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Negra Modelo

Posted: July 31st, 2009, 3:21am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #211

I love the funky bottles Grupo Modelo uses. The label simply says “Dark Beer”, but multiple sources online call it a Munich dunkel. I usually only get to have it out at a Mexican restaurant.

Dark brown with a nice head. Caramel and maybe a little fruit (peaches?) in the aroma. Body is lighter that I would have thought and just the slightest bit astringent. It’s good, though. I could go for some salsa.

Grupo Modelo, S.A.B. de C.V. (en Español)

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Goose Island India Pale Ale

Posted: July 30th, 2009, 2:44am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #210

After all of those macro lagers for most of this month, I needed something more my style. Well, I love me a good American IPA, and I’ve heard good things about Goose Island. Even better, I haven’t seen it at my usual retailer.

I notice the aroma first. Plenty of citrus and lavender from the hops. Yellowish amber with some haze and head that laces nicely on the glass. Nicely balanced. My wife likes it, too. I would definitely have this again.

Goose Island India Pale Ale

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Milwaukee’s Best

Posted: July 29th, 2009, 4:03am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #209

Well, this concludes my two-week (or so) delve into the world of macro-brewed lagers. This seems like an appropriate way to finish.

Commonly known as “The Beast,” Milwaukee’s Best is a bargain brand from MillerCoors. However, it is very hard to find on the MillerCoors website and it doesn’t rate it’s own branded website (although Milwaukee’s Best Light is so honored). There’s also the disconnect of the “Established 1895″ on the can and the “Introduced in 1984″ on the website.

I can honestly say I’ve never had this beer. Even in our youth we never felt so desparate to have this. I guess we were spoiled.

Extremely pale with a white head. The head drops quickly and leaves no lacing on the glass. A bit floral with an acrid aroma, not unlike burnt plastic. It’s flat and nearly–but not near enough–flavorless. It’s not as bad as I’d feared, but it’s still pretty bad.

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Busch Beer

Posted: July 28th, 2009, 1:01am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #208

“Cold As A Mountain Stream, Smooth As Its Name”

Here’s some factoids I didn’t know: Busch Bavarian Beer was introduced in 1955 and was the first new beer brand from Anheuser-Busch following prohibition. They dropped “Bavarian” from the name when they took it national in 1979.

I remember that in our youth we would occasionally drink this as a cost-saving measure, but always had to be careful to say “Busch Beer” and not just “Busch” lest we get dirty looks and cold-shoulders from female college friends.

Well, this is predictable, isn’t it? Pale straw with a quick-dropping white head. Floral aroma. Kind of a plastic taste to it. Not awful, but given a choice between this and no beer at all, I’d have a tough time choosing.

Busch Beer

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Michelob Lager

Posted: July 27th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #207

Michelob used to be the upscale brand in the Anheuser-Busch stable. No yelling former athletes, no snarky comedians, no scantilly-clad women. I do recall one commercial featured Eric Clapton doing a redone version of “After Midnight“. Then it seemed to be mostly neglected, with A-B tinkering with the formula, only restoring Michelob to an all-malt formula recently.

Of course, now Anheuser-Busch InBev is repurposing the brand as their “faux craft” line. I’ll have to try out the new flavors. In the meantime, I scored one of the last of the original lagers in the new/old style bottles.

Pale amber with a white head. A bit of fruit in the aroma (apples?). Taste is pretty good, if a little overcarbonated. Not bad for a light lager.

Michelob

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Frederick Keys split a rainy double-header with Lynchburg Hillcats

Posted: July 27th, 2009, 12:06am CEST by Al

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Guess which section we didn’t sit in yesterday.

No Beer No Beer

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Michelob Ultra

Posted: July 26th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #206

My wife was busting my chops about my weight today. (She likes to poke my belly and say “there’s your little project”.) No, it’s all the damn sweets I’ve been eating lately. I’ll show her!

Anyway, this came out at the height of the low-carb diet craze. It proudly proclaims 2.6 grams of carbohydrates and 95 calories. It’s also 4.2% ABV.

As is typical of light American lagers, it’s very pale with a white head that drops almost instantly. Has a rather fruity aroma. Flavor is light and with a bit more fruit from the hops. Actually, this isn’t too bad. Not as flavorful as I would like, but compared to the other beers I’ve been having this past week, it’s pretty good.

