glass… forgive me.

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A brown/red garnet colored brew is topped with a rocky head of small to medium sized bubbles that form a tan tiara of a head, leaving enough Belgian lace to just about piece together something from Victoria’s Secret.

Aroma: Roasted malt meets the olfactory senses at first whiff. The second nose-dive reveals more grain accents. No hops are leaping (I almost wrote hopping) out in the “nose.” A third visit added no changes… and the lip to sip was a bit malty.

Mouth feel: The body of this brew could be compared to one of those Victoria Secret models…

Flavor: The first impression is one of sour cherries… followed by a less aggressive impression at second visit. (Could our friends be playing with yeast?) The second sip has not so much pucker power as throat tightening bite. The third visit had a more balanced impression but I am sorry I didn’t chill this beer a bit more.

Finish: A dry finish closes shop rather quickly leaving a trace of bite.

Comments: As this is a blind tasting I had no real idea of what to expect. If I had more to go on before tasting this one my comments might have been less confused. I will consult the brewery and follow up and let you know what I find out.

The Brewery: http://www.magichat.net/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/96/52787

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/magic-hat-odd-notion---american-sour-ale-winter-09/111778/

A taste of… Hop Trip 2009

Deschutes Brewery
901 SW Simpson Ave.,
Bend, OR 97702
USA
541.385.8606

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon. The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

Note: The label notes – Best by 01/09/10… today is 01/11/10

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: An orange amber brew throws a bit of a haze but seems a bit cool. The carbonation is quite lively and forms a presentable light yellow-brown head of tiny to small sized bubbles that leave a well tatted lace on the sides of the glass.

Aroma: The first sensation is of fresh cut hops. The second impression recognizes a slight background of sweet grain to add substance to the first impression. The third trip reveals a well balanced sensation with a preference for the flowery accents of the hops.

Mouth feel: The moment between sip and lip

Flavor: First to arrive is a roasted grain impression The second impression introduces a rather shy flower flavor in place of the rather forward first aromatic impression of herb. The third swallow starts out, arrives and finished with a smooth, very balanced presentation of both grain and bine.

Finish: The finishes, like an always welcome guest, leaves a pleasant impression and doesn’t linger too long.

Comments: I have a feeling that I am just catching the last gasp of the featured hop fest. However, even at the advanced age of this bottle, the balance is maintained against a sweet grain that refuses to take over.

Beer and Food: If I still had a case of this brew I would scrounge up a bushel or two of oysters and see who lasted the longest; the beer, the oysters or me.


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/63/26395 (double check - might not be above brew)

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/deschutes-hop-trip/51917/ (double check - might not be above brew)

A taste of… Sam’l Smith Organic Cherry

Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
High Street
Tadcaster, North Yorkshire
United Kingdom (England)
phone: 01937 832225

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Merchant du Vin, Tukwila, WA. The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A light pink tinge to the deep copper colored brew is enhanced with a fine carbonation of tiny bubbles that form a very craggy, rocky head of tan foam that is very adept a tatting a fine Belgian lace on the sides of the pint glass.

Aroma: The first impression is that of sour cherry sugar candy, or as we had them here in the United States, “Smith Brothers” cough-drops. The second olfactory visit revealed some citric (lemon) impressions. The third impression and the moment between sip and lip left me with a sweet cherry tang.

Mouth feel: The carbonation and slight carbolic acid spike shoots the cherry flavors to the top of the mouth and the back of the pallet.

Flavor: There is no doubt, after the first drop is tasted, this is a cherry brew. The second taste lets you know that it is still a beer with some grain accents and a tang that is not cherry so must be a touch of bittering hops. The third sip seemed a bit vinous, almost pink sparkling wine. The influence of the color and the aroma must have more than a passing influence.

Finish: There is a rather quick departure rather than a fruity flowery forever finish common to less crafted brews.

Comments: This is a brew that I would pour in wine flutes and serve with a fresh fruit mélange. Or, perhaps, strawberries dipped in crème fresh.

The Brewery: N/A

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/113/37400

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/samuel-smith-organic-cherry/68857/

A taste of... Red Chair NWPA

Deschutes Brewery
901 SW Simpson Ave.,
Bend, OR 97702
USA
541.385.8606

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon. The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: Here is a brassy copper colored brew with carbonation bubbles as tiny as you can find, developing into a light brown, almost yellow head of closely knit bubbles that fall into a dense foam that leaves a good lace of foam on the sides of the pint glass.

Aroma: The hops aromas (fresh cut green vegetation) are not very aggressive. A second visit reveals a few more nuances to the vegetal aromatics. The third sensation shows a touch of malt or grainy presence.

Mouth feel: Here we have a medium bodied brew, not aggressive but not shy either.

Flavor: The first flavors to come to the front are the flavors that the aromatics promised. Then there is a developing sensation of sugar candy and roasted grain that never forces itself to the front. The second trip to the flavors presents more of the citric and almost metallic tang that speaks to a selection of hops. A third sip and the hops wins the place of honor and the grain flavors are left to the end of the show to cheer on the hops.

