A taste of… Green Flash West Coast IPA

Green Flash Brewing Co.
1430 Vantage Ct
Vista, CA 92081
Phone: (760) 597-9012
FAX: (760) 597-9013

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Green Flash West Coast was purchased for $1.88(USD) at Key Food in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a note stamped on the label: “Please drink by the end of the month notched…” in this case it is February 2010

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 slight haze, perhaps from a slight chill, gives the bright copper color a bit of depth. (More of a fog than a haze actually…) The bright carbonation builds a rocky head of parchment colored bubbles of small to medium size.

Aroma: There was surprisingly little first impression to this brew, almost a “clean glass” aroma. The second nosing found fresh green vegetation notes with recognizable notes of humulin. The third nose-dive found more of those hop notes but not a crescendo, more of a glissade.

Mouth feel: The hop tang adds a bit more body that first felt.

Flavor: The first sip, after the refreshing cool feel carries waves of a particular hop tang. The second sip brings out a scorched sugar flavor that slides into a more mellow brown sugar flavor. The third swallow leaves the flavor receptors looking for anything sweet to settle down the rugged spikes of hop tang.

Finish: There is a metallic tang that hangs out for a good long while. Not unfriendly, just a bit sharp for the neighborhood.

Comments: There is a good bit to chew on here. The slight haze adds to the mental reception of the flavors. A “rustic” looking brew, I would be glad to stew a bit of seared pork bits in a broth based on this brew, and a good measure of pork broth. Root veggies and more than a handful of onions would make a fine meal on a cold night.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2743/22505

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/green-flash-west-coast-ipa/44905/

A taste of… Green Flash Hop Head Red

Green Flash Brewing Co.
1430 Vantage Ct
Vista, CA 92081
Phone: (760) 597-9012
FAX: (760) 597-9013

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Green Flash Hop Head was purchased for $1.88(USD) at Key Food in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a note stamped on the label: “Please drink by the end of the month notched…” in this case it is February 2010

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 appears to be a bit of a chill haze to this dark brown bronze with a touch of red brew. The carbonation is elusive to spot but it is sufficient to build a sturdy head of large and medium sized mocha-tan sparkling bubbles.

Aroma: The first impression is of roasted grains. The second nosing revealed a nutty under-aroma with a touch of brown sugar. The final nose-dive found some grassy aromas that I could only assume came from the hops.

Mouth feel: The particular hop mixture boosts the mouth-feel of this brew.

Flavor: The first sip, after the cool refreshing signature of beer, carried a peculiar tang that built to a crest but not a crescendo of almost metallic flavor spike. The second sip revealed nuances on the first flavor accents. The third swig found a sweet brown sugar flavor that slid into a burnt sugar flavor that sailed off with the hop tang.

Finish: This is a long lasting good bye but not as bitter as expected.

Comments: The control of the tart, tang and metallic touch of the chosen hops is well done and effective in not making too much of a good thing. I would like to spend some time exploring the flavors of this brew, enjoying a feast of memories of hearty meals past.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2743/35732

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/green-flash-hop-head-red/71321/

A taste of… Dos Equis Lager Especial

Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V.
Alfonso Reyes 2202 Nte.
Monterrey (Nuevo León), 64442
Mexico
8328-5000

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Dos Equis Lager Especial was purchased for $1.88(USD) at Key Food in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a note stamped on the label: “Please drink by the end of the month notched…” in this case it is February 2010

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: Golden straw yellow colored brew with large bubbles of carbonation that form fairly light head of creamy and sparkling white bubbles.

Aroma: The first impression is of lightly roasted grain with some biscuit and a touch of green grass. The second visit introduced a hint of buttered corn and a bit of a tang. The third nose-dive revealed no new suprises.

Mouth feel: Fairly heavy body for a lager.

Flavor: After the first refreshing sensation there follows a tang of flavor followed by a quickly developing sweet grain flavor that has a bit of flab to it. The second sip was as refreshing as the first and the malted grain maintained the attention of the flavor receptors. The third swig found no new suprises and retained the full mouth feel noticed in the first sip.

Finish: There is a full bodied finish that is amusing from a lager.

Comments: I would call this a Kolsh style brew… a lager yes but a pilsner-style lager no. This brew deserves to star at any one of the regional variations of the All-American “cook-out.”

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/57/1907

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/dos-equis-xx-special-lager/225/

A taste of… Victory Hop Devil

Victory Brewing Co.
420 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335
USA
(610) 873-0881

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Victory Hop Devil was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Market in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a note stamped on the label: “Enjoy by May 21 2010 B3”

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: Light bronze brew with sparkling carbonation that builds a respectable head of parchment foam of sparkling small bubbles. A fair tat of Belgian lace is left behind.

Aroma: The first impression is of fresh cut hops. If you have never smelled a fresh cut Cascade hop flower this is what it smells like. The next “nosing” revealed more floral aromas. The third nosedive brought up only a touch of funk.

