A taste of… Odd Notion (Spring 09)

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

Preface: This is the second bottle that came in the recent package from the good folks at Magic Hat. The promotional material that came with this gave the following specs for the Magic Hat Odd Notion (Spring 09):

Style: Poppy Agave Pilsner
Appearance: Light golden in color.
Flavor: Sour accents of organic agave with poppy seeds planting a sweet, nutty balance.
Malt: Pilsner and Munich
Hops: Hallertaur
Additions: Organic agave syrup, natural blue poppy seeds
OG (Plato) 12.5
SMR: 6
IBU: 15
Alcohol by volume: 5%

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: Here we have a hard-cider-yellow brew, topped with a rather dense creamy white head of small bubbles. The Belgian lace is admirable.

Aroma: On opening the bottle there was an obvious fresh hop sensation perceived. The first impression on “nosing” (inhaling the first aromatic sensations) is of non-malt sweetness and a bit of a citric undertone. The second impression reinforces the first. The lip-to-sip was remarkably uneventful.

Mouth feel: This is a medium bodied beer with a medium carbonation. The tang that is non-hop adds to the slight acidic spike of carbolic acid from the carbonation...

Flavor: An initial refreshing sensation is followed by a series of very slowly developing flavor sensations. The agave seems to find an attraction to the usually delicate Hallertaur that is close enough to be incest. Sorting the two out is possible only after more time has passed and the pallet looses the touch of hops and is left with what must be agave. (Tequila is not one of my favorite spirits.) I am still waiting for the poppy seed sweet to call.

Finish: This is a long finishing brew that allows you to enjoy sorting out the agave and hops flavors. (Don’t think too much though… this is a fun beer…)

Comments: My impression is that the brewers at Magic Hat enjoy trying things that not only would other brewers not try… they have left the “box” and unfolded the “envelope” to play with flavors and aromatic sensations. Sometimes the results are ethereal, sometimes the results are pleasant and sometimes they are just there.

The psychic vibes, after all this is from Magic Hat, I get from this brew is a longing for spring that can be tasted. (I went to Norwich University in Vermont so I can relate to that longing for the end of winter and the glorious “mud season” that heralds the arrival of Spring.)

I would pair this beer with at least six friends (that way you will need two six packs) and hour or two of discussion about what “spring” means.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/96/47451

RateBeer:
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/magic-hat-odd-notion---poppy-agave-pilsner-40spring-09/98560/

A taste of… Magic Hat H.I.P.A. (Spring 09)

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

Preface: The good folks at Magic Hat sent me this bottle of Magic Hat H.I.P.A. (Spring 09) along with their Odd Notion Spring 09 (with poppy seeds and agave). The promotional material that came with these brews gave the following specs for the Magic Hat H.I.P.A. (Spring 09):

Style: An American India Pale Ale
Appearance: Golden in color.
Flavor: The Barest hint of a malty middle in the center of the mouth, with a long, dry finish.
Malt: English Pale
Hops: Columbus
Dry Hopping: Columbus
OG (Plato) 16.5
SMR: 7
IBU: 45
Alcohol by volume: 5.8%

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: This is a slightly cloudy burnished copper/gold brew topped with a full head of large and medium sized bubbles that quickly relax into a very rocky almost white head that leaves a strong Belgian Lace.

Aroma: The first impression is of a new-mowed lawn. Second impression brought a slightly sweet malted barley aroma to the front, more or less. Finally the lip-to-sip confirmed the hops as the dominant flavor. The new-mowed lawn is joined by a very slight lemon aroma.

Mouth feel: This is a medium bodied beer with a full carbonation that adds both a creamy sensation and a slight acidic spike.

Flavor: After the initial refreshing sensation of the cool liquid, an immediate hop presence is experienced, with a firm hand shake and slap on the back for the taste buds in the mouth. Then a sharper hop flavor, not quite citric, not quite metallic, washes through the aromatic sensors and remain comfortably ensconced on the rear of the pallet.

Finish: This is a long finishing brew with more of a savory rather than cleansing effect...
Comments: Pale India Ales are difficult for me to decipher. First, because there are so many sub-styles. Once you add anything other than English two-row malted barley or English hops it becomes something other than Pale India Ale. However, if the essence of the style is to have a medium alcohol and medium bodied brew with enough hop flavor to grab your attention without becoming hop-tea, that this is an I.P.A.

I would venture to say that this is a brew that would be best served as a “dinner” beer. It would enhance a hearty soup, then great a well flavored savory entrée with open arms and not be intimidated by either a sweet or fruit for the last dance.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/96/9873

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/magic-hat-hipa/23899/

Three Reasons to Drink Beer

The following three reasons to drink beer do not include consuming mass quantities of the suds. (For the record, “moderate drinking” according to the medical industry is basically no more than ten portions of beverage alcohol per week for persons of my gender, height, weight and age. Your mileage may vary.)