Finish: The last of the hops slip away in a relatively short time however there is a touch of grain that keeps the last impression from being all hop tang.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: N/A

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/deschutes-jubelale/2142/

A taste of… Pugsleys Signature Series XXXX IPA

Shipyard Brewing Company
86 Newbury Street
Portland, Maine, 04101
United States
phone: (800) BRE-WALE

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Shipyard Brewing Company in Portland, Maine. The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: This is a bright copper colored brew with obvious carbonation of tiny bubbles that form a sparkling lightly knit rocky light tan head.

Aroma: As soon as this beer was poured the aromas of floral hops and a candy sweet undertone. At first impression there is a mix of roast malt and grassy, flowery hop aromas. A second visit brings out more of the sweeter aromas while the hop aromas don’t diminish one bit. The final moment between lip and sip revealed nothing new.

Mouth feel: This brew is full bodied but not buxom. Think woman’s roller derby.

Flavor: The first impression is a tang of citric bite and then a rush of roasted toasted grain. The warmth in the belly is quick, soothing and on an empty stomach might prove dangerous. The second sip brings the citric flavors forward again and this time they don’t fade away. The third sip finds my taste receptors sinking into a soft warm sensation that the stomach is insisting is a good thing that should be embraced… another sip please!

Finish: There is a grapefruit tang that stays a while and slides down the gullet reluctantly.
Comments: She-it! I am saving this one for a bit while I get to the next tasting. And then I am going to slowly sip it and let Neal Young take my mind away.

Food Pairings: Although it would be a fine after dinner beverage enjoyed with some nuts, cracked of course, you know what I mean… making sure everybody gets a nice four ounce serving in a snifter. You must know at least four nuts to properly appreciate this brew. Stilton cheese would also make a fine companion to this brew.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/139/48578

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/shipyard-xxxx-ipa-pugsleys-signature-series/103518/

A Taste of … Odd Notion Fall 09

Magic Hat Brewery and Performing Arts Center
5 Bartlett Bay Road
South Burlington, VT 05403
(USA)
802-658-2739

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Magic Hat Brewery and Performing Arts Center in South Burlington, Vermont. The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: This is one dark brew… my Maglite got lost and couldn’t find its way from one side of the pint to the other. So I will call it a deep black brew… Topping this dark brew is a head of tiny café au lait bubbles that knit into a thin dense head.

Aroma: As soon as this bottle was opened there was a malty presence. The first impression was an emphatic impression of fresh rough cut tobacco. A second visit to the aromatics caught a leather note and the third visit to the aromatics revealed coffee accents.

Mouth feel: This is a medium bodied brew… I was expecting a heavy sensation so the second sip was needed to correct my flavor receptors.

Flavor: The first sensation, during aspiration, was a cheddar cheese tang. A second visit found apples, pears and prunes sweeping over the lactic tang. The third sip brought out more ester/fruit flavors with the accents of pear and apple demanding attention.

Finish: The lasting impression is rather dry and perhaps a bit “dusty” in the way patent/highly roasted malt can taste.

Comments: The notched label announced that this was best before December 2009… As this is the first of the year I don’t think I tested the maturity of this brew. The fruit flavors paired with the dark malts would go well with a Waldorf salad or a hot apple tart for desert.

The Brewery: http://www.magichat.net/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/96/51573

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/magic-hat-odd-notion---chocolate-belgian-stout-fall-09/107924/

A Taste of… Fade to Black Ale

Left Hand Brewing Co.
1265 Boston Avenue
Longmont, CO 80501
(USA)
303.772.9572

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Left Hand Brewing Co. in Longmont, Colorado. The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: This is the darkest ruby red garnet colored brew I have ever shone my Maglite through. The head is hard to raise, as you can see in the photo, and built from tiny bubbles that form a thin but dense tan head.


Aroma: The first sensation is of highly roasted grains that border on coffee aromatics. The second impression included chocolate and liquorish. The third visit revealed more of the highly roasted grain aromas. The moment between lip and sip revealed nothing surprising.


Mouth feel: This brew has a very full mouth feel that is enhanced by the immediate sensation of highly roasted grain.

Flavor: The first impression is almost coffee and grain flavors found in stouts and hefty porters. The second taste revealed a sharp flavor that a stealth squad of hop flavor spikes that join with the “burnt” flavor of the roasted malt to keep the rich malt flavor from becoming too sweet. The third sip let the taste buds get better acquainted with the sharper flavors and adds perspective to the coffee/toffee accents.


Finish: The finish is remarkable quick and leaves the sensation of hop tang to tag the next flavor.

Comments: This is a fine black ale, or as might be found in the Republic of Ireland… a black beer. The flavors would make fine friends with the sweet metallic char of a dry-aged slab of beef properly seared and finished in a hot oven.

Left Hand Brewing Co.: http://www.lefthandbrewing.com/

What others Say:

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/left-hand-fade-to-black-2009/111228/

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/418/54076

A taste of… Cinder Cone Red 2010

Deschutes Brewery
901 SW Simpson Ave.,
Bend, OR 97702
USA
541.385.8606

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon. The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: This deep copper, almost amber colored brew throws a slight haze probably due to being served a bit chilly… close to 45F. The head is built from not-too-enthusiastic foam of light tan tiny bubbles. (Again, this might be caused by the low serving temperature.)