Flavor: After the refreshing cool sensation there is a sharp tang that slides around the edges of your tongue. A second sip brings out more metallic hop flavor but also a touch of the grain base. The third swing is even more grainy but that is not a lot. The hop spikes and shimmers remain prevalent.

Mouth feel: There is a good bit of body to this brew.

Finish: The tang of the heavy hops recede into the sunset with a slight stagger but quietly.

Comments: I would be inclined to call this a U.S.-style India Pale Ale.

Food & Beer: This would be a fine beverage of choice to accompany a salmon grilled on a sheet of cedar, steamed small red potatoes and grilled asparagus.


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/345/1005

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/victory-hopdevil/618/

A taste of… Lions Head Pilsner Beer

Lion Brewery Inc.
700 North Pennsylvania Blvd.
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 18705
United States
(800) 233-8327

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Lions Head Pilsner Beer was given to me by a friend who used to run a bar in PA. I can’t vouch for the care and feeding of this bottle of beer. There is a number/letter combination stamped on the bottle: “33709N – 09450K+”

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 crystal clear bright golden brew is carbonated with healthy large bubbles that slap up a fair crown of white sparkling foam and then cal it a day and receded into a thin remnant. There is little lace on the windows.

Aroma: First impression is of fresh shucked corn. The second visit brought out a touch of bubblegum. A final nosedive reached a hint of honeysuckle flower.

Flavor: After the first refreshing sensation there is a pear and apple flavor that is left to flower almost separately. The second sip had the taste receptors seeking hop tang and never quite finding it. The third swig was just as refreshing as the other two with no flavor development.

Mouth feel: Nubile.

Finish: These fruity flavors finish and go home about half an hour early… they leave almost before you know it.

Comments: An inoffensive example of North American Yellow Beer…

Food & Beer: I’m looking forward to a tin of sardines and half a tube of saltine crackers.


The Brewery: http://lionbrewery.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/150/5412

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/lionshead/17951/

A taste of… Redhook ESB

Redhook Brewery
14300 NE 145th St
Woodinville, Washington, 98072
United States
(425) 483-3232

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Redhook ESB was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was a date code on the label but it couldn’t be read.

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 dark honey colored brew is carbonated with tiny bubbles that knit a good head of tiny bubbles. It falls quickly but leaves a trace of lace.

Aroma: First impression is of roasted grain. The second visit reveals dark sugar with a hint of citric. The third “noseing” found some green grass aromas.

Flavor: After the initial refreshing chill of the liquid there is a dusty-grain sensation, almost tannic. The second sip showed the hop influence through an almost covert spike that teases and then joins the “drying” influences. A third swig echoes all the previous sensations but finishes with a chalk-like dryness.

Mouth feel: The body is there but the tannic sensation shields its fullness.

Finish: This is the driest ESB I have ever tasted.

Comments: An Extra Special Bitter, as I understand it, should be fairly full bodied, built on a big base of sweet malt and only a slight tang of hops should be there. The finish should be rather lush.

Food & Beer: A hamburger grilled to medium well-done, with a slice of deli-American cheese on a toasted bun would have enough flavor to let this brew refresh rather than get in the way.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1330/1119/

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/redhook-esb/662/

A taste of… Otter Creek Spring Ale

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

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Otter Creek Spring Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was a “LOT262421010510” stamped on the bottle.

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 is a slight haze to this honey colored brew. A sprightly carbonation of tiny to small bubbles builds a quick head of little consequence. There are traces of it in the skimpy Belgian lace.

Aroma: First impressions are reminiscent of bread dough. A second visit reveals a roasted corn aroma. The third nose-dive brought out undertones of malted barley.

Flavor: First impression is a grain cracker followed by a rush of a tongue-clearing tang of hops. Next, a spike of hop flavor that blunts and relaxes into a sweet sensation. The third swig had the flavor and olfactory senses calibrated and agreeing that they liked what they had and were not interested in deconstruction.

Mouth feel: There is a good deal more body to this brew than first impression. By the third swig this becomes obvious… builds gradually.

Finish: There is a bit of a thick sensation that lingers but it is not unpleasant.

Comments: I am familiar with the Kolsch style and find it elusive unless sampled in a kellar or garten in Cologne.

Food & Beer: This is a rich beer that would find a friend in a thick bread pretzel.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/119/40639

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/otter-creek-spring-ale-german-style-kolsch/83662/

A taste of… St. Victorious Doppelbock

Victory Brewing Co.
420 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335
USA
(610) 873-0881

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of St. Victorious Doppelbock was purchased for $3.00(USD) at Peas & Pickles Market in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a note stamped on the label: “Enjoy by Dec 15 2010 B1”

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: Crystal clear red garnet with a deep copper tint is carbonated with medium sized bubbles that leisurely float to the surface and make a less that half-hearted attempt to knit a head, loose interest and sink back from whence they came.