The reasons have been chosen with great care. They were chosen to inform and instigate debate. Citations have been included only if they can be confirmed by at least three independent sources. This is important to make note of because of modern myths and legends propagated by well meaning and just plain mean folks. These myths and legends have been repeated enough that they can often be found wearing a patina of truth that is not deserved.

Research for this piece began in September 1969. And yes, those initial encounters with yellow brew (called “Farmers Beer” in Canada) did involve consuming more than the recommended daily allowance of beverage alcohol for a person of my gender, height, weight and age (just barely legal at that time in New York State). Since then I can say that I have tasted over 1,000 different beers, ales, stouts, porters, barley wines, bocks, Doubles, Triples sparkling fermented malt beverages in at least an equal number of pubs, bars, taverns, inns, bistros, and bodegas. After all that research I humbly offer the following three reasons to drink beer.

1) One will relax you. That is the essential reason a person drinks beer. From the micro-maven to the Lite beer lover all drink beer to get a buzz. Intoxication is what happens when beverage alcohol is consumed. The degree of intoxication depends on the amount of alcohol consumed and the time duration from beginning to last drop consumed.

2) Two is a Round. Two beers, ordered and then served at the same time is the basic “Round”. This “Round” must have two participants. (In an emergency the bartender can be enlisted. If they will not participate the event can no longer be called a “Round” and becomes drinking-for-effect if the beverages are consumed in quick succession, or drinking-warm-beer if you take the one hour per drink rule seriously.) The object of a “Round” is to be a social person and share a beer with someone who then shares a beer with you. The number of Rounds that can be called for usually depends on the number of folks present. As noted above the basic Round is “gone” with at least two participants. Any more than two and there is a sub, or supra, level to the basic Round.

3) Three is a Party. Three beers, ordered and then served at the same time can be a “Round” but deserves the title of “Party”. Here is where politics was invented and the “Party” was hatched. (No cite…) The reason for this is the human dynamic to take sides. Should two people decide to take opposing sides to a topic it involves intense concentration in order to have the last word. Should you pause to take a sip of your brew the strain-of-thought might become too much and the refreshment and relaxing effect of the beverage take over rendering your point undefended and at the mercy of your partner in conversation. Beer, being a social lubricant, (see the above – “Round”) in any situation, becomes essential in a Party situation. As a three sided discussion is awkward, one member of the party can sip their brew at leisure while the other two members of the party go a round. (No, not the “R” word. Rather the “r” word – sparing or dueling.) The duration of that round depends on the thirst worked up by the non-sipping members of the party. This is where the most important rule can be invoked. This is the moment-of-silence when all members of the party pause to remember what it was they were talking about by raising their glasses in unison and finishing the contents in a synchronized manner. This rule is usually non-verbally invoked when it is time to go another Round.

Why do I stop at three reasons to drink beer?

Because it’s my turn to go a Round…

Cheers!

Peter LaFrance

A taste of… Abyss 2008

Deschutes Brewery
Bend, OR
USA

Preface: This sample arrived in good condition, chilled and nestled in Styrofoam “peanuts.” The promotional material included has not been read as of this tasting. The fact is I can’t find it. So based only on my vague memories of their 2007 version, I will begin the tasting of Abyss 2008. (The wax dipped crown cap is romantic but needs special attention when opening. I started with a hop cutting knife from the hop farms of Elk Mountain, Idaho. The crown cap was dispatched with a nifty palm-size brassy Warsteiner promotional bottle opener.)

Appearance: I’ve seen motor oil lighter colored than this. My trusty Maglight at its tightest beam could not penetrate this deep dark brew. The head is the darkest creamiest creation of small to medium sized bubbles that hold their head high for an unusual length of time for a brew that posts a percentage of alcohol by volume at 11%.

Aroma: As soon as this bottle was opened I could smell the rich aroma of roasted grain. Initial impression is surprisingly light with a definite roasted grain impression. A second, deeper exploration of these aromas find under currents of chocolate and leather. That moment between lip and sip finds chocolate whispers.

Mouth feel: There is surprisingly light mouth feel (for an 11% abv brew) at first, and then the flavors kick in the mouth feel increases and crescendos at the flavor crest.

Flavor: Coffee, chocolate, molasses, smoke and tobacco all sing out. Each note is specific and distinct but all are sung in an impressive harmony of flavors that neither shout nor croon.

Finish: This has a surprising smooth finish. No astringency or dusty dryness, rather a semi-dry smoke roasted fading away.

Comments: This is not a World Wrestling Federation style of extreme beer. This is a well brewed high-alcohol brew. As I search for words to describe this brew I let my eyes wander to the label where I find, “The Abyss: Stout brewed with licorice and molasses with 33% aged in oak bourbon barrels.”

Also: “It’s dark. It’s deep. It’s mysterious. This imperial stout has immeasurable depth inviting you to explore and discover its rich complex profile. The flavor of this special brew draws you in further and further with each sip. The Abyss beckons. Enjoy the journey.”