Michelob Ultra

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Guinness Extra Stout

Posted: July 25th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #205

I’ll guess we’ll stick to imports for another day. I’d say European, but this is actually a product of Canada. (At least they still get to say it’s an import.)

Inky dark, with a light beige head. I get a bit of vanilla and a smidgen of coffee. Flavor’s a little harsh; it’s not as smooth as I was expecting from an Irish stout. It’ll do in a pinch.

Guinness

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Heineken

Posted: July 24th, 2009, 3:54am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #204

Taking a break from domestic macro lagers, it’s time to try one from Europe. Might as well go with the biggest.

Heineken’s a bit of a whipping boy around here. I have never, ever, had a Heineken–or even encountered one being drunk by someone else–that wasn’t lightstruck. It’s so consistent, in fact, that it seems like the Heineken people are doing it on purpose. Do they hate Americans? Or is it just a big joke? “Look what we convinced those silly people to drink!”

True to form, it’s skunked. I suppose there’s no point in telling you that it’s straw colored and clear, with a white head and nice lacing. Besides the skunky aroma there’s a distinct taste of boiled vegetables. I can’t believe people actually think this is the way it’s supposed to be. I can’t finish it.

I suppose i need to get it in the “keg can” or, better, get overseas and have their offering in the brown bottle, which I’m told is actually pretty good. But I’m done ever trying the import in the green bottle.

Heineken

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Miller High Life

Posted: July 23rd, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #203

Over 100 years of brewing tradition and the finest ingredients have made this smooth, golden lager an American classic.

The Champagne of Beers® is one of those “old man beers”. I certainly thought so in my youth, as my friends and I opted for the much hipper Miller Genuine Draft. (Would you believe there’s also a Miller High Life Light?)

Like all of the rest of the macro lagers I’ve had this week, this one is very pale with a white head that drops quickly. It’s slightly darker than Miller Lite, but that’s like saying ivory is slightly darker than eggshell. I get an aroma kind of like putty. On second sniff I get something like soap. What little flavor is gone when I finish swallowing.

To be honest, of all the macros I’ve had in this stretch, I like this one the best so far.

Miller High Life

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Miller Lite

Posted: July 22nd, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #202

Everything you’ve always wanted in a beer. And less.

I’ll give the Miller people credit, they’ve made some awfully amusing commercials over the years. The “Tastes Great. Less Filling.” campaign may have been one of the most successful ever.

Super pale with a white head. Unlike the other macros I’ve had the last few days it actually has a little head retention. Not much scent; a little vegetable aroma. Has a bit more flavor than the others I’ve had lately.

Miller Lite

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Bud Light

Posted: July 21st, 2009, 1:53am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #201

It’s the most popular beer in the world*. It offers “Superior Drinkability”**.

Why, then, am I dreading this?

(Come on, Al. Keep an open mind.)

Pale, pale straw, with a white head that drops nearly instantly. I smell virtually nothing. There might be a bit of hop fruitiness. There’s carbonation, and some essence of beer, but there’s virtually no flavor at all.

Or, as someone else so delicately put it, it’s “best used to wash the sidewalk“.

Bud Light

* According to Anheuser-Busch InBev
** Again, according to ABIB…or at least their marketing people

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Budweiser

Posted: July 20th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #200

I am in the midst of a two-week (or so) stretch of drinking macro lagers. It seems appropriate then at this milestone to have the King of Beers®.

This is the famous Budweiser beer. We know of no brand produced by any other brewer which costs so much to brew and age. Our exclusive Beechwood Aging produces a taste, a smoothness, and a drinkability you will find in no other beer at any price.

I used to have that little speech memorized.

The can still opens with that classic “pss-ch-kok!” that I remember. Pale yellow with a big white head that dissipates quickly. Smells like lavender dish soap. There’s a beer in there, but it tastes vaguely of boiled vegetables. I wouldn’t exactly rate it a one on the Unofficial Hop Talk beer rating system, but it’s pretty close.

Budweiser

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Coors Light

Posted: July 19th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #199

Nothing’s more refreshing than an ice cold Coors Light. Our Rocky Mountain heritage and unique Frost Brewing® process deliver that crisp, refreshing taste you can’t find anywhere else.

Yeah. Right.

Okay, let’s keep an open mind. Besides, I got a dozen other macros to get through. I did make sure my mountains were blue, though.

Very, very pale; head drops very quickly. Actually fairly fruity aroma. And…virtually no flavor. It’s like beer-flavored water.