Aroma: As soon as this bottle was opened there was a barley malt presence. The first visit reveals a burnt sugar introduction. The second “nosing” brought more roasted grain aromas to the front. The third nose-dive found little more important to report.

Flavor: The first sip is slightly confusing. The refreshing cool liquid reveals a conflict between burnt sugar sweetness and tart spikes of hop oils. The second sip doesn’t resolve the conflict but allows the taste receptor to calibrate. The third sip has the flavor receptors calibrated and the conflicting flavors revealing more dimensions… still in conflict but understood and appreciated for their valor.

Mouth feel: There is a big body here but the flavors add even more weight.

Finish: The final notes of the battle echo for less than would be expected. Not so much as “Taps” and leaving the field… rather “retreat” and a settling in.

Comments: The echoes of the flavors on the pallet when savoring this brew are interesting and very conducive to contemplation.

Food & Beer: A fine beverage of choice for a not too well done leg of lamb (no damn mint jelly please) with sides of roasted chunks of potatoes and carrots. The roasted veggies with the particular flavor of lamb would settle down some of the more aggressive flavors in this brew.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/345/1012

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/victory-st-victorious-doppelbock/625/

A taste of… Sierra Nevada Kellerweis

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
1075 East 20th Street
Chico, CA 95928-6722
(530) 893-3520

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Sierra Nevada Kellerweis was purchased for $3.04(USD) at Gristede’s Supermarket in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a date code on the neck of the bottle: “9233 C2 1030”.

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 traditional looking cloudy lemon gold yellow brew is very effervescent and sports a dense white head of sparkling tiny and small bubbles. The Belgian lace is sparse but there.

Aroma: The first aromas are of bitter orange and some sharp citric notes. The second “nose” revealed notes of eucalyptus. The third nosedive had the olfactory receptors ready and they found a smoother under note of floral greens.

Flavor: After the first refreshing sensation I actually found some bubblegum flavors in an American wheat beer! The second sip brought out a “chardonnay” sensation followed by an almost tannic dryness. The third sip featured a return of the bubblegum through the curtain of citric sting.

Mouth feel: This is a creamy brew with a firm but not flabby body.

Finish: A quick exit is made by all but the slightest metallic kiss at the end.

Comments: This is the first American brewed hefeweizen (with the exception of High Point wheat brews) to resemble the Bavarian brew. However, this is not an imitation. It is rather a take on a style and ends up individual.

Food & Beer: With the spikes of wheat and citric I would be tempted to enjoy this with a salad of early spring garden dressed with a touch of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/140/48434

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/sierra-nevada-kellerweis-hefeweizen/100383/

A taste of… Honker’s Ale

Goose Island Beer Co.
1800 West Fulton Street
Chicago, IL 60612-2512
(312) 226-1119

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Goose Island Honker’s Ale was purchased for $1.75(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a “Bottled on date: 01/04/10 0902” on the back 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: deep amber with a copper shade a carbonation of small to medium bubbles that form a pitted, rather rocky head of sparkling medium and large bubbles. The lace is very well tatted as it slowly descends the sides of the glass.

Aroma: An initial impression of toasted biscuits is joined at a second visit by brown sugar aromas. A final nosedive reveals a slightly musty note.

Flavor: First is refreshing then a noticeable crème caramel sugar flavor. The second sip has a sharp citric spike of flavor quickly leaving the sugar in the background. The third swallow has the taste receptors calibrated and the flavors are introduced and proceed to play well together.

Mouth feel: There is a creamy effect that is later deflated by the spikes of hop flavors.

Finish: These flavors leave the pallet fresher than when they arrived.

Comments: Here in Brooklyn the Goose Island folks have a tough market… price rules. At a good price (.75 USD less than what I paid) this would be a good sell as its label is very noticeable in a cold box.

Food & Beer: Two words… grilled bratwurst!

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1146/1157

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/goose-island-honkers-ale/811/

A taste of… Old Horizontal Barlywine

Victory Brewing Co.
420 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335
USA
(610) 873-0881

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Old Horizontal Barlywine was purchased for $3.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Market in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a note stamped on the label: “Enjoy by Nov6 2014/B3”

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: There is a slight haze to this deep copper colored brew. Tiny bubbles gather to form a very respectable head for a barleywine. It is rocky but not pot-holed and a sparkling foam of light parchment.

Aroma: First impression was of a perfumed summer afternoon… an almost rose aromatic. The second “nosing” found the sweet malted-grain undercurrent. The third nose-dive reveals a slight peach ester (aroma).

Flavor: First it’s refreshing then it warms right up. My sinuses immediately went on high alert. The second sip first found the malted grains hinted at in the aromatics and then the tart tang of the hops pushed their way to the front to be scorched by Ethel the alcohol. The third timid sip left a much more satisfying effect. (Too much of a good thing is no better demonstrated.)

Mouth feel: Luscious.

Finish: Stays for a while and then some… not unpleasant company though.

