Taste: 4 Finish: 4 Visual: 3 Aroma: 3
Total: 14
Super Dry is the best selling beers in Japan. It was designed to be crisp and clean with no aftertaste while retaining full flavor. Let's see.
It's a nice light golden color. Thin head. Slightly sweet aroma.
It's a very light flavor. Slight malt flavor upfront. A bit soapy in the middle. Very limited bitterness at the end. It finishes cleanly and pretty much gone seconds later. A very simple beer.
This would be the equivalent of Coors or Miller in the States. An inoffensive beer with little going for it. But certainly nothing bad either. It lived up to its crisp, clean, and no aftertaste tag line. But, full flavored? Compared to water? Yes. Compared to real beer? No.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Beck's Oktoberfest: 20
Taste: 7 Finish: 4 Visual: 5 Aroma: 4
Total: 20
I found Beck's to usually be slightly skunked. So, I just couldn't resist trying their Oktoberfest. Well, it is getting close to October, right?
It has beautiful color. A nice deep amber. There is a good amount of aroma of sweet malt.
It has a great initial first taste. Very sweet and savory. A bit of roasted malt. In the back is just a bit of a hop bite. And it finishes pretty cleanly. Although, there is just a hint of harshness in the back. It doesn't linger but it's there. Even with that, I could drink many many in a row.
What a pleasant surprise. Many German beers aren't the freshest so perhaps that's what I'm tasting here. Otherwise, an extremely good beer.
Total: 20
I found Beck's to usually be slightly skunked. So, I just couldn't resist trying their Oktoberfest. Well, it is getting close to October, right?
It has beautiful color. A nice deep amber. There is a good amount of aroma of sweet malt.
It has a great initial first taste. Very sweet and savory. A bit of roasted malt. In the back is just a bit of a hop bite. And it finishes pretty cleanly. Although, there is just a hint of harshness in the back. It doesn't linger but it's there. Even with that, I could drink many many in a row.
What a pleasant surprise. Many German beers aren't the freshest so perhaps that's what I'm tasting here. Otherwise, an extremely good beer.
River Horse Lager: 9
Taste: 3 Finish: 2 Visual: 1 Aroma: 3
Total: 9
The color is a very pale straw and it's cloudy. Not what I was expecting from a lager. The aroma is mild and sweet.
The brew starts mildly sweet from the malt. It is slightly soapy in the middle. And there is a very mild bitterness at the end. There is certainly no complexity to the flavor. What would be a very average beer turns poor with the finish. This beer coats the tongue and wears you down over time. I could barely stand to open a 3rd. It's just very blunting.
I was unimpressed with River Horse's last beer, and I certainly don't want any more of the lager. This may be a local brew for me, but I'll pass quickly and move to something more satisfying.
Total: 9
The color is a very pale straw and it's cloudy. Not what I was expecting from a lager. The aroma is mild and sweet.
The brew starts mildly sweet from the malt. It is slightly soapy in the middle. And there is a very mild bitterness at the end. There is certainly no complexity to the flavor. What would be a very average beer turns poor with the finish. This beer coats the tongue and wears you down over time. I could barely stand to open a 3rd. It's just very blunting.
I was unimpressed with River Horse's last beer, and I certainly don't want any more of the lager. This may be a local brew for me, but I'll pass quickly and move to something more satisfying.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Broughton Old Jock Ale: 23
Taste: 7 Finish: 7 Visual: 5 Aroma: 4
Total: 23
Old Jock is a full flavored dark beer to be drunk at "cellar" temperatures with hearty foods. Really?
It pours very well. The head is thick and a nice dark cream color. The brew is a deep amber, bordering on walnut. It has a nice sweet malt aroma with a bit of roasted nut.
Ooh. It has a very nice sweet upfront. Roasted malt. A bit of creaminess. in the middle I get a slight honey and a bit of nut. Then a moderate bitterness jumps in. It finishes pretty well leaving a slight coating on the tongue and a mild bitterness.