Coors Light

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Schaefer Beer

Posted: July 18th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #198

Schaefer is the one beer to have when you’re having more than one.

And so I begin macro beer…well, more than a week.

I had hoped to get this for Father’s Day, but none of my local retailers had it. I had to go pretty far afield before I found it. As I’ve mentioned, this was my Dad’s beer of choice eons ago. It was certainly the first beer I ever tasted.

Pale straw with plenty of white head. Some floral aroma and a touch of sulfur. Flavor is light with a slightly unpleasant aftertaste. Actually, it tastes better straight from the can.

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Wil Wheaton @ Stone Brewing – July 23

Posted: July 17th, 2009, 4:46am CEST by Al

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Wil Wheaton, author, screen star, and geek icon, will be reading some of his work on the evening of July 23, 2009 at the Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens.

in which we combine wil wheaton, books, and beer. (mmmm … beer.)

Wait. That’s not what I was going to say. I mean, yes, it’s personal, but that’s not what’s awesome about this time. What’s awesome about this time is that I’m just the opening act for Rifftrax! They’re doing The Matrix: The One That Really Sucks Out Loud And Makes You Want To Punch Babies. (No, not that one, the other one.) For the six of you who don’t know: Rifftrax is a few of the guys from MST3K doing that thing they do so well, only this time they’re doing it LIVE. I think it’s safe to say that it’ll be awesome.

I start at 6pm. I plan to read for either 20 or 40 minutes, depending on how many people show up, and what they’re in the mood to hear me read. I’ll be prepared with stuff from Happiest Days of Our Lives, and stuff from Memories of the Future. I’ll also be prepared to stare into an empty space, wipe a single tear from my eye, and go drown my sorrows in beer. (That, by the way, is one of my default settings and is not specific to this event. It is a class feature, if you will.)

I wish I could go but, alas, it’s on the wrong coast. Details here. More here.

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Flying Dog Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale

Posted: July 17th, 2009, 2:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #197

Meet the Alpha of the pack … Flying Dog Classic Pale Ale is brilliant amber in color and dry hopped with buckets full of Cascades for an unrivaled hop flavor and aroma. This is a true representation of an American-style pale ale, using the finest ingredients. Flying Dog Classic Pale Ale is a multi-award winning product and is consistently ranked as one of the best pale ales in the U.S. This is what craft beer is all about.

I would have written this up long ago, but my wife likes it so much I can’t keep it in the house long enough.

Copper colored and clear. Very pretty. Hops, hops, and hops in the aroma. Nicely balanced with just a little extra kick of bitterness.

Now to hide a few bottles…

Flying Dog Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale

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Redhook Sunrye Summer Ale

Posted: July 16th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #196

One needs a light, refreshing ale to slay a summer thirst. Our golden-colored Sunrye fits the bill. Brewed with six barley malts and a touch of rye, it was practically made for trips to the lake and open-flame cookouts.

Bright golden yellow with not much head. Looks light, smells light; a little like sunflower seeds. The taste is light, a little nutty, with a pleasant bitterness. Not heavy at all. I’d have this again.

Redhook

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Victory Whirlwind Witbier

Posted: July 15th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #195

A swirling dynamo of flavor, with a steady calm of satisfaction at its heart, that’s Whirlwind Witbier. Offering a tamed tempest of flavors both spicy and sublime, this softly fermented ale greets the nose and tingles the tongue. Imported Belgian yeast charges Whirlwind with an energy all its own. It is a refreshing interpretation of the classic, Belgian ‘white beer’ style.

Cloudy lemonade. Banana and clove and a bit of lemon. Light and subtle, yet refreshing. I’d have that again.

Victory Whirlwind Witbier

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Beer Geography

Posted: July 14th, 2009, 2:29am CEST by Al

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There’s a fun little quiz over at mental_floss that challenges you to match nine beers with their country of origin. It was harder than I expected, especially after the first seemed so easy. See how well you can do without cheating.

I am chagrined to report that I only got 8 out of 9 correct.

How did you do?

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Starr Hill Pale Ale

Posted: July 14th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #194

Starr Hill Pale Ale is another award-winning, medium-bodied, year-round favorite. Creating a fresh spin on the English Pale Ale tradition, Master Brewer Mark Thompson uses liberal hopping and Munich malt to create a crisp, aromatic blend with a bit of bite. This brew has a higher alcohol content to balance its body and bitterness.