Comments: At 11% alcohol by volume this is a brew to share in snifters while the two of you perspire by the fire.

Food & Beer: A slice of not-too-old, but rather creamy, Stilton… that’s it.


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/345/1009

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/victory-old-horizontal/624/

A taste of… Troegs Hop Back Amber Ale

Troegs Brewing Co.
800 Paxton Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104-1652
(717) 232-1297

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Troegs Amber Ale was purchased for $3.04(USD) at Gristede’s Supermarket in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is no date code on the bottle.

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 crystal clear deep red copper colored brew with a very light carbonation of tiny bubbles is capped with a light sparkling sandy tan head of tiny to medium sized bubbles. The Belgian lace clings to the head as it slips down the side of the glass.

Aroma: The first impression is of fresh green herbal accents with a hint of balsam fir. The second “nosing” revealed brown sugar aromas with a hint of molasses. The third nosedive found a whisper of wet wood.

Flavor: The refreshing first sip brought a rock sugar candy introduction followed by a slight spike of metallic flavor. The second sip brought up more of the brown sugar sweetness. The third swallow had the olfactory and flavor receptors exchanging notes and enjoying the tang of the green vegetal flavors.

Mouth feel: A creamy first sensation and then a more refined body follows.

Finish: The spike of hops is enjoyable and prepares the drinker to explore the next sip or the meal before them should they be so lucky.

Comments: What we have here is brown ale, almost a mild, with a noticeable hop flavor.

Food & Beer: As I mentioned above… this would be a good table beverage for everyday supper, if you are lucky enough to be able to sit and enjoy a leisurely meal at the end of your day. If not… you now have an excuse to do so.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/694/6322

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/troegs-hopback-amber-ale/17495/

A taste of… Blue Dawg Wild Blue

Blue Dawg Brewing
Aka
Anheuser-Busch Co.
2885 Belgium Road
Baldwinsville, NY 13027-2797
(315) 638-0365

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Wild Blue was purchased for $1.75(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a “09281 BMO4” on the left side of the front label, if that means anything.

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: Beaujolais Nouveau in a beer bottle with a pink head of tiny bubbles that fall faster than the stock market in September 2009.

Aroma: The aroma of blueberries was evident as soon as the bottle top was twisted off. The first venture into the olfactory world of Wild Blue resulted in memories of grape sodas of my youth. The second “nosing” revealed the subtlety of the previous noted aroma. The final nosedive brought up no more challenges.

Flavor: The first sensation is refreshment and then I am transformed to memories of sitting in a soda shop in Ossining, New York, spending nickels I had earned mowing and racking lawns. This memory was reinforced with the second and third sips. (A slice of lime or a shot of lime syrup would make this hallucinogenic.)

Mouth feel: Full and fruity.

Finish: If you appreciated grape Nehi you will appreciate this finish.

Comments: (See above note…)

Food & Beer: An ice-cream float with cherry ice-cream and a shot of chocolate liquor! If you are a bartender and you can’t build a drink with this brew you don’t deserve the title “bar-tender”.

The Brewery: http://www.anheuser-busch.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/29/26049

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/blue-dawg-brewing-wild-blue-blueberry-lager/51222/

A taste of… Lagunitas IPA

Lagunitas Brewing Co.
1280 North McDowell Boulevard
Petaluma, CA 94954-1113
(707) 769-4495

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Lagunitas IPA was purchased for $2.25(USD) at Key Foods Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a date code on the neck of the bottle: “01350408”.

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: Golden amber brew is carbonated enough to host a not-too-dense linen white head of small to medium sparkling bubbles.

Aroma: There is a distinct citric aroma at the very first. The second visit finds mango and guava aromatics. The third nosedive reveals little new.

Flavor: The first flavor is of mango and grapefruit blended not too sweet. The second sip found a metallic spike amidst the fairly unctuous, almost-tropical-fruit flavors.

Mouth feel: There is a firm and full body to this brew.

Finish: The citric, fruitier flavors are soon departed leaving a slight perfume.

Comments: This seems to be an exercise in hopping with particular blending. The flavors are unusual and not unpleasant. It may take a few sips to find this brew but the effort reveals some interesting hop flavors.

Food & Beer: A salad of chopped iceberg lettuce, tomato chunks and cucumber, dressed in a ranch style dressing and served in a deep-fried taco basket. Serve the beer first so that it is chilled but not ice-cold when the salad is served.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/220/916

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/lagunitas-india-pale-ale/6887/

A taste of… Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Ale 2010

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
1075 East 20th Street
Chico, CA 95928-6722
(530) 893-3520

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale 2009 was purchased for $3.00(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a date code on the neck of the bottle: “93511114:09”.

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 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 remarkably small bubbles of carbonation give the deep, almost red, copper colored crystal clear brew a sparkle. The head is a full and rocky light parchment colored lightly constructed head of medium and large bubbles.

