Finals week makes for a busy schedule.
We've been saving up some winter beers and we'll see which ones we liked the most.
One of the first one's we've had was Abominable Winter Ale by Hopworks.
What an amazingly solid brew, it's pretty much what I expect out of a winter ale. Stronger in alcohol content, with a aggressively dark and malty flavor. Unfortunately that was a while ago, but I do remember having a pitcher of it and a pint of it on another occasion. Definitely a recommended ale.
Next up is Cold Nose by Laughing Dog. Had this on tap, it had a standard winter ale profile and a bit of a strong alcohol flavor. Wouldn't really recommend it, just a little on the mediocre side.
Last one for today is Alaska's Winter Ale (brewed with spruce tips). This one has a nice mellow flavor (for a winter ale at least) and some fruity notes. After a few sips in the spruce flavor kicks in as a lingering aftertaste keeping you warm and filling you with what you might call Christmas spirit. If there is one thing Alaskan Brewery does right, it's beer for the colder months.
Also, as an aside, what's the deal with Guiness? The Extra Stout stuff is not too bad, but the regular ones in bottles are just awful, do they just add water to the Extra Stout or something? On the plus side it is a sessionable stout. I wouldn't feel bad picking up a pack of Extra Stout Guiness if it weren't for the fact that I can get a pack of regional beer for way less.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Bham state of mind
Sam here.
Recently, I had the privilege of returning to Bellingham, WA with some awesome friends to reminisce and gain closure to a traumatic flight from there. While there, I picked up a Boundary Bay Scotch Ale by request of Nathan. Let me tell, you first off: Boundary Bay is part of what introduced me to beer and I am happy that it was craft beer that got me into beer. Presented in this predicament is a bit of a bias towards Boundary Bay beers.
As an aside: I know it's a sentiment that is kind of counteractive to the spirit of a beer review blog, but I like to be picky about beer. I love to know almost everything about what I put into my body (and by almost everything, I mean I don't want to see the poor animal's face before it gets slaughtered). It makes me consider what quality and what quantity that I want to consume and more is not always better. For example: when you learn the balance of consumption and budget and taste- I feel like craft, even though more expensive, comes out on top and eventually bar a disorder such as addiction- moderation wins out. Plus, I feel in a true craft culture, it's not cool to chug and chug and drink like a frat boy just out of mom and dad's. Unless you've got money coming out your ears that you don't have a better place to put (your retirement, supporting the community around you) the price deters you from buying cases and consuming the cases like said frat boy.
Back to the point: Boundary Bay Scotch Ale is a smooth, and in my humble opinion mellow beer that, when you smell it, exudes Railroad Ave in Bellingham. I know it's weird to say, but I could smell Mallards (amazing ice cream shop), the rain, the bay, and a couple of the other places nearby. It definitely captures the essence of Bellingham and is, according to Nathan, truly, "nostalgia in a bottle." It does not include the bite that you get at the end of scotch ale like Old Chub or the syrupy finish Pike's Kilt Lifter. The subtle caramel and malt flavors are a nice touch as well. I would have it again if given the chance. Distance and money definitely affect access as it's not very accessible outside of the north Puget Sound or Western Washington area. If you get a chance to have it, I definitely reccomend it, especially if you're a malt snob. Hop lovers may not enjoy this beer as hops are subtle if not undetectable to my oh so informed tongue (sarcasm).
You can find the beer profile here: http://www.bbaybrewery.com/ontap.php?k=10
Edit:
The post title's namesake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMiBZ6s4SjY
Recently, I had the privilege of returning to Bellingham, WA with some awesome friends to reminisce and gain closure to a traumatic flight from there. While there, I picked up a Boundary Bay Scotch Ale by request of Nathan. Let me tell, you first off: Boundary Bay is part of what introduced me to beer and I am happy that it was craft beer that got me into beer. Presented in this predicament is a bit of a bias towards Boundary Bay beers.
As an aside: I know it's a sentiment that is kind of counteractive to the spirit of a beer review blog, but I like to be picky about beer. I love to know almost everything about what I put into my body (and by almost everything, I mean I don't want to see the poor animal's face before it gets slaughtered). It makes me consider what quality and what quantity that I want to consume and more is not always better. For example: when you learn the balance of consumption and budget and taste- I feel like craft, even though more expensive, comes out on top and eventually bar a disorder such as addiction- moderation wins out. Plus, I feel in a true craft culture, it's not cool to chug and chug and drink like a frat boy just out of mom and dad's. Unless you've got money coming out your ears that you don't have a better place to put (your retirement, supporting the community around you) the price deters you from buying cases and consuming the cases like said frat boy.