The Brewery: http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/splash/default.aspx

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/news/1613642

A taste of… Participation Lager

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

Preface: This bottle has been well cared for despite its age. (It is a pre-election offering by the folks at Magic Hat.) The promotional material for this brew can’t be found so I’ll just take the label information at its word… The neck label “RATE it online at: ODDNOTION.MAGICHAT.net” as well as “HeadCount is a not-for-profit nonpartisan organization devoted to registering live music fans to vote. Register to vote at HEADCOUNT.ORG” The front label states that this is “3/4 pint of beer” and “5% alc./vol.”


Appearance: This is a brilliant light golden brew with lively carbonation and a slight chill-haze. The Head is composed of medium to large bubbles that knit into a semi-rocky head with a smooth almost white color.


Aroma: The first impression is of a faintly sweet refreshing mix of cool (served at 40F) and herbaceous with whispers of clover (yes clover).The second visit revealed a sweet cereal grain tone. The lip-to-sip sensation revealed neither sweet nor floral.


Mouth feel: There is a firm but not full body, enhanced with a creamy carbonation.


Flavor: The refreshing chill of this brew is only momentarily kissed with sweetness before the more powerful herbal push to the front. There is a rather interesting mix of hops used in this brew. Although these flavors dominate, it is, dare I say it, not an unpleasant sensation.


Finish: The final sensation is that of the sharp rather than bitter hop contribution.


Comments: Although this was not the freshest example of this brew the impression is one of a medium bodied lager with a bit more hop esters than is traditional.
(Magic Hat and the word “traditional” are related how?) As the asterisked note on the front label states, this is “A brew to provoke political discussion.”


It would be my beverage of choice with pizza “all the way” (with everything including anchovies).


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/96/44215

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/magic-hat-participation-lager-08/91662/7393/

A taste of… Roxy Rolles Winter Ale '08

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

Preface: The good folks at Magic Hat sent me this bottle of Roxy Rolles Winter Seasonal Ale along with their Braggot. The promotional material that came with these brews was dated 17 October 2008. It has had plenty of time to settle down. And so the tasting notes…

Appearance: Cloudy red-copper color topped with a full head of bubbles of various sizes resulting in a rocky very light sandy tan foam. As the head falls there is a noticeable Belgian lace.

Aroma: First impressions are those of herbaceous notes and roasted grain accents. Second impressions reinforce the grain aromas and the herb accents recede slightly. Finally the lip-to-sip the anticipation of malt sweetness in increased.

Flavor: After the refreshing cool liquid is enjoyed, there are a number of flavors that the hops bring to the front. These flavors are less floral or herbaceous and sharper bitter spikes that vary in intensity. Slight metallic glints sharpen those bitter spikes.

Mouth feel: There is more body to this beer than the aromatics hint at. The color also hints at the fuller feel.

Finish: The finish is not as fleeting as anticipated. The hop tang lingers longest but is not unpleasant.

Comments: This is one of the less emphatic “winter” brews. I would pair this brew with a slate-grey, misty, overcast afternoon spent in a comfortable tavern in Burlington, listening to college kids gripe about grades.

It would also be a beverage of choice with pizza lardo (a crisp crusted pizza topped with pancetta renderings and cracklings), or a cone of deep fried thin julienned of potatoes served with a side of mayo.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/96/33200

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/magic-hat-roxy-rolles/65532/

A taste of… XX Au Naturale Double Red Ale

Grand Teton Brewing Co.
430 Old Jackson Hole Highway
Victor, ID 83455
USA

Preface: I apologize for the crude bottle adornment. The folks at Grand Teton ship their samples in “barely marked” bottles. This one was shipped 8 October 2008. This sample came with the XX Bitch Creek sample and the good folks at Grand Teton neglected to include a “cheat sheet” on the XX Au Naturale. Ergo I go un-lead into these notes.

Appearance: I would call this a red brew with some orange hints. The head was so short lived I am going to blame the glass this time. What head there was seemed to be knit of medium bubbles that formed a very rocky sandy brown foam.

Aroma: First impressions are of damp whole wheat bread. Closer exploration reveals caramel and rock-candy accents. That moment between lip and sip reveals low levels of vegetal esters.

Flavor: After the refreshing cool sensation of brew served at the best temperature, the flavors begin a series of feints and advances. First is a grainy and caramel flavor base that is swept over by a series of flowery but truly bitter flavors.

Mouth feel: The body is enhanced by the effects of the bitter floral flavors.

Finish: The bitter floral accents disperse gradually. They don’t over-stay their welcome but rather remind the imbiber that there is more where they came from… so drink up!

Comments: Except for the caramel “nose” to this ale, I would imagine that this could be regular “session” ale in places where it can find an available tap. As it is a limited edition this means another reason to enjoy autumn.

I would pair this with rich cold cuts of meat and cured sausages. It also has a fine palette cleansing ability that would make a plate of mixed cheeses a real treat. (Warm bread for real flavor explosions of cheese and beer.)

Original Gravity: 1.052
International Bittering Units: 23
Alcohol content – 4.94% abv

The Brewery: http://www.grandtetonbrewing.com/ourbeers.html

What others say:
BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/1394357