Taste: 7 Finish: 7 Aroma: 2 Visual: 5
Total: 21
It's a black beer with a fantastic looking dark brown head. No aroma whatsoever.
It's a little sweet on the tip of the tongue. Then the bitterness starts to wash in. By the middle the chocolate flavor starts to bloom. In the back the chocolate swells to it's peak. Then in the finish is a very rich and bitter chocolate exhale. Finally on the breath is roasted french roast coffee. Really, it's like you just drank black coffee.
What I'm surprised about is that after the initial taste, there really is no sweetness to this brew. Usually stouts are sweet and a bit creamy. This is definitely more dark chocolate and dark unsweetened coffee. I can't tell if I hate it or love it. Either way it is extremely well executed.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Harpoon UFO Hefeweizen: 14
Taste: 4 Finish: 4 Visual: 3 Aroma: 3
Total: 14
Harpoon's UFO Hefeweizen is a very light version suitable for those graduating from Bud or Coors. The flavor is light enough that you could easily suck down two in a row without blinking. Visually, it a cloudy and pale straw color with a small head. It has a bit of aroma of bread and hops.
At first it's a bit bready and chewy. It's slightly refreshing with a bit of that citrus undertone. But it's not much. It then finishes with yeast, straw, and minor bitter hops. Like I say, very tame. Honestly, I find it too tame to take seriously. Might not be bad to augment a cooler of Coors Light knowing that a few friends might venture into something more substantial. But for your own fridge? Pass.
Total: 14
Harpoon's UFO Hefeweizen is a very light version suitable for those graduating from Bud or Coors. The flavor is light enough that you could easily suck down two in a row without blinking. Visually, it a cloudy and pale straw color with a small head. It has a bit of aroma of bread and hops.
At first it's a bit bready and chewy. It's slightly refreshing with a bit of that citrus undertone. But it's not much. It then finishes with yeast, straw, and minor bitter hops. Like I say, very tame. Honestly, I find it too tame to take seriously. Might not be bad to augment a cooler of Coors Light knowing that a few friends might venture into something more substantial. But for your own fridge? Pass.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Allagash Tripel: 12
Taste: 3 Finish: 3 Visual: 4 Aroma: 2
Total: 12
It has a dark golden and cloudy color. It has a very faint aroma of citrus and bread. The head is moderate.
I'm really surprised how light the flavor is. If you really concentrate you can get some citrus flavor, a bit of yeasty bread, and earthy straw flavor. It's slightly crisp. And then under that is a bit of alcohol.
It's all extremely disappointing. Too light to be taken seriously. Not enough anything coming through. Pass.
Total: 12
It has a dark golden and cloudy color. It has a very faint aroma of citrus and bread. The head is moderate.
I'm really surprised how light the flavor is. If you really concentrate you can get some citrus flavor, a bit of yeasty bread, and earthy straw flavor. It's slightly crisp. And then under that is a bit of alcohol.
It's all extremely disappointing. Too light to be taken seriously. Not enough anything coming through. Pass.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Steinlager: 6
Taste: 2 Finish: 2 Visual: 1 Aroma: 1
Total: 6
The purest beer in the world from New Zealand. I mean, how could they be wrong?
Not helping this beer is that it is mildly skunked. Shipping halfway around the world in a green bottle doesn't help. But, then there is the rest of it...
Consumer Reports said it best about some of the worst tasting imports. They have a flavor of boiled vegetables. So, take some broccoli and carrots and cauliflower, boil it in water, and then pour it into a Coors Light and you kind of have the taste of Steinlager. Needless to say, just stay away. What's scary is that beer can taste worse.
Total: 6
The purest beer in the world from New Zealand. I mean, how could they be wrong?
Not helping this beer is that it is mildly skunked. Shipping halfway around the world in a green bottle doesn't help. But, then there is the rest of it...
Consumer Reports said it best about some of the worst tasting imports. They have a flavor of boiled vegetables. So, take some broccoli and carrots and cauliflower, boil it in water, and then pour it into a Coors Light and you kind of have the taste of Steinlager. Needless to say, just stay away. What's scary is that beer can taste worse.
Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout: 29
Taste: 10 Finish: 10 Visual: 5 Aroma: 4
Total: 29
Samuel Smith who already makes many excellent brews, knocks it out of the park with their Oatmeal Stout. It is pitch black in color. The head is full, creamy, and dark cream in color. The aroma is sweet of malt.
It tastes amazing. The best I can describe it is like a rich chocolate and malted milk. It is perfectly creamy. The malt is upfront with sweetness and lasts until the last sip. It coats the tongue. Only at the end on the exhale do I get a hint of hops in the flavor mixed with chocolate. Under it all is a bit of coffee. Fantastic.
