tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67119304174994439212024-03-05T22:24:28.975-05:00Lumbeer John's Beer ReviewsLumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-8339930402477047582021-05-13T20:42:00.003-04:002021-05-13T20:42:20.695-04:00<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2VLhvMcNhEKNmU2UzOJJejL2WQwMqkFM_34FI5iWctLeZJPmscRP408WpMkF9AaVksjHGbPcPplwrxa2cHkEgruUqDNVV9XsL4DeknKf-2aWFnJrdBGkwAnY9rxWHbqs23Q7KCGdZfpJ/s879/Heineken0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2VLhvMcNhEKNmU2UzOJJejL2WQwMqkFM_34FI5iWctLeZJPmscRP408WpMkF9AaVksjHGbPcPplwrxa2cHkEgruUqDNVV9XsL4DeknKf-2aWFnJrdBGkwAnY9rxWHbqs23Q7KCGdZfpJ/s320/Heineken0.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Heineken 0.0</b><p></p><p>Well, it has been nearly ten years since I last posted! I stopped drinking alcohol but I recently got back into beer in a big way with all the non-alcohol (NA) options popping up. Gone are the days when you were limited to O'douls or Kaliber. The great brews at Athletic Brewing really ignited my passion again but before I review those I wanted to try some of the macrolager takes on NA that have been popping up. I have never been a huge Heineken fan but I have to say this is pretty solid. Definitely not a high end craft beer but it nails the style. If you are a Heineken or a Euro-lager fan in general you should check this one out. I went with the can option so no skunky flavors, very clean light malt taste with a decent bitterness backbone to balance things out. Very easy to drink and feels like a beer to me, this is not a beer flavored seltzer. This would be great on a hot day when you want something light, nothing groundbreaking here but I doubt that is the intent. </p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 70% (Solid NA Euro style Lager)</span></p>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-56130607781375871902011-07-05T21:10:00.002-04:002011-07-05T21:20:46.778-04:00Beer Review: Samuel Adams Summer Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms9Hs-YR1yVyPVSifwfcK1g05xZ8J_6rglE2tifrDGoPIn76YXMpFdG28PM7VPCRsma-M9lS8DxX0r5-0SDN_LPSEXPTLevDlVMhWvtA1pIAHxP9EUKBJylbvGUJVlAdwmIW9bmNKJQc4/s1600/summer-ale-6-pack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms9Hs-YR1yVyPVSifwfcK1g05xZ8J_6rglE2tifrDGoPIn76YXMpFdG28PM7VPCRsma-M9lS8DxX0r5-0SDN_LPSEXPTLevDlVMhWvtA1pIAHxP9EUKBJylbvGUJVlAdwmIW9bmNKJQc4/s320/summer-ale-6-pack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626040661757449762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Boston Beer Company Samuel Adams Summer Ale</span><br /><br />I can't believe I never reviewed this beer. I think this is such a ubiquitous beer that I always assumed I had reviewed this long ago. Time to right that wrong today. The summer ale pours a slightly hazy golden color with a foamy white head. Aroma is mostly wheat malt.<br /><br />I don't know if the recipe has changed this year or if my tasting has improved but I get a lot more of the lemon peel than I have ever noticed in the past. I am a fan of this. The sweet and spicy wheat malt hits you up front followed by the tart lemon and the spicy grains of paradise. I don't get much in the hop department besides the basic balancing of the sweet malt. <br /><br />This is a very well balanced easy drinking summer beer. The wheat malt pairs very well with the tart lemon and spices. I don't miss the hops with this one and if I have one criticism of this beer it would be that it is filtered. I am an advocate of unfiltered beer and I feel like this is a prime candidate for suspended yeast. It could only add more depth. If you have never had this beer, you need to try it. I don't know how someone could avoid this classic summer drink.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 80% (A Solid "Go-To" Summer Beer)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-59885239916355508432011-06-22T20:51:00.002-04:002011-06-22T21:32:08.606-04:00Beer Review: Sly Fox Rt 113 IPA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilqrohbjnPy7axisN8iP6aATWW0flwIJxsBi0SCHF0eTTyqzq60GLAl7TlV7_L461w1HSUXQ_5Z4fxZsIAScfHA9DJC_pjNUIGqwZeaJbGw0-mYdhL7MlzYKs_hYFYG-0N8fBcmE846KN/s1600/rt113can.