Aroma: The first nose-dive brought the lightest version of a pine forest to mind, for a moment or two. The second visit revealed a slight grapefruit scent that also fell away very quickly. The third venture sensed an almost rose like aroma but the citric returned and were more noticeable.

Flavor: The first impression is of caramel, Crème brûlée singed sugar followed by a warm sensation that can settle quite quickly on a empty stomach. The second sip brings a metallic tang to the tongue and the warmth of the first sip blitzes the sinuses. The third sip has bitter orange and grapefruit announcing themselves and making themselves at home.

Mouth feel: There is a very full, creamy feel to this brew.

Finish: The finish on the pallet is sooner sensed than the warmth in the belly.

Comments: Sip this one from a snifter, like they tell you to do.

Food & Beer: Firm, slightly crumbly sharp cheddar-style cheeses made by a local dairy farmer and cheese-maker would be the perfect way to make the best of the richness of this brew and the lactic tang of the cheese.


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/140/2671

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/sierra-nevada-bigfoot/371/
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A taste of… Samuel Adams Light

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

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Samuel Adams Light was purchased for $2.49(USD) at Garden of Eden Gourmet Market, 180 Montague St., Brooklyn, NY. There was an “Enjoy before month notched…” – this bottle was marked APRIL.

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 crystal clear, bright amber brew is well carbonated. The head is a thin layer of tiny bubbles that forma loosely knit head that leaves a trace of lace on the side of the glass.

Aroma: The first impression is of grain. A second visit reveals slight fresh-cut hay aromatic. A final nose-dive continues the fresh-cut hay aromas.

Flavor: First impression is a refreshing sensation that carries with it a combination of quick grain sweetness chased by an equally fast moving spike of hops (that slightly metallic, slightly astringent sensation). The second sip again begins with that refreshing sensation followed by more of the hop spikes leading the sweeter grain this time. A third sip notices how well behaved these two flavors are. No fighting for prominence or domination.

Mouth feel: Svelte but not undernourished.

Finish: If you can remember the name of the first person who danced with you at the first high school dance you ever went to you have the capacity to remember the finish of this brew.

Comments: They pull a nice trick with the slightly roasted barley malt base that gives this brew a darker color than expected with a “Light/Lite” beer. The brain kicks in and looks for what it expects from a beer this color and is not disappointed.

Food & Beer: This would be my choice for a professional working lunch when the rest of the group orders mineral water and fruit smoothies. I’m betting that, at 119 calories the alcohol content is most of those calories and the alcohol by volume is easy to compute. If you have the intestinal fortitude to order a beer when your boss orders a mineral water you deserve a raise.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/1503

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/sam-adams-light/12719/

A taste of… Sierra Nevada Glissade Golden Bock

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
1075 East 20th Street
Chico, CA 95928-6722
(530) 893-3520

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Sierra Nevada Glissade Golden Bock was purchased for $2.25(USD) at Key Foods Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a date code on the neck of the bottle: “0008109:35”.

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 light burnished gold brew is crowned with a generous head of small to tiny sparkling bubbles. The rocky head fall slowly leaving a light Belgian lace to ease down the glass.

Aroma: First impressions are a bit confusing in that there are few identifiable aromatics in the grassy first meeting. The second visit finds more of the traditional floral greenery from hops. The third nosedive revealed traces of grain.

Flavor: This is a full bodied brew and the first flavors are rushed in on that full mouth feeling. After the creamy refreshing sensation the metallic tangs of hop oils rush forward closely followed by a bitter-sweet sensation. The second visit finds light citric flavors and a slight chalk dry sensation. The third sip showed the smoother path where the flavors of sharp citric and bitter-sweet find a détente.

Mouth feel: There is a lush feel to this brew.

Finish: A slightly chalky last cleansing of the pallet leaves a drier than sweet coda.

Comments: The hop experiments continue across the board and some are more interesting than others.

Food & Beer: This brew, with a bag of bar nuts, just before an afternoon spent trying to get an old Ford pickup truck’s engine to turn over.


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/140/55243

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/sierra-nevada-glissade-golden-bock/113317/

A taste of… Hop Henge Experimental IPA

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 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 slight chill haze and a vigorous carbonation gives this copper penny colored brew a well knit head of sparkling tiny bubbles. The linen white, with a light orange tinge, head falls quietly leaving a beautiful Belgian lace gracing the sides of the glass.

Aroma: The first impression is of soft, rounded grapefruit citric notes. The second visit reveals an undercurrent of spruce. A final nosedive brings on the spruce brigade!

Flavor: First impression is of citric spikes riding a crest of cool liquid refreshment. The second sip brings more of the citric flavors with hints of mandarin and navel oranges. The third sip shows a creamy beginning that wasn’t noticed at first and waits for the long lasting flavors to finish for goodness sake.

Mouth feel: This is a relatively lush brew.

Finish: This is a long lasting finisher… think running a marathon in over eight hours eh?

Food & Beer: A real pallet cleanser like this calls for creamy cheeses… pickles and liverwurst.