Medium amber with a finger’s worth of head. Nice aroma with fruit and flowers. Mmmm…that’s good.

Starr Hill Pale Ale

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Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

Posted: July 13th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #193

Esquire Magazine calls [Dogfish Head] 90 Minute IPA., “perhaps the best I.P.A. in America.” An Imperial I.P.A. brewed to be savored from a snifter. A big beer with a great malt backbone that stands up to the extreme hopping rate.

I talked about the 60 Minute IPA recently, so this is the same, only more so. Right? About one-and-a-half times more.

Pretty golden color, not unlike a bock. Big floral and spice hop aroma. Lotsa hops there, with a hint of oakiness. This wouldn’t be bad to cellar. Delicious. As I get further into it, the better it gets.

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Beer-a-Day Project: June recap

Posted: July 12th, 2009, 9:58pm CEST by Al

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Halfway through the year and I never thought it would be so hard to get this far. Don’t get me wrong; it’s easy to drink a good beer every day. It’s just hard to make sure to do it every day and write about it. It’s also getting harder to get beers I haven’t had before. I have to go shopping with a list of things not to get.

Previously:

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Brewer’s Alley BBQ Beer Dinner – July 21

Posted: July 12th, 2009, 1:17am CEST by Al

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Brewer’s Alley (Frederick, Maryland)

Presents

Barbeque Beer Dinner

Tuesday, July 21^{st, 2009}

1st Seating 5:30 pm, 2nd Seating 7:30 pm

Welcome Beer: Nut Brown Ale

Pete’s Pulled Pork on Corn Polenta

Smoked Pulled Pork and Hickory Barbeque Sauce on Polenta Cake

1634 ALE

Grilled Ratatouille Vegetable Salad

Grilled Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Eggplant, Red Pepper and Tomato

With Grilled Tomato Vinaigrette and Angel Hair Potatoes

KÖLSCH

Shrimp and Grits

Skewered Jumbo Shrimp with Corn and Cheese Grits, Chili-Barbeque Sauce

INDIA PALE ALE

Sweet and Spicy Pork tenderloin

Dorsey’s Grilled Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Chili-Apple Barbeque Sauce,

Cucumber Salad, Parsnip Puree and Balsamic Syrup

BOURBON BARREL AGED OATMEAL STOUT

Beer Braised Beef Short Ribs

Oatmeal Stout Braised Hereford Beef Short Ribs,

Brussel Sprouts and Oven Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes

BELGIAN-STYLE WIT

Golden Raisin Bread Pudding

Call 301-51-0089 for Reservations

$45 per person plus tax and gratuity

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Flying Dog In-Heat Wheat

Posted: July 12th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #192

Well, what do you know? For all that I like Flying Dog and all that I like wheat beers (Hi Max!), I’ve never written this one up. And, since Cork 57 was doing a promotion for the Flying Dog tasting the other day, I picked up a six-pack.

She taunts and teases… In-Heat Wheat is our German-style Hefeweizen. She is a full flavor beer, perfect for the more adventurous craft beer drinker. The addition of malted white wheat gives this brew its smooth, full mouthfeel. A proprietary yeast creates intriguing flavors of bananas and cloves.

Yellowish-orange and hazy. Bananas and cloves as well as some apples in the aroma. Smooth with that fruitiness. Refreshing, to be sure.

Flying Dog In-Heat Wheat

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Dogtoberfest

Posted: July 11th, 2009, 2:46am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #191

While it’s not yet on sale, JT shared with me some of this year’s Dogtoberfest. While I’ve written about it before (good and not-so-good-but-redeemed) this is too special a moment to let pass by.

Dogtoberfest is deep mahogany in color with an intriguing caramel finish and brewed with 100% imported German ingredients for a true German flavor.

That’s really good. Malty with just a bit of bitterness. I’m craving bratwurst and sauerkraut.

My wife likes it too.

Look for it at your favorite retailer in the next few weeks.

Flying Dog Dogtoberfest

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Flying Dog’s 20th Anniversary beer

Posted: July 10th, 2009, 5:40am CEST by Al

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I noticed that Flying Dog was having a beer tasting local to my place of business, so I decided to pop in and check it out. When I got over to Cork 57 in Bethesda (nice place, by the way, with a fairly decent craft beer selection) who should be there but JT, who also worked the Red, White and Brew event in Brunswick.