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilqrohbjnPy7axisN8iP6aATWW0flwIJxsBi0SCHF0eTTyqzq60GLAl7TlV7_L461w1HSUXQ_5Z4fxZsIAScfHA9DJC_pjNUIGqwZeaJbGw0-mYdhL7MlzYKs_hYFYG-0N8fBcmE846KN/s320/rt113can.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621211608241731250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sly Fox Brewing Company Route 113 India Pale Ale</span><br /><br />Gotta love canned beer. Especially hoppy canned beer. I wish all beers were available in this light weight super protective medium. The IPA pours a rich amber color with a very long lasting lace filled caramel head. Aroma mainly of sweet malt.<br /><br />The flavor is well balanced for an IPA of this size (a whopping 113 IBU with 7% ABV)! Somehow the malt profile is sweet and full enough to mostly balance the normally tongue blistering hops. Very nice beer. You really do get both worlds, sweet bready malt upfront with hops following shortly behind. Mainly grassy hop flavors, I don't get much in the citrus family. The aftertaste is a little strong with the bitterness but with a beer like this can't really avoid that.<br /><br />This is an excellent example of a big beer that somehow always leaves you wanting more. I definitely recommend this for hop heads but those that aren't big on large hoppy IPAs should avoid this (if these people exist). I could definitely have a couple of these on any given night.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 85% (Big, Hoppy, and Balanced)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-77788900102111482952011-06-21T21:23:00.003-04:002011-06-21T22:21:56.377-04:00Beer Review: Sierra Nevada Kellerweis<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sogW9Ks26ecBd0-Iz34XqvdubvnTDPpsmvhdWxhkwbpt_NoBHveqHLGNLsHCSgxhFcNEWZVvFZzpzvmY63JFi5UNJqFyzQU6AnwUOr2Fxd3XDr6M-xRjZycFV1OdWxcMD4R-Bih5r7oM/s1600/Kellerweis_Bottle-lrg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sogW9Ks26ecBd0-Iz34XqvdubvnTDPpsmvhdWxhkwbpt_NoBHveqHLGNLsHCSgxhFcNEWZVvFZzpzvmY63JFi5UNJqFyzQU6AnwUOr2Fxd3XDr6M-xRjZycFV1OdWxcMD4R-Bih5r7oM/s320/Kellerweis_Bottle-lrg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620850173206387266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Kellerweis Hefeweizen</span><br /><br />Summer is the time of hefeweizen for me. I through in other beers to mix it up but these unfiltered wheat beers are my warm weather drink of choice. This is also one of the few open fermentation hefeweizens produced in America. The hefe gets a rich white head to start out with that lingers with some slight lacing. The kellerweis is very cloudy and has a nice golden color. Full aroma of malt and banana, kinda like banana bread.<br /><br />The open fermentation really pays off. Rich banana smoothly yields to the golden malt. Some clove is present but mainly banana. Hops are barely present but they aren't important in this style. The beer finishes with a slightly spicy wheat aftertaste which is good with the high carbonation. The wheat flavor is also closer to how I prefer it with it not being overly intense or puckering. This is a deep and tremendously drinkable beer.<br /><br />Amazing beer. This is definitely one of my top two hefeweizens. Maybe even my favorite. The only one that I can say for sure is on par with this is the Sixpoint Eight Days of Wheat beer. I love a good hefeweizen that is dominated by banana. I wish more beers came unfiltered. I really don't know why most beers are filtered. The yeast adds flavor and loads of hangover preventing B-vitamins. This beer is better than all of the Bavarian hefeweizens I have tried. Sierra Nevada hit a home run with this and the fact that this is available year round is a great thing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 96% (Amazing Hefeweizen. World Class.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-86127762851959695302011-06-21T21:00:00.002-04:002011-06-21T21:20:35.573-04:00Beer Review: Shiner Ruby Redbird<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxq_kOwpQB2a1nwCNDdpSZhD155Gi0R2h_6Xs1xHUItlAkM3CqOX0VTR-sVc9Ja5rn8l8hwD851H8EDqswACI5fzHlW7H3f4UV-NZZXDzEg8Dh524ohkqbN1j3QZ211UhU5R3t8t3L5he/s1600/Shiner-Ruby-Redbird.