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/

A taste of… Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale 2009

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
1075 East 20th Street
Chico, CA 95928-6722
(530) 893-3520

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale 2009 was purchased for $1.75(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a date code on the neck of the bottle: “9328110:48”.

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 bit of a haze filters the copper colored brew, letting the tiny bubbles of carbonation craft a sparkling light tan head of large bubbles that leave enough Belgian lace to properly cover an Islamic bride.

Aroma: The first visit finds almost Dior-perfume aromatics. A second visit reveals the organic (not the certification type of “organic”) roots of the first impression. The third nose-dive gathers a grain aroma that is timid but not left out.

Flavor: The spikes of hop oils and flavors are escorted by a grainy sweetness that makes Prince Philip look patient. The second sip brought more of the citric grapefruit flavors into play and they are very playful. The third sip finally has the flavor receptors out of first-aid and recognizing the flavors as quite complementary rather than competitive.

Mouth feel: There is a slim, trim sensation to this brew.

Finish: A particular citric tang lingers for quite a while, either encouraging another sip or hinting it would like to be fed.

Comments: As noted above, this seems to be an ideal aperitif.

Food & Beer: Toasted corn chips and fresh tomato salsa would be all you would need to complement the flavors of this brew.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/140/1904

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/sierra-nevada-celebration-ale/370/

A taste of… Harpoon Celtic Ale

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

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Harpoon Celtic Ale was purchased for $1.75(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a “Best by 05/15/10020” 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 crystal clear brilliant copper colored brew with sparkling small bubbles that form a dense, smooth sandy brown with a hint of orange head of tiny bubbles. The Belgian lace slides easily down the sided of the glass this morning.

Aroma: The first aromas are of roasted grains with a hint of herbal greenery. A second visit brought a slight trace of Seville orange citric tang. The final nose-dive revealed more of the roasted grain.

Flavor: The first flavors are slightly metallic citric flavors that are joined, for a short while, by a dark sugar candy flavor. The second sip reveals a hint of banana and then a spike of hop flavors with the citric orange whispers. The third visit recognizes the earlier flavors and has started to fit them together.

Mouth feel: The body of this brew is lean with no extra weight.

Finish: This is a remarkably dry finish with the tang of the hops remaining to keep the last traces of toasty grain happy.

Comments: I have yet to discover the USP (Unique Selling Point) of the various lagers and ales with the “Irish Red” moniker. This one has a “red” color but the body and flavors would fine an equally warm welcome from the Anglophiles should it be called Pale Ale.

Food & Beer: This brew would be my choice to go with a sliced Brooklyn bagel topped with just a “shmear” of cream cheese and a thin slice of smoked salmon… not lox!

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10097/47298

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/harpoon-celtic-ale/11987/

A taste of… Samuel Adams Black Lager

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

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Samuel Adams Black Lager was purchased for $2.49(USD) at Garden of Eden Gourmet Market, 180 Montague St., Brooklyn, NY. There was a “Enjoy before month notched…” – this bottle was marked MAR 2010.

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 deep, deep dark cherry red garnet color of this brew is in contrast to the rather frothy light tan brown café au lait head of large and medium sized bubbles that leaves a well tatted Belgian lace.

Aroma: The first impression is of prune plumb. The next visit reveals leather and bitter chocolate. The third visit brings out some tobacco and more prune plumb.

Mouth feel: Full bodied but not buxom.

Flavor: The first impression is liquorish and tobacco that blends into a prune flavor. The second visit finds chocolate and a slight dusty finish on the pallet. Third sip finds the various flavors, now familiar to the taste receptors, smoothing out and enjoying each other’s company.

Finish: There is a fairly quick exit here but the trace of cocoa last longest.

Comments: The range of the Boston Beer folks is remarkable. This is no stout, not a porter and yet is recognizable.

Food & Beer: Here is a fine desert drink to enjoy after a grilled dinner of fish, foul, or red meat. I am about to see what taste sensation it will become when tasted with Brisling sardines, slightly smoked and packaged in spring water. Wish me luck eh?


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/21300

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/samuel-adams-black-lager/41887/

A taste of… Stoudts Oktober FEST

Stoudts Brewing Co.
Route 272, PO Box 880
Adamstown, Pennsylvania, 19501
United States
(717) 484-4387

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Stoudts Oktober FEST was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is no “Best by…” information posted on either the bottle or the label. This is a seasonal brew for sale in the fall. This tasting is taking place in late January.

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: Amber honey color and a very active carbonation combine to make a smooth dense head of light brown tiny to small bubbles. The lace is noticeable but not ostentatious.

Aroma: The first aromas are floral with only a hint of grain. The second visit brings out more of the grain aromas but the overall impression is only slightly stimulating. The final nose-dive reveals some light caramel and then…

Mouth feel: Not a Bavarian sized blond but handsome nevertheless.