He remembered my wife, Naomi, from the event, and me from my picture here. We chatted about beer and stuff and he offered samples of the Woody Creek White, In-Heat Wheat, Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale, and Snake Dog IPA. Even Flying Dog Doggie Style better, JT scored a six-pack of the just-bottled-yesterday Dogtoberfest. I’ve enjoyed all of these before and did so again. The Dogtoberfest was a nice surprise, and as soon as I had my first sip I wanted to grill up some bratwurst. (It’s not yet for sale, though. Soon.)

JT also shared some details of a beer Flying Dog will be releasing at the end of the year to celebrate their 20th year in business.

It’s made from an augmented Snake Dog wort with an exclusive Belgian yeast strain (called Diablo) and dry-hopped with a load of Amarillo hops. It’ll be the first Flying Dog beer sold in 22 ounce “bombers”. It is 8% alcohol by volume and, according to Gwen Conley (Flying Dog “QC Goddess”), is “dangerously” drinkable.

The name (for now) is: Ragin’ Bitch.

I can’t wait to try it.

(Thanks JT!)

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Mother’s Milk

Posted: July 10th, 2009, 4:41am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #190 Keegan Ales Mother's Ales

…[A]s the name implies, [Mother's Milk] is a dark and creamy milk stout. Hints of oatmeal, chocolate and of course, milk make Mother’s Milk’s remarkably smooth and silky finish a classic example of the style.

This is another I scored in the aftermath of our recent get-together. I don’t see any Keegan Ales down this way, so I may not get another for a while.

Of course, the name reminds me of “Mudder’s Milk” (”all the protein, vitamins and carbs of your grandma’s best turkey dinner, plus 15 percent alcohol”) from Firefly.

Deep chocolatey brow with a thick head. Chocolate and coffee in the aroma, maybe a bit of vanilla. Smooth, roasted, and rich. Not something I’d want regularly, but as a change of pace or even a dessert, this hits the spot.

Keegan Ales

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Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale

Posted: July 9th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

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Beer-a-Day #189

A dozen years ago I was in Hawaii on a company-sponsored trip. It was the beginning of my appreciation for good beer, so I made sure to stop at the Kona Brewing brewpub.

Fire Rock Pale Ale is a crisp, refreshing “Hawaiian-style” pale ale. Its signature copper color results from the unique blend of specialty roasted malts. The pronounced citrus-floral hop aroma comes from the liberal amounts of Galena, Cascade & Mt. Hood hops added to each brew.

Seeing this in the cooler at our Hop Talk Advisory Council birthday barbecue was like a trip back in time. Nevermind that the thing is contract brewed in New Hampshire.

Light orangey copper with a tiny bit of haze. Orange zest and floral aroma. More citrus in the flavor with a pronounced bite at the end. I like it.

Kona Brewing Fire Rock Pale Ale

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Since when are you a brewmaster?

Posted: July 8th, 2009, 4:25am CEST by Al

%%Since when are you a brewmaster?%%

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Since when are you a brewmaster?

see more hipster robot webcomics and pixel t-shirts

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Saranac India Pale Ale

Posted: July 8th, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Al

Saranac India Pale Ale

Beer-a-Day #188

A hop lover’s delight. In the India Pale Ale tradition this brew is very hoppy in both aroma and flavor from the generous amounts of cascade hops used in brewing. Look for a medium to full body and golden straw color.

Beer Style: American I.P.A.
Malt Selections: North American two-row
Hop Selections: Cascade
Color: Golden straw color
Mouthfeel / Body: Medium
Food Companions: Seafood, pizza, Mexican
Alcohol By Volume: 5.8%
Original Gravity: 14.50

Clear and pretty amber with two fingers’ worth of head. Grapefruity hops. Pleasantly bitter and refreshing.

I don’t need to tell Ron about this one, since it’s practically brewed in his back yard, but I’ll bet my wife would like it. I know I do.

Saranac India Pale Ale

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North Korea’s first beer commercial promises to relieve your stress

Posted: July 7th, 2009, 11:48pm CEST by Al

North Korea’s first beer commercial promises to relieve your stress

(At least, that’s what people are claiming. I neither read nor speak Korean, so I’ll have to take their word for it.)