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxq_kOwpQB2a1nwCNDdpSZhD155Gi0R2h_6Xs1xHUItlAkM3CqOX0VTR-sVc9Ja5rn8l8hwD851H8EDqswACI5fzHlW7H3f4UV-NZZXDzEg8Dh524ohkqbN1j3QZ211UhU5R3t8t3L5he/s320/Shiner-Ruby-Redbird.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620842829075267986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spoetzl Brewery Shiner Ruby Redbird</span><br /><br />Finally Shiner beers are available in New Jersey. I got this one as a very generous gift from my father-in-law. This is the only beer with grapefruit in it that I have yet to encounter and adding ginger to the mix really makes things interesting. The redbird pours a medium golden color with a very quickly disappearing head due to the citrus. Aroma is solidly ginger with some grapefruit, not what you can normally expect from a beer.<br /><br />The flavor is as unique as the two additional ingredients. The ginger and grapefruit really dominate the taste and the citric acid provides a nice tart aftertaste. The carbonation is very pronounced in this brew and really provides a nice effervescent quality. The traditional beer flavors of barley malt and hops are not as noticeable as in usual brews. The grapefruit and ginger provide a spicy, sour, and sweet experience that alternates while you are tasting the beer which to me is very refreshing.<br /><br />This is a solid beer that I would definitely purchase this time of year. One nice thing to note if you are concerned with weight is that Spoetzl has the calorie information online and this beer comes in at a count of 116. This beer is a nice break from the constant hefeweizens that usually dominate my summer. The only negative thing I can say about this beer is that it isn't particularly deep and the hop and malt flavors really get muted. If you are a fan of grapefruit, ginger, and beer you owe it to yourself to try this out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 89% (Solid and Unique but Lacks Depth)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-50577571288294930832011-04-09T22:00:00.005-04:002011-04-09T22:43:16.916-04:00Beer Review: Kirkland Amber Ale<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gc7vL31jHSSXCEsb4QLGI1bcIfvIHoqoAmPAvNu32JSC5cWZMtvtEaWcMGxvvIO3QtRSuS_Xflxkz81wL2jrQ2y0QQZIT53TCc3zS9tDUPzkDpMdNXOLKtDtjC0Ky6E4ugIwwRKd4p1V/s1600/30703.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 81px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gc7vL31jHSSXCEsb4QLGI1bcIfvIHoqoAmPAvNu32JSC5cWZMtvtEaWcMGxvvIO3QtRSuS_Xflxkz81wL2jrQ2y0QQZIT53TCc3zS9tDUPzkDpMdNXOLKtDtjC0Ky6E4ugIwwRKd4p1V/s320/30703.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593770193942968834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Yorker Brewing Company Kirkland</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Signature Amber Ale</span><br /><br />Thanks to my very generous father-in-law I got a sampling of some of the craft brew offerings from Cosco. After doing some research and noting that the brewing company is located in Utica, New York it seems that this is actually brewed by the Matt Brewing Company. I guess they don't want to be associated with an established brewery. I would think an association like that would only help give credibility but I suppose if they are paying for the production of this beer they may not want to share any credit. The bottle displays both the alcohol content and the bitterness (IBU) measurement, which is fantastic. Very rarely do breweries display the bitterness measurement. The amber pours as suspected a clear amber color with a slightly tan head. Aroma of clean malt, not much else.<br /><br />The flavor is very clean and malty with a pronounced toasted flavor. I don't taste much in the hop department but at 25 IBUs they are going to be dominated by a malty beer like this. The toasted malt comes across a little too strongly for me, almost like burnt toast. The flavor is rich and malty with some definite caramel character but that deep roasted flavor gets to be a bit abrasive.