Very nice. That's what I would say about Old Jock. Full of flavor. Would be good with spicy or hearty food. After the pretty bad Merlin Ale, this is a big improvement.
Total: 23
Old Jock is a full flavored dark beer to be drunk at "cellar" temperatures with hearty foods. Really?
It pours very well. The head is thick and a nice dark cream color. The brew is a deep amber, bordering on walnut. It has a nice sweet malt aroma with a bit of roasted nut.
Ooh. It has a very nice sweet upfront. Roasted malt. A bit of creaminess. in the middle I get a slight honey and a bit of nut. Then a moderate bitterness jumps in. It finishes pretty well leaving a slight coating on the tongue and a mild bitterness.
Very nice. That's what I would say about Old Jock. Full of flavor. Would be good with spicy or hearty food. After the pretty bad Merlin Ale, this is a big improvement.
Jim Beam Rye Whiskey: 18
Taste: 5 Finish: 7 Visual: 3 Aroma: 3
Total: 18
Rye whiskeys are hard to come by these days. Jim Beam puts out a reasonably priced version. Given rye whiskeys are supposed to be harsher and a bit more rough and tumble, coupled with Jim Beam not being the greatest, I figure I'm in for a rough ride.
It has a moderate whiff of alcohol. The color is a normal amber color. Taking a sip the first thing I'm amazed with is how smooth it is. I expect this to have some rough edges. It doesn't. It is very clean with no lingering flavors. The up front flavor has a bit of earthy and grain undertones. It's all very subdued.
Not a bad whiskey. Not a very good whiskey either. Being a rye, it has a bit of that earthy flavor you'd expect. But overall the flavor is muted. I'm unimpressed but certainly not appalled.
Total: 18
Rye whiskeys are hard to come by these days. Jim Beam puts out a reasonably priced version. Given rye whiskeys are supposed to be harsher and a bit more rough and tumble, coupled with Jim Beam not being the greatest, I figure I'm in for a rough ride.
It has a moderate whiff of alcohol. The color is a normal amber color. Taking a sip the first thing I'm amazed with is how smooth it is. I expect this to have some rough edges. It doesn't. It is very clean with no lingering flavors. The up front flavor has a bit of earthy and grain undertones. It's all very subdued.
Not a bad whiskey. Not a very good whiskey either. Being a rye, it has a bit of that earthy flavor you'd expect. But overall the flavor is muted. I'm unimpressed but certainly not appalled.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Broughton Ales Merlin's Ale: 12
Taste: 4 Finish: 4 Visual: 2 Aroma: 2
Total: 12
Well, first, I bought this and just saw it is several months past its best by date. So, we'll assume that the flavors should be a bit more pronounced and the finish a bit smoother if I bought it, oh, back in March.
Second, who can resist trying Merlin's Ale? I don't think he drank much but then again, maybe beer is where he drew his mystical powers from. I often feel magical after many beers. Hmm.
It has a mild malt aroma. A bit sweet. The color is a very bland "golden" and it's cloudy.
It's very sweet. Well, sweet for a beer. Very mild up front. A bit of honey in the back followed by mild bitterness. The bitterness sits on the tongue for a little bit. Not too long. This is a Scottish beer so it does have a bit of that earthiness and, well, scotch-like flavor at the end.
Even if I drank this 4 months ago, I don't think this would be a very good beer. I really question why it's even made. It's not horrible but seriously, who would buy this for the taste? Call it Scotties Ale and it would sell 4 pints. Call it Merlin and maybe an idiot like me will buy a bottle.
Total: 12
Well, first, I bought this and just saw it is several months past its best by date. So, we'll assume that the flavors should be a bit more pronounced and the finish a bit smoother if I bought it, oh, back in March.
Second, who can resist trying Merlin's Ale? I don't think he drank much but then again, maybe beer is where he drew his mystical powers from. I often feel magical after many beers. Hmm.
It has a mild malt aroma. A bit sweet. The color is a very bland "golden" and it's cloudy.