Flavor: The first flavor is sugar candy sweet with a brown sugar undertone. (A rather shy brew…)The second visit brings a refreshing sensation of cool and grain sweetness. The third sip and I am able to call up memories of the beers of the Schottenhamel tent of the Munich1988 Oktoberfest. However there seems to be a bit less alcohol in this brew.

Finish: Quick and refreshing.

Comments: This bottle has stood well the passage of the last few months… And, finally an Oktoberfest brew without tons of hops. As noted above, I was at the Munich celebration in 1988 and found almost all the festival brews to be slightly sweet and fairly low in alcohol. Then again, just before the Triple-Loop took me for a spin, I am told my last words were “Oh, s*#t!”

Food & Beer: Bratwursts – either steamed or grilled!

The Brewery: http://www.stoudtsbeer.com/brewery.html

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/394/25382

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/stoudts-oktoberfest/6248/

A taste of… Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
1075 East 20th Street
Chico, CA 95928-6722
(530) 893-3520

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA was purchased for $2.75(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a date code on the neck of the bottle: “0012219:10”.

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 crystal clear reddish copper brew has a carbonation of fine beads of bubbles that form a rocky parchment colored head of medium and tiny bubbles that tat a fine Belgian lace.

Aroma: As soon as this bottle was opened there was a presence of grapefruit that quickly faded. The first nose-dive reveals floral accents of honey suckle. A second visit brings out more of the floral aromas with a edge of citric aromas. The third visit had the aroma receptors accustomed to the assorted floral aromas and weaving them together too tightly to deconstruct.

Flavor: The first impression is a creamy frothy sensation that introduces a spike of almost metallic tang. The second sip reveals grapefruit flavors to give the early flavor sensations a name. A third sip finds some sweet crystal sugar candy accents that, on the slightly singed edge reflect the tangy flavors.

Mouth feel: There is a full frothy first feel that only recedes slightly.

Finish: Creamy and full bodied but not obese.

Comments: The label tells me that this beverage is 7.2% alcohol by volume. There is also mention of the use of whole-cone American hop flowers. I am still left to wonder the meaning of “Torpedo”.

Food & Beer: The floral accents to this brew would feel right at home with a field green salad with bits of apple and walnuts in a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice.


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/140/30420

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/sierra-nevada-torpedo-extra-ipa/59261/

A taste of… Guinness Extra Stout (Imported)

GUINNESS USA
Dba
North American Breweries
445 Saint Paul Street
Rochester, NY 14605-1726
(585) 546-1030

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Guinness Extra Stout (Imported) was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was an illegible date code jet-printed near the bottom of the bottle.

One thing more, now pay attention… This bottle of Guinness Extra Stout Traditionally Brewed St. James Gate Dublin is actually brewed and bottled at the Labatt (AB-InBev) brewery in New Brunswick, Canada and distributed by AB-InBev outside of the US while a company called North American Breweries distributes the Canadian made Irish icon in the United States.

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: I could see the light from my Maglite through this deep dark red garnet brew. The head is light café au lait brown composed of medium and large bubbles forming a rocky head and leaving considerable amounts of foam on the sides of the glass.

Aroma: The first impression is a slight anis aroma. The second visit brought out a seaside aromatic and the third nose-dive revealed coco accents.

Flavor: The first flavors are grainy and a touch of sharp hop spike, a lean not harsh first impression. The second sip is creamy with a slight metallic flavor that builds but doesn’t crest. The third swallow shows off the tang of the slightly metallic flavors noted previously but doesn’t really let any of the malt roast come through.

Mouth feel: This poor child is seriously underweight if I am to consider it a stout.

Finish: The metallic flavor carries through for a while and then leaves the pallet drier than when it arrived.

Comments: If this is Irish Stout I will have to credit those Canadian brewers with a good deal of hubris.

Food & Beer: On a hot summer day, just out of the cooler full of bottles and ice, as a quencher while enjoying grilled hamburgers and sausages, this brew would do just fine.


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/209/650

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/guinness-extra-stout-north-america/4456/

A taste of… Samuel Adams Noble Pils

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

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Samuel Adams Noble Pils was purchased for $2.49(USD) at Garden of Eden Gourmet Market, 180 Montague St., Brooklyn, NY. There was a “Enjoy before month notched…” – this bottle was marked MAY.

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 light golden brew with tiny bubbles of carbonation. The head is a fairly dense and not too rocky head of almost white, more slight tan than white, foam that leaves a noticeable Belgian lace.

Aroma: The first impression is not a rush of aromas. This is a rather shy brew. A second visit reveals very slight aromas of such number that they are hard to find and identify, rather elusive is a non-frustrating way. The third nose-dive found little trace of grain and a continued coy flirtation by the floral hop aromas.

Mouth feel: Slim and yet sensuous.

Flavor: The first taste finds the malt as a lightly roasted grain flavor. The hops are still shyly hanging back but more familiar. Second visit senses the slight tang of hop oils that gradually increase but never quite crescendo. The third sip finds the deeper bittering accents of the hops settling in alongside the now richer, almost plush, malt grain flavors.