[www.youtube.com]

(via Boing Boing)

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/07/07/north-koreas-first-beer-commercial-promises-to-relieve-your-stress/';

Jersey Summer Breakfast Ale

Posted: July 7th, 2009, 12:49am CEST by Al

Jersey Summer Breakfast Ale

Beer-a-Day #187

This is a beer I scored in the aftermath of Max & Don’s birthday barbecue. You can be certain that I’m never going to see one of these at a local retailer down this way.

Golden color and slightly hazy, with little to no head. Very much like a witbier, but not quite. Banana and clove in the aroma and the flavor follows, with a little sweetness and little to no bitterness.

The Hop Talk Advisory Council has informed me that every time I sample a wheat beer I take pains to mention that I don’t generally like wheat beers but the one I happen to be sampling always meets with my satisfaction. So I won’t do that here. I will say, however, that it’s not what I expected.

Cricket Hill Brewery

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/07/06/jersey-summer-breakfast-ale/';

Hop Talk Football League

Posted: July 6th, 2009, 5:36pm CEST by Al

Hop Talk Football League

We still have some open slots for the Hop Talk Fantasy Football League. View the original article for details: Play fantasy football with the guys from Hop Talk

p.s. Draft Day is August 1.

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/07/06/hop-talk-football-league/';

Red, White and Brew

Posted: July 6th, 2009, 3:18am CEST by Al

Red, White and Brew

I was out of town over the weekend to celebrate a couple of milestone birthdays with the other half of the Hop Talk Advisory Panel: Don and Max. Good times, good times.

As such, I wasn’t able to attend the Red, White and Brew event in downtown Brunswick for First Friday. My wife was able to attend as my proxy, though.

Diane Ellis, Naomi Everett, JT Smith from Flying Dog, and former Miss Brunswick Railroad Days A. Danaher

JT, a Brunswick native, was the Flying Dog representative, and he brought the In-Heat Wheat and Tire Bite Golden Ale. (Naomi preferred the Wheat.) Of course, Naomi’s favorite Flying Dog brew is the Doggie Style Pale Ale, which JT found a little surprising because it’s so hoppy. My wife, though, loves those grapefruity hops.

Other highlights of the event include food (Memphis-style pit beef BBQ, baked beans, cole slaw), ice cream, and live music by Jumptown. About 200 hundred people attended, with proceeds going to support Brunswick Main Street.

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/07/05/red-white-and-brew/';

Wild Goose Snow Goose Winter Ale

Posted: July 6th, 2009, 12:01am CEST by Al

Wild Goose Snow Goose Winter Ale

Beer-a-Day #186

What do you know? Another winter beer on clearance.

Snow Goose is a Winter Warmer that has become a Mid-Atlantic tradition. Snow Goose pours a clear, deep, rich mahogany with a creamy, off-white head. The aromas are warm, toasty malts and caramel with just a hint of hops. Finishes clean
and dry.

Medium-dark brown with orange highlights; beige head. I can definitely smell the caramel and a bit of vanilla. Medium body with nice roastiness and more caramel. I rather like that.

Wild Goose Brewery Snow Goose Winter Ale

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/07/05/wild-goose-snow-goose-winter-ale/';

Rogue American Amber Ale

Posted: July 5th, 2009, 12:00am CEST by Al

Rogue American Amber Ale

Beer-a-Day #185

July 4th, American Independence Day. What better way to celebrate than with an American-brewed craft beer?

From the Rogue website:

Tasting Notes:

Tawny in color, with a coffee aroma, tight head and a delicate roasted malt accent. Generous use of hops and a smooth finish.

9 Ingredients:
Malts: Northwest Harrington and Klages, 95-115 and 135-165 Crystal.
Hops: Kent Golding and Cascade.
Yeast & Water: Rogue’s Pacman Yeast and Free Range Coastal Water.

Specs:
13º PLATO
53 IBU
73.1 AA
33º Lovibond

Well I certainly don’t disagree with their description. That’s darn good. An appropriate accompaniment to our neighbors’ fireworks show.

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/07/04/rogue-american-amber-ale/';

Good Read on a Better Brew

Posted: July 4th, 2009, 2:00pm CEST by Ron

Good Read on a Better Brew

A friend of mine gave me a great article from the New Yorker on beer called A Better Brew. It was about Dogfish Head Brewing, their founder Sam Calagione, and extreme beers. But it was more than that… it was an extremely well written story that really gives you a good picture of Dogfish Head and what they are about. I highly suggest taking the time to read the full article. Here is one of the ways the author, Calvin Trillin, discovered what Sam Calagione believes about extreme beer,

Extreme beer is a return to normality, too, Calagione believes. It’s just the normality of a thousand years ago, or several thousand, rather than a hundred. If the Reinheitsgebot is still the touchstone for most American brewers, Calagione’s is a bronze bowl from King Midas’ tomb.