There is no hint of alcohol. No overt bitterness. It may linger in it's sweetness, but it never overpowers. I think I could drink a case without blinking. I can see why oatmeal stouts were recommended for pregnant women at the turn of the century. The oatmeal is fortifying. The brew is filling and ever satisfying. And it's light enough for just about anyone to drink. Try it.
Total: 29
Samuel Smith who already makes many excellent brews, knocks it out of the park with their Oatmeal Stout. It is pitch black in color. The head is full, creamy, and dark cream in color. The aroma is sweet of malt.
It tastes amazing. The best I can describe it is like a rich chocolate and malted milk. It is perfectly creamy. The malt is upfront with sweetness and lasts until the last sip. It coats the tongue. Only at the end on the exhale do I get a hint of hops in the flavor mixed with chocolate. Under it all is a bit of coffee. Fantastic.
There is no hint of alcohol. No overt bitterness. It may linger in it's sweetness, but it never overpowers. I think I could drink a case without blinking. I can see why oatmeal stouts were recommended for pregnant women at the turn of the century. The oatmeal is fortifying. The brew is filling and ever satisfying. And it's light enough for just about anyone to drink. Try it.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Samuel Smith Taddy Porter: 25
Taste: 9 Finish: 8 Visual: 5 Aroma: 3
Total: 25
First, it pours with a rich, creamy head. The color is dark as night. Not a ray of light penetrates it. The aroma is mild with a little sniff of chocolate.
It is very creamy and glides over the tongue. It is mildly sweet. A light flavor of chocolate permeates it. And more of a milk chocolate rather than dark. Only at the end do you get a bit of hop bitterness, but it is very subdued. And it doesn't linger at all on the tongue.
This is a near perfect porter. It is extremely drinkable. It is creamy, smooth, and not heavy. Very nice.
Total: 25
First, it pours with a rich, creamy head. The color is dark as night. Not a ray of light penetrates it. The aroma is mild with a little sniff of chocolate.
It is very creamy and glides over the tongue. It is mildly sweet. A light flavor of chocolate permeates it. And more of a milk chocolate rather than dark. Only at the end do you get a bit of hop bitterness, but it is very subdued. And it doesn't linger at all on the tongue.
This is a near perfect porter. It is extremely drinkable. It is creamy, smooth, and not heavy. Very nice.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Stone IPA: 22
Taste: 7 Finish:8 Visual: 4 Aroma: 3
Total: 22
This is the "entry level" IPA for Stone who have several steps to their Double Bastard. There others are very good to superb. Let's see about their plain-old IPA.
It pours with a very nice copper color but not much head. It has a nice aroma of hops but not too much.
Hmm. This is like the "light beer" for Stone. It's very well balanced and just enough hop flavor. Probably a step up from Sam Adams. This is crisp and clean up front. It glides over the tongue very easily. It's not until the end that you get a nice hops kick. And then it slips away nicely.
Stone IPA is definitely a good entrant to the IPA genre. Would be good as your high-end beer for a party as it's probably as far as most people would want to go. But if you like a strongly hopped brew, skip this and move up to their Arrogant Bastard. I still haven't tried the double. Hopefully soon.
Total: 22
This is the "entry level" IPA for Stone who have several steps to their Double Bastard. There others are very good to superb. Let's see about their plain-old IPA.
It pours with a very nice copper color but not much head. It has a nice aroma of hops but not too much.
Hmm. This is like the "light beer" for Stone. It's very well balanced and just enough hop flavor. Probably a step up from Sam Adams. This is crisp and clean up front. It glides over the tongue very easily. It's not until the end that you get a nice hops kick. And then it slips away nicely.
Stone IPA is definitely a good entrant to the IPA genre. Would be good as your high-end beer for a party as it's probably as far as most people would want to go. But if you like a strongly hopped brew, skip this and move up to their Arrogant Bastard. I still haven't tried the double. Hopefully soon.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Dogfish Head India Brown Ale: 26
Taste: 9 Finish: 8 Visual: 5 Aroma: 4
Total: 26
The name makes you think it's a cross between an IPA and a brown ale. Maybe technically it is. But taste wise it is more of a doppelbock or stout. This is one rich and heavy brew.
It pours with a great creamy head and a deep dark brown color. It has a nice aroma of chocolate and coffee.
Overall it has a nice sweet taste to it. Beautifully caramelized malt. Then it transitions to rich bittersweet dark chocolate and french roasted coffee. It has a nice exhale of alcohol and the malt/chocolate/coffee combination. It keeps you warm for a while but then dissipates.
Wow, a really great beer. It's higher in alcohol and a ton of calories (7.2% and 238C) so it certainly isn't a session beer. But for one or two in the fall to winter? Perfect.
Total: 26
The name makes you think it's a cross between an IPA and a brown ale. Maybe technically it is. But taste wise it is more of a doppelbock or stout. This is one rich and heavy brew.