Back to the point: Boundary Bay Scotch Ale is a smooth, and in my humble opinion mellow beer that, when you smell it, exudes Railroad Ave in Bellingham. I know it's weird to say, but I could smell Mallards (amazing ice cream shop), the rain, the bay, and a couple of the other places nearby. It definitely captures the essence of Bellingham and is, according to Nathan, truly, "nostalgia in a bottle." It does not include the bite that you get at the end of scotch ale like Old Chub or the syrupy finish Pike's Kilt Lifter. The subtle caramel and malt flavors are a nice touch as well. I would have it again if given the chance. Distance and money definitely affect access as it's not very accessible outside of the north Puget Sound or Western Washington area. If you get a chance to have it, I definitely reccomend it, especially if you're a malt snob. Hop lovers may not enjoy this beer as hops are subtle if not undetectable to my oh so informed tongue (sarcasm).
You can find the beer profile here: http://www.bbaybrewery.com/ontap.php?k=10
Edit:
The post title's namesake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMiBZ6s4SjY
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Freshly Hopped Beers
We really like fresh hop beers now. I'm a big fan myself because they are typically reminiscent of a IPA's hoppiness, but are generally more subdued without losing the flavor thanks to what we'd call 'wet-hopping' (adding the hops in when they are fresh; ie. not dried out). We've had the Mirror Pond version and just recently we got a bottle of Deschutes' Hop Trip, as the name implies it is hoppy. The picture on the label is a rendition of the trucks that haul the hops to their brewery nearby. The Hop Trip's claim to fame is less than 4 hours from harvest to being a part of the brewing process.
How does it fare? Quite well actually and it's a shame that these are only seasonal. They also will very likely not age well, this is a beer that is most definitely best when had as fresh as possible. We found it to have more of a malty flavor than FH Mirror Pond, more akin to a very hoppy amber ale. Nice and dark color with a great smell off the head. Layers of hops hit you from the smell, the taste, and the aftertaste. Flavors of grapefuit are definitely there. Did I mention the hops?
Deschutes officially labels it as an American Pale Ale, 5.4% ABV, and a very low 38 IBUs.
Also... keep in mind that most IPAs are around 60 or 70 IBUs. I will definitely try to pick up this beer the second it comes out next year, honestly I'd say it beats out pumpkin beers for harvest season.
- Nathan
Hop Trip website
How does it fare? Quite well actually and it's a shame that these are only seasonal. They also will very likely not age well, this is a beer that is most definitely best when had as fresh as possible. We found it to have more of a malty flavor than FH Mirror Pond, more akin to a very hoppy amber ale. Nice and dark color with a great smell off the head. Layers of hops hit you from the smell, the taste, and the aftertaste. Flavors of grapefuit are definitely there. Did I mention the hops?
Deschutes officially labels it as an American Pale Ale, 5.4% ABV, and a very low 38 IBUs.
Also... keep in mind that most IPAs are around 60 or 70 IBUs. I will definitely try to pick up this beer the second it comes out next year, honestly I'd say it beats out pumpkin beers for harvest season.
- Nathan
Hop Trip website
Saturday, November 5, 2011
New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire
Hey, Nathan here. I just got hired at Manito Tap House on the South Hill in Spokane.
Hopefully I'll be able to get some unique insight on the backside of the house.
The last beer I had was a New Belgium Fat Tire and a Rogue Dead Guy Ale. I've mentioned the New Belgium before and I really have nothing to say about it. The fact is that I think it is a very neutral beer; I've heard people say "tastes like beer" when they try something I give them (ensue my eye rolls), but I think it actually applies here. It has a bit of hops upfront due to the Belgian influence (word is the brewmaster made the amber ale while on a trip in Belgium), however past that the malt flavors are there but they seem to fall flat into a lackluster aftertaste. I've tried this beer many times and each time I get this feeling no matter how hard I try.
Fat Tire is definitely more in the session territory, but is a little heavier than say a Hef. Then again, by American standards anything below 6% is often considered session.
So here it is, not a terribly interesting beer. Not the strongest or lightest on the tongue, but if you're not sure what to get or recommend go for this. Perfect by the pitcher, but I really do think there are better ambers or pale ales or witbiers (all comparable styles).
P.S. Dead Guy is perfect with Dubliner cheese, yum!
Here's an older picture I have of the New Belgium:
Hopefully I'll be able to get some unique insight on the backside of the house.
The last beer I had was a New Belgium Fat Tire and a Rogue Dead Guy Ale. I've mentioned the New Belgium before and I really have nothing to say about it. The fact is that I think it is a very neutral beer; I've heard people say "tastes like beer" when they try something I give them (ensue my eye rolls), but I think it actually applies here. It has a bit of hops upfront due to the Belgian influence (word is the brewmaster made the amber ale while on a trip in Belgium), however past that the malt flavors are there but they seem to fall flat into a lackluster aftertaste. I've tried this beer many times and each time I get this feeling no matter how hard I try.