Finish: The finish is fairly long but not obnoxious.

Comments: If you are looking for an American-Style hopping here you will be left wanting. This is a very subtle brew that is not so much a sylph, rather a “femme a quarante ans”…

Food & Beer: Take one pleasant spring afternoon, find a meadow of soft green grass, unpack a picnic of sliced cold meats, savory chutneys, semi soft cheeses, a loaf of bread and enjoy with or without company.


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/54904

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/samuel-adams-noble-pils/107598/

A taste of… Molson Golden

Molson Coors Brewing Company (Canada)
1555 Notre-Dame Est
Montreal, Quebec H2L 2R5
Tel: 514-521-1786
1-800-566-1786

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Molson Golden was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. The neck is stamped: MAY0910 – 02807N

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as 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 bright straw yellow beverage with a very lively carbonation that forms a rather thick, dense almost whipped egg white textured head of small bubbles

Aroma: The first impression is of fresh green vegetation and a hint of roasted grain. The second visit revealed more of the grain influence backed with a bit of a skunky scent. The third nose-dive lost the skunk and returned to the refreshing green vegetation found in the first impression.

Mouth feel: It's there.

Flavor: The first impression is of sharp bitter tangs followed by grain accents. The second visit toned down the sharp edges of the bitter first flavors and then they became/become a touch steely. The third sip revealed a touch of lemon at the start and then a growing sense of grain.

Finish: The finish is quick and clean although there is a bit of a viscosity that is hard to place but disappears before it can be identified.

Beer & Food: I prescribe a bottle of Molson Golden be taken with a tin of sardines, half a tube of saltine crackers and fifteen minutes of National Hockey League game viewed on as big a screen as you can get. Repeat this until all the beer is gone or the game ends.

N.B. – Note on the right hand side of the bottle label – “ Imported by Molson USA, Golden , CO”


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/433/1313

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/molson-golden/247/

A taste of… Wolaver’s Organic Brown Ale

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

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Wolaver’s Brown Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by…” date number on the 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: A crystal clear amber garnet brew carbonated with tiny bubbles that form a healthy parchment white head of small and medium bubbles.

Aroma: The first impression is a sweet roasted grain aroma. The second visit brings out more roast aromas with undertones of brown sugar. The third visit revealed little new. The moment between lip and sip picked up some sweet.

Mouth feel: A firm handshake would be a fine description of this brew.

Flavor: The first impression is of a creamy smooth sweetness that is almost immediately swept away by a sharp tang. The second sip finds some sharp spikes of almost metallic flavors getting the receptors on the front and sides of the tongue a wake-up call. Finally the third sip has these various forces focused and calibrated. Further indulgence would have probably smoothed the flavors even more.

Finish: The last traces of the emphatic hop tangs saunter towards the finish

Comments: The folks at Otter Creek have groomed the Wolaver’s line of brews into a serious contender in the organic food market. That said, I will have to consult with some brewer buddies to determine the effect the brewing process and packaging that makes using organic grain and hops into anything more than simple perceived value.

Food & Beer: Here is something I would suggest as an accompaniment to a selection of cheeses from the artisanal cheese makers of Vermont.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/119/397

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/wolavers-brown-ale/823/

A taste of… Olde School

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

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Olde School was purchased for $5.00(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was a “BOTTLED IN 2009” 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 label includes the following information as well as volume and alcohol content:

“DIRECTIONS: Open bottle, pour contents into two snifters. Enjoy. OR: Walk hand-in-neck into the middle of the woods. Use a shovel to dig a 2 x 2 hole three feet deep. Seal the bottle in a plastic bag. Place in hole and pack with dirt. Memorize location and leave. Return exactly one year later. Dig up bottle, open & enjoy.”

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: This is a crystal clear burnished amber brew with carbonation of very tiny bubbles. The head is a remarkably dense linen white with a slight orange tint to it, made of tiny and, a few, large bubbles.

Aroma: The first impression was a bit of a surprise in that there was no noticeable hop or roasted grain aroma… more of a rustic attic sensation. The second visit revealed bitter orange aromas closer to Clementines. The third nose-dive brought out some sour cherry accents.

Mouth feel: Almost spirituous.

Flavor: First impressions are of roasted sugar candy hitched to an alcoholic warmth that fills the sinuses as fast as it fills the mouth. The second visit strikes the sweet notes rather sharply and brings tha sensation of alcoholic warmth almost to the spirit level. The third very tiny sip was easier to handle than the first two and revealed sweet nuances that were missing in the first two large swallows.

Finish: Sherry like and it doesn’t stay long.

Comments: If you don’t take at least an hour sipping this 12 oz. bottle of beer

Food & Beer: Walnuts, Stilton and contemplation would all bring out the best of this massive brew.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10099/6533

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/dogfish-head-olde-school-barleywine/17557/