One of the things I found most interesting was the lengths Dogfish Head would go through just to try something different. For example, they brewed with heated rocks because when sahti was first brewed in the middle ages they used wooden kettles; so hot rocks was the method of choice.

The online New Yorker also has an audio discussion about the article with additional insight. Again, this is some high quality stuff (not like you would find on just some beer blog). It is also worth a listen.

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/07/04/good-read-on-a-better-brew/';

Otter Creek Winter Ale

Posted: July 4th, 2009, 12:00am CEST by Al

Otter Creek Winter Ale

Beer-a-Day #184

My favorite retailer was having a clearance sale on some out-of-season beers. Well why the heck not?

The new special release is a smooth brown ale, with a touch of raspberry. Rich and toasty with a warming body and light hops, this will be a malty and perfectly fruited beer- very appealing and comforting. Just right for wintertime.

Well, I suppose I could crank up the air conditioning…

Chocolatey brown with a thin head. A bit of molasses in the aroma and some raspberries. A bit of roastiness in the flavor, light body, some more raspberries. Light body. I don’t know that I’d save this just for winter.

Otter Creek Winter Ale

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/07/03/otter-creek-winter-ale/';

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

Posted: July 3rd, 2009, 12:00am CEST by Al

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

Beer-a-Day #183

For all their ubiquity I can’t believe I haven’t written anything about one of these before. And I like drinking local.

Our 60 Minute IPA is continuously & intensely hopped. A session India Pale Ale brewed with Warrior, Amarillo & ‘Mystery Hop X.’ A powerful East Coast I.P.A. with a lot of citrusy hop character. The session beer for hardcore beer enthusiasts!

Light amber in color, with an off-white head. Loads of hops in the aroma; the grapefruit is pronounced. That is good, and I can taste every one of those 60 IBUs.

I will be having this again and again.

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/07/02/dogfish-head-60-minute-ipa/';

North Coast Scrimshaw

Posted: July 2nd, 2009, 3:13am CEST by Al

North Coast Scrimshaw

Beer-a-Day #182

Halfway through the year, and I’ve just about exhausted the selection at my favorite retailer. I’ve taken to shopping with a list of things I shouldn’t get.

Named for the delicate engravings popularized by 19th century seafarers, Scrimshaw is a fresh tasting Pilsner brewed in the finest European tradition using Munich malt and, Hallertauer and Tettnang hops. Scrimshaw has a subtle hop character, a crisp, clean palate, and a dry finish.

Pale, but not quite blonde. Copious white head. Earthy and a little fruity. Refreshing. Goes pretty well with this tomato, basil, bread dish my wife made. I’d have this again.

North Coast Scrimshaw

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/07/01/north-coast-scrimshaw/';

Cheers! Go Al!

Posted: July 2nd, 2009, 1:00am CEST by Ron

Cheers! Go Al!

Al started his Beer-a-Day project back on Jan 1, 2009 and he hasn’t missed a day yet! Today marks the half-way point.

Personally, I think he is crazy for attempting this but if anyone can do it, it’s him.

Let’s all raise a glass and give Al a big cheer for his accomplishment.

Cheers!

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/07/01/cheers-go-al/';

Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier

Posted: July 1st, 2009, 12:31am CEST by Al

Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier

Beer-a-Day #181

Nothing refreshes you more than this naturally cloudy wheat beer with its wonderful yeasty fragrance and taste. Goes well with dishes that do not have too intensive a flavour, especially that Bavarian speciality ‘Weisswurst’ or white sausage.

Original wort: 12,7 % weight
Bittering power: 14
Alcohol content: 5,4 % vol.
Calories: 210 kcal/0,5 l

Hazy yellow with copious head. Floral with a little bubblegum. I’m not generally down with the wheat beers, but that’s a darn good one. That is in the top five best wheat beers I’ve ever had. Sadly, I only have the one.

Brauerei Weihenstephan

submit_url = 'http://hop-talk.com/2009/06/30/weihenstephaner-hefe-weissbier/';

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