<br /><br />Overall, this isn't my favorite beer but it is tasty and far beyond the cheap adjunt lagers that dominate most of the beer market. I read that a case of the four different beers goes for $18.99 which is a huge plus. I have yet to find craft beer that can compete at that price level. If you happen to be at a Cosco that sells this I would recommend picking it up. It probably won't be the best beer you will ever have but it is affordable without sacrificing much quality.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 75% (Nice Sweet Malt but Marred by Burnt Flavors) </span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-87835584149262959552011-02-08T21:27:00.002-05:002011-02-08T22:05:33.395-05:00Beer Review: Otter Creek Alpine Black IPA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5eW7ictNS9Mi-NLz6ReqlUdYqJB3VCrtg9PZ4l6Tei_9WehJ2D_8-ZgTRvSdYxwlFk_Lo3s488H1T1bnxJNFxXN5LynoOQwwjImNhebmF4dFcStQeejesb-DTNzyw3cUN3vg-p85NRuC/s1600/195_black_IPA.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5eW7ictNS9Mi-NLz6ReqlUdYqJB3VCrtg9PZ4l6Tei_9WehJ2D_8-ZgTRvSdYxwlFk_Lo3s488H1T1bnxJNFxXN5LynoOQwwjImNhebmF4dFcStQeejesb-DTNzyw3cUN3vg-p85NRuC/s320/195_black_IPA.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571510926011507266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Otter Creek Brewing Company Alpine Black India Pale Ale</span><br /><br />The Black IPA is a newly developed style of beer that I believe the Brewers Association has now recognized as a legitimate style of beer. You have to love trying something new. The BIPA pours a dark mahogeny color similar to most stouts and has a caramel colored head. Noticeable hoppy aroma upfront.<br /><br />This beer has two strong flavors going on. Chocolaty coffee and hops. Both are there upfront but the hops stand out more than anything as I would expect from this style. This is hard to judge right now because I find myself wanting more of the dark roasted barley flavor but this style has been designed to have the hops take a dominant front seat.<br /><br />I am all for recognizing new styles of beer but I am not sure how unique or needed this style really is. Both porters and stouts can be hoppy but I guess this style serves to make sure you know what you are in for. It isn't overwhelmingly hoppy but the presence certainly is felt more than anything else. I am sure this isn't indicative of all BIPAs but I think this one is very one dimensional. A good IPA or Stout would be much better than this. Certainly drinkable but nothing I am going to go back for.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 70% (One Dimensional and Underwhelming)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-25597120889891151792011-01-03T20:49:00.003-05:002011-01-03T21:41:53.943-05:00Beer Review: Three Philosopher's Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nbjHvPwfLtM7c04GoeQomD48KHskP1XVMLmJY76EIGWLiM9p-WuAWYiEw-iyZGIfBa1PTQMHiXIa80zjV-AJnGofEo7rV7xFKjNB08BCBXwiQ6gIPGqPoaY4ddL_wgyv7_SdXrmp6oig/s1600/three_philosophers.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nbjHvPwfLtM7c04GoeQomD48KHskP1XVMLmJY76EIGWLiM9p-WuAWYiEw-iyZGIfBa1PTQMHiXIa80zjV-AJnGofEo7rV7xFKjNB08BCBXwiQ6gIPGqPoaY4ddL_wgyv7_SdXrmp6oig/s320/three_philosophers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558142621661358146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ommegang Brewery Three Philosophers Ale</span><br /><br />This was part of a very nice Christmas gift pack I received. I am a big fan of the Ommegang brewery. This brewery is one of the best example of how America really is the greatest beer nation on the planet. American brewers continue to show that no style is impossible to master and that experimentation is the key to great beers. Where other countries are rigid in their views, we Americans understand that they bottom line is quality beer. This beer is a blend of 98% ale and 2% kriek (cherry lambic) according to the bottle. The 3P pours a dark mahogany color and has a dark tan head that really sticks around. The aroma comes across as that estery Belgian fruity yeast flavor that just seems to flow up the glass and dominates all other scents in the area.