It's very sweet. Well, sweet for a beer. Very mild up front. A bit of honey in the back followed by mild bitterness. The bitterness sits on the tongue for a little bit. Not too long. This is a Scottish beer so it does have a bit of that earthiness and, well, scotch-like flavor at the end.
Even if I drank this 4 months ago, I don't think this would be a very good beer. I really question why it's even made. It's not horrible but seriously, who would buy this for the taste? Call it Scotties Ale and it would sell 4 pints. Call it Merlin and maybe an idiot like me will buy a bottle.
Friday, September 14, 2007
River Horse Special Ale ESB: 16
Taste: 5 Finish: 5 Visual: 4 Aroma: 2
Total: 16
Given the ultra hopped beers today, a Extra Special Bitter really isn't that bitter. A super IPA will crush this beer and laugh. But, an ESB today isn't too bitter, just a bit bitter. And that's okay too.
The head is thin but the color is a beautiful copper. There is little to no aroma.
Upfront is a mild sweetness. It transitions to a very mild bitterness. A bit more on the exhale. Underneath is a very mild sweetness throughout of light honey. I then had some pretzels and that's when the flavor really awoken with this brew. Suddenly there was a medium citrus and more honey. Much better!
Overall, a nice beer. Nothing great. It's a beer you could easily serve at a party and most of the guests will like it. It also doesn't linger long. So, you could drink many throughout the night. I would grab this over just about any mass produced beer. But it certainly isn't in the big craft leagues either.
Total: 16
Given the ultra hopped beers today, a Extra Special Bitter really isn't that bitter. A super IPA will crush this beer and laugh. But, an ESB today isn't too bitter, just a bit bitter. And that's okay too.
The head is thin but the color is a beautiful copper. There is little to no aroma.
Upfront is a mild sweetness. It transitions to a very mild bitterness. A bit more on the exhale. Underneath is a very mild sweetness throughout of light honey. I then had some pretzels and that's when the flavor really awoken with this brew. Suddenly there was a medium citrus and more honey. Much better!
Overall, a nice beer. Nothing great. It's a beer you could easily serve at a party and most of the guests will like it. It also doesn't linger long. So, you could drink many throughout the night. I would grab this over just about any mass produced beer. But it certainly isn't in the big craft leagues either.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Monty Python Holy Ale: 4
Taste: 1 Finish: 0 Visual: 1 Aroma: 2
Come on. How could I not buy it? And how could it possibly be good?
It has a thin head. No aroma. And an amberish color. Almost artificial.
Oh my. What the hell is that flavor? The front is an inoffensive "beer" like flavor. But then the back and the finish. Christ, I don't know what it is. Bitter. Artificial. And it lingers on the tongue. It won't go away! Eck. Absolutely horrible.
Do people a favor. If you see this in the store, knock it over and call out "spill on aisle 5!"
Come on. How could I not buy it? And how could it possibly be good?
It has a thin head. No aroma. And an amberish color. Almost artificial.
Oh my. What the hell is that flavor? The front is an inoffensive "beer" like flavor. But then the back and the finish. Christ, I don't know what it is. Bitter. Artificial. And it lingers on the tongue. It won't go away! Eck. Absolutely horrible.
Do people a favor. If you see this in the store, knock it over and call out "spill on aisle 5!"
Hacker-Pschorr Weisse: 20
Taste: 6 Finish: 6 Visual: 5 Aroma: 3
Total: 20
I've always considered Hacker-Pschorr Weisse one of the best wheat beers. This is probably because my father would order one on rare occasion and savor it. After trying the very good Paulaner wheat beer, let's see if Hacker-Pschorr ups the ante.
It pours with an enormous head which is creamy and dissipates slowly. The color is a chalky, cloudy, and milky golden. Perfect. It has a slightly sweet aroma of baked bread.
Do you remember the taste of a top notch white bread fresh from the oven? Yeasty, soft, sweet. That's what this beer is like. You almost want to chew it. It has very nice undertones of citrus, mostly lemon. It finishes sweetly and cleanly.