Fat Tire is definitely more in the session territory, but is a little heavier than say a Hef. Then again, by American standards anything below 6% is often considered session.
So here it is, not a terribly interesting beer. Not the strongest or lightest on the tongue, but if you're not sure what to get or recommend go for this. Perfect by the pitcher, but I really do think there are better ambers or pale ales or witbiers (all comparable styles).
P.S. Dead Guy is perfect with Dubliner cheese, yum!
Here's an older picture I have of the New Belgium:
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Deschutes Reserve Series
This is what I've managed to collect from Deschutes' Reserve Series:
- 2009 The Abyss
- 2011 Black Butte Porter (23rd Anniversary)
- 2011 The Stoic
The beer in the picture is The Stoic, it was EXCELLENT. The others are being held onto for now.
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Service Announcement
Hey, we just wanted to say that after some thinking we are going to try to post up a new blog post around by every Sunday, so posts will go up sometime between Friday and Sunday night.
The other change I want to make is updating the look of the site, at the moment it is really in place holder status.
Some ideas I have are beer by the budget, which would entail looking at some similar beers and their prices or availability to see what we think are some winners or more affordable brews, taking a look at any technical aspects of beers and making easy connections to enjoying a glass, also . . . blind tastings with friends.
The other change I want to make is updating the look of the site, at the moment it is really in place holder status.
Some ideas I have are beer by the budget, which would entail looking at some similar beers and their prices or availability to see what we think are some winners or more affordable brews, taking a look at any technical aspects of beers and making easy connections to enjoying a glass, also . . . blind tastings with friends.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Deschutes Tasting
There was a Deschutes brewery tasting hosted a few weeks back at Enoteca in Post Fall, ID.
Sampling included:
- Deschutes / Boulevard White IPA #2
- Mirror Pond Fresh Hopped Ale
- Inversion IPA
- Hop in the Dark
- Obsidian Stout
- The Stoic
We started off with the Boulevard Collaboration #2; a white IPA. This particular beer actually has the same recipe as Deschutes' Conflux #2, but is brewed in Oregon whereas Collaboration is brewed in the midwest. A white IPA could be described as a mash-up of a White Belgian Wheat and an India Pale Ale.
As you should be able to see in the picture, these are cloudy very pale beers. Spice and the mellow wheat flavor match nicely with the light bitterness and floral finish of the hops. Despite having exact copies of the recipes there was a distinctly different impression on the two. Deschutes' brought a smoother, hoppier approach with the spice and hops leaving a lasting impression. Boulevard had more of an upfront flavor, slightly more carbonated as well as being significantly cloudier and lighter in color. Flavors on both were orange, coriander, citrus, and yeast.
Hops used were Bravo, Citra, Cascade, and Centennial. Malt Profile: Pilsner, wheat, and oats.
8% ABV and a respectable 60 IBUs
As for the Mirror Pond Ale, it also shares a recipe. Unchanged from the standard Mirror Pond, the hops are added to the brewing process within 24 hours. Not only is the flavor surprisingly different, it also seems to change the fermentation with the regular having more (we were able to try them side by side).
We both thought the smell was both stronger and superior, offering up a "wetter" taste. Sort of a dank plant-like or grassy flavor. Hard to describe, but it adds a lot of substance to the brew.
The Inversion IPA is great. It is a more balanced IPA, with a high amount of hops without being overpowering. A caramel malt taste up front is chased by the floral aspect from the hops. This is an excellent IPA for someone looking to try IPAs that prefers darker beers or ambers.
Having Hop in the Dark again was fun, I just keep wanting to come back to it. Sam said it's "coffee with full bodied in-your-face flavor>"
To top off the night, we sampled The Stoic. A quadruple belgian ale. These are made by brewing and barrel aging four different ales, then combining them before bottling. The Stoic offers up a sweet and rich smell, thick (but not too thick) body, and a pinot noir and pomegranate flavor that rises to the top and lingers in the mouth. Despite being 11% ABV there is no alchohol flavor to be had. I thought it tasted like the holidays, particularly Thanksgiving.
Definitely one to drink slow and savor, this beer reminds me of drinking a barley wine. Perhaps the easiest beer for a wine drinker to transition to? Deep and inviting, pick up a bottle if you can find it. Would likely age well.
What was our favorite? I'd say Fresh Hopped Mirror Pond Pale Ale, we had a chance to have it on tap at a bar a week or so later and really liked it. It's best I think around 45 degrees.
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