It pours with a great creamy head and a deep dark brown color. It has a nice aroma of chocolate and coffee.
Overall it has a nice sweet taste to it. Beautifully caramelized malt. Then it transitions to rich bittersweet dark chocolate and french roasted coffee. It has a nice exhale of alcohol and the malt/chocolate/coffee combination. It keeps you warm for a while but then dissipates.
Wow, a really great beer. It's higher in alcohol and a ton of calories (7.2% and 238C) so it certainly isn't a session beer. But for one or two in the fall to winter? Perfect.
St. Bernardus Abt 12: 21
Taste: 7 Finish: 7 Visual: 5 Aroma: 2
Total: 21
It pours brown but as dark as night. The head is rich and creamy. Visually it is perfect. Unfortunately, it has almost no aroma, maybe a whiff of alcohol. It is 10%.
It has a very bright front to it. Spiced. But then it mellows to more earthy tones. In the back are some dark chocolate and coffee bitterness. A hint of ripe fruit like plums. It lingers a bit and leaves the tongue tingling. Under it all is a bit of raw alcohol.
Overall a very good brew. The subtle but present alcohol flavor definitely take it down a notch. But otherwise excellent.
Total: 21
It pours brown but as dark as night. The head is rich and creamy. Visually it is perfect. Unfortunately, it has almost no aroma, maybe a whiff of alcohol. It is 10%.
It has a very bright front to it. Spiced. But then it mellows to more earthy tones. In the back are some dark chocolate and coffee bitterness. A hint of ripe fruit like plums. It lingers a bit and leaves the tongue tingling. Under it all is a bit of raw alcohol.
Overall a very good brew. The subtle but present alcohol flavor definitely take it down a notch. But otherwise excellent.
Coors: 15
Taste: 6 Finish: 6 Visual: 1 Aroma: 2
Total: 15
Sometimes you have to go back to your roots. There's something to be said about a lightly flavored and crisp beer. Let's see what I say about Coors.
Visually it looks horrible. An extremely pale straw color. Extremely brittle head. And no real aroma except a hint of hops.
It is mildly sweet on the tip of the tongue which moves to the middle of the tongue. Maybe a hint of honey? Really? Yes. Towards the back and on the exhale is a very light hop flavor, and dare I say some floral notes? Really? Yes. It finishes very cleanly leaving no aftertaste. And, poof, it's gone.
Ice cold on a hot day I could suck down about 3 to quench a thirst. This is roughly equivalent to a Corona. And I would take it any day over the faltering Yuengling. What the hell happened to them? So, in the end I am very surprised that Coors isn't bad. It's actually drinkable. Really? Yes.
Total: 15
Sometimes you have to go back to your roots. There's something to be said about a lightly flavored and crisp beer. Let's see what I say about Coors.
Visually it looks horrible. An extremely pale straw color. Extremely brittle head. And no real aroma except a hint of hops.
It is mildly sweet on the tip of the tongue which moves to the middle of the tongue. Maybe a hint of honey? Really? Yes. Towards the back and on the exhale is a very light hop flavor, and dare I say some floral notes? Really? Yes. It finishes very cleanly leaving no aftertaste. And, poof, it's gone.
Ice cold on a hot day I could suck down about 3 to quench a thirst. This is roughly equivalent to a Corona. And I would take it any day over the faltering Yuengling. What the hell happened to them? So, in the end I am very surprised that Coors isn't bad. It's actually drinkable. Really? Yes.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
St. Bernardus Prior 8: 28
Taste: 10 Finish: 9 Visual: 5 Aroma: 4
Total: 28
I received a 4 pack of different varieties of St. Bernardus. It is a brewery in Belgium which has been brewing for over 60 years. I'm very eager since I've never heard or seen these guys before.
It pours with a medium head. It is a deep brown color with traces of red. It has a very sweet, fruity smell.
It is definitely sweet at the tip and middle. Fruity. I get grape juice and plums. It blooms in the back with more fruit and then some tartness. It finishes very cleanly leaving a sweet film on the tongue. There is no hint of alcohol which is amazing since this is 8%.
A very tasty beer that is very different than anything I've had before. Excellent.
Total: 28
I received a 4 pack of different varieties of St. Bernardus. It is a brewery in Belgium which has been brewing for over 60 years. I'm very eager since I've never heard or seen these guys before.
It pours with a medium head. It is a deep brown color with traces of red. It has a very sweet, fruity smell.
It is definitely sweet at the tip and middle. Fruity. I get grape juice and plums. It blooms in the back with more fruit and then some tartness. It finishes very cleanly leaving a sweet film on the tongue. There is no hint of alcohol which is amazing since this is 8%.
A very tasty beer that is very different than anything I've had before. Excellent.
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