Even though this is a very pleasant taste, I could use a bit more. The flavors are muted a bit. But, you could drink 2 or 3 before you realized what you did. A very nice beer, just not a great beer.
Total: 20
I've always considered Hacker-Pschorr Weisse one of the best wheat beers. This is probably because my father would order one on rare occasion and savor it. After trying the very good Paulaner wheat beer, let's see if Hacker-Pschorr ups the ante.
It pours with an enormous head which is creamy and dissipates slowly. The color is a chalky, cloudy, and milky golden. Perfect. It has a slightly sweet aroma of baked bread.
Do you remember the taste of a top notch white bread fresh from the oven? Yeasty, soft, sweet. That's what this beer is like. You almost want to chew it. It has very nice undertones of citrus, mostly lemon. It finishes sweetly and cleanly.
Even though this is a very pleasant taste, I could use a bit more. The flavors are muted a bit. But, you could drink 2 or 3 before you realized what you did. A very nice beer, just not a great beer.
Samuel Smith Imperial Stout: 14
Taste: 3 Finish: 3 Visual: 5 Aroma: 3
Total: 14
This beer for me was a total shocker. I've heard numerous rave reviews of this beer so I was eager to try it. It was a complete disappointment. It started well. It's a totally black beer with no light getting through. The aroma is nice but not strong. The head is thick and creamy.
Here's how I would describe this Imperial Stout. It's a lite version of a full flavored beer. An imperial stout should be strong, rich, chocolately, deep coffee and caramel flavors. All of these components were there, just extremely muted. Kind as if Guinness came out with Lite Stout for people who didn't want it too heavy. I'm sorry, but an imperial stout should be anything but lite. It should grab you and keep you warm for a month. This was way too tame. Steer clear.
Total: 14
This beer for me was a total shocker. I've heard numerous rave reviews of this beer so I was eager to try it. It was a complete disappointment. It started well. It's a totally black beer with no light getting through. The aroma is nice but not strong. The head is thick and creamy.
Here's how I would describe this Imperial Stout. It's a lite version of a full flavored beer. An imperial stout should be strong, rich, chocolately, deep coffee and caramel flavors. All of these components were there, just extremely muted. Kind as if Guinness came out with Lite Stout for people who didn't want it too heavy. I'm sorry, but an imperial stout should be anything but lite. It should grab you and keep you warm for a month. This was way too tame. Steer clear.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale: 28
Taste: 9 Finish: 10 Visual: 5 Aroma: 4
Total: 28
I think the title says it all. And, if you read the label, they are just taunting you saying this beer is way too much for you. Put it down, wimp!
It pours with a large creamy head. The color is very, very dark amber. The aroma itself has a spiced tang to it.
Wow, this beer is smoooth. The back and finish does have a nice, almost creamy hoppy bitterness. There is an undertone of spice. There is a nice malt flavor in the front. And throughout I get that smooth creaminess. I'm just amazed that the beer has a lot of flavor and yet is so smooth. Can I say smooth again?
This is probably one of the best beers that you can drink multiple of. Most craft beers are extremely high in alcohol (this is only 7.2%), and have such strong flavors that you really only want maybe two. Not so with Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale. This you can drink all night. Fantastic.
Total: 28
I think the title says it all. And, if you read the label, they are just taunting you saying this beer is way too much for you. Put it down, wimp!
It pours with a large creamy head. The color is very, very dark amber. The aroma itself has a spiced tang to it.
Wow, this beer is smoooth. The back and finish does have a nice, almost creamy hoppy bitterness. There is an undertone of spice. There is a nice malt flavor in the front. And throughout I get that smooth creaminess. I'm just amazed that the beer has a lot of flavor and yet is so smooth. Can I say smooth again?
This is probably one of the best beers that you can drink multiple of. Most craft beers are extremely high in alcohol (this is only 7.2%), and have such strong flavors that you really only want maybe two. Not so with Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale. This you can drink all night. Fantastic.
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