Aroma: The first sensation is almost all fresh picked hops (for those who have had the opportunity to experience a visit to a hop farm). The closest comparison is a just-mowed lawn of grass and mixed weeds. The second visit, with the olfactory sense already warned, reveals a few nuances to the original impression. Finally there is only the moment between lip and sip…

Mouth feel: The impression here is of a medium bodied brew with a lot of flavor to make up for any lack of fullness to the carbonation.

Flavor: The first impression is of a hop tea that is chased away by a sweet grain background sensation. The malt is less than assertive here. The second taste brings some citric flavors to the senses… orange, bitter orange and some grapefruit. The third visit has the flavor receptors calibrated and the hops flavors seem to fall into a balance with the malty grain sweet roast.

Finish: There is a rather long lasting tang of hops that stays on for a good while.

Comments: What we have here is a perfect pallet refresher. A field greens salad dresses with a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar would be a fine accompaniment to this brew. Settled in between the main course and the cheese course this would be an ideal pairing.

NOTE:
The folks at Deschutes Brewery sent a “cheat sheet” with both the Cinder Cone and the Red Chair that said the following:

“That’s right, we are toasting a fond farewell to Cinder Cone Red this year, and making way for the Red Chair NWPA. Are you clutching your hair and screaming “WHY?!” Well, we’d love to bottle and distribute every beer we come up with, but if we tried that our team would be the ones screaming. Come give us your own words of farewell on our “Memorial Wall” and enter to win some great raffle prizes, including ski lift tickets, lodging, beer and more.
When: January 5, 2010 / 6 PM
Where: Deschutes Brewery Pubs – NW 11th/Davis, Portland & Bond Street, Bend.”

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/63/6502

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/deschutes-cinder-cone-red-ale/16999/

A taste of... Howl 2009

Magic Hat Brewery and Performing Arts Center
5 Bartlett Bay Road
South Burlington, VT 05403
USA
802-658-2739

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Magic Hat Brewery and Performing Arts Center in South Burlington, Vermont. The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: They called this their winter seasonal a black as night winter lager. And it is a deep, a very deep, deep brown amber brew that is topped with a fine sturdy sparkling head of very small sandy brown bubbles. It might be the fact that I just cleaned this glass but the head seems to have a great dislike for the sides of the glass leaving a nice Belgian lace and an almost soufle like appearance to the rest of the head.

Aroma: the first aroma is slightly phenolic, a second visit reveals that it is not phenol. You are experiencing what appears to be a rather unique combination of malt and hops used. It is almost a wine like experience. The third and final aromatic visit reveals a prune like aroma that I often associate with porters.

Mouth feel: The mouth feel is of a medium sensation that is immediately enhanced by those prune-like aromas and flavors.

Flavor: The first sensation is a sweet dried prune or raisin type of flavor that is joined by the slight spike of highly roasted malt. A second sip reveals more of the highly roasted grain flavors. The third sip settles the taste buds down and gets them closer acquainted with the unique flavors of this beer.

Finish: The finish to this brew allows the unique flavor to slowly subside leaving a nice dry finish.
Comments: This is a unique brew. I will admit that it took some getting used to. However, by the fourth sip I was having a rather good time enjoying the flavors that, at first, seemed less than friendly.

I regret that I did not have a nice sharp piece of Gorgonzola cheese to try with this beer. The flavors in this beer would go quite well with any strong flavored cheese and perhaps a handful of walnuts.


The Brewery: http://www.magichat.net/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/96/52704

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/magic-hat-howl/110116/

A taste of... Jubelale 2009

Deschutes Brewery
901 SW Simpson Ave.,
Bend, OR 97702
USA
541.385.8606

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon. The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: This is a dark brown amber crystal-clear brew. It is topped with a very rocky dense sandy brown head of closely knit bubbles but leave excellent Belgian lace on the side of the glass.

Aroma: I opened this brew it was a very aromatic pour. The aroma of malt was obvious as soon as the bottle was opened. The first impression is of roasted grain, the second impression introduces just a touch of vegetal aroma that is indicative of the hop plant. A third visit to the aromatics enhances both the malt and grain impression, as well as the identifiable hop characteristics. The moment between sip and lip reveals no surprises.

Mouth feel: It has a good feel to the mouth that is enhanced by the carbonation.

Flavor: After the initial refreshing sensation the first flavors are of candy sugar with a bit of molasses. The second sip reveals the tang of hops. The third sip marries the aromas and flavors of this beer quite well.

Finish: The finish on this beer is quite sharp, perhaps a bit metallic.

If I’d had a chance to explore this beer a bit more I might pair it with a nice piece of cheddar as well as a sharp slightly acidic apple. I would suggest this beer be served before a full sit-down dinner as it will certainly get the appetite ready for almost any flavors.


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/63/2178

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/deschutes-jubelale/2142/