<br /><br />This beer has some deep flavor. How they came upon the formula of 2% k and 98% ale I don't know but I wish I could have been in on that study. The Belgian ale alone is deep and effervescent but if you throw in a little bit of sour cherry lambic flavor you know you are going to be in beer paradise. The 10+% alcohol doesn't hurt either. The lightly roasted malt flavor keeps on coming and the slight fruity flavor really packs a punch. This isn't a hoppy beer but you really don't need a strong hop presence. The yeast and malt provide plenty of punch.<br /><br />If you haven't had a Belgian style beer before stop reading this and pick one up. You are missing out on a great segment of the beer community. If you have and you enjoy any one of them do yourself a favor and support America by buying a beer from Ommegang. I would be surprised if any one of them disappointed. This is one to try.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 96% (Great Ameri-Belgian Beer. Delicious and Deep. Must Try.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-90388014445927983002010-11-16T20:13:00.007-05:002010-11-16T20:46:04.063-05:00Beer Review: Saranac Lake Effect Lager<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDBWnQybE0Hsx1xqwtbxxQWV6MuVL1cvOFB4S_35qgno0Yy5lWIKKud9PcN7Qe61e5I92VW9fw9vLtvXPro5KQ-4GYpyumoZC5fh-MlNx1_53zoCrZ4GMGU32v2krnZxXBlKEQpSqwTlv/s1600/Lake-Effect-Lager.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 66px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDBWnQybE0Hsx1xqwtbxxQWV6MuVL1cvOFB4S_35qgno0Yy5lWIKKud9PcN7Qe61e5I92VW9fw9vLtvXPro5KQ-4GYpyumoZC5fh-MlNx1_53zoCrZ4GMGU32v2krnZxXBlKEQpSqwTlv/s320/Lake-Effect-Lager.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540320783954952162" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt Brewing Company Saranac Lake Effect Lager</span><br /><br />Finally sitting down to write a review. Been too long but now that my wedding is over it needs to happen. I've written far too much to let this blog die. Feels good. I figure a good place to start is with one of my favorite breweries that happens to continually come up with new offerings. I love that they switch things up. The same beers year after year get very old, it makes it even better when one of you favorites makes an appearance (Bring Back the High Peaks Series!). The lake effect lager replaces the winter lager of last year. The lager pours a rich amber color with a brief fluffy white head. Smells of German goodness and some sweet malt.<br /><br />The first thing that hits me about the flavor of this beer is the big malt presence. Very sweet and biscuty with a slight hint of roasting. Hops are also in effect here, the Hallertau hops add a pleasant spiciness that really balances this beer out. I would say this is similar to other bocks you may have had, just more balanced and drinkable. Somehow goes down easy. Could be that I just really like beer though.<br /><br />The Matt Brewing Company seems to specialize in German style beers, probably due to their German heritage. This beer tastes truly German, all the lager yeast and malt flavor you would be looking for. Just without the import price. This makes a solid addition to this years "12 Beers of Winter" mix pack and a slight improvement on last year's Winter Lager.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 86% (Big and Warming but Drinkable)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-34874364656897262232010-06-10T20:50:00.002-04:002010-06-10T21:13:01.654-04:00Beer Review: Original Flag Porter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmLoKxML6B4rmB1AJz1FEJTs_gW6wxoUcRHQcb7Ti8DpT7FbAOXvAnuf2-xTtNltWeiQEl1IqhCqstoISntiB0vlbVxSJfnkKt_RMgXZhSI4WGCmQAYX9fvEZD6W-5Z_Z2GoSZvOxC0Y9/s1600/Darwin-Flag-Porter.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 138px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmLoKxML6B4rmB1AJz1FEJTs_gW6wxoUcRHQcb7Ti8DpT7FbAOXvAnuf2-xTtNltWeiQEl1IqhCqstoISntiB0vlbVxSJfnkKt_RMgXZhSI4WGCmQAYX9fvEZD6W-5Z_Z2GoSZvOxC0Y9/s320/Darwin-Flag-Porter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481312765100414370" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Darwin Brewing Company Original Flag Porter</span><br /><br />Hearing rumors from a friend that this beer is retired and not seeing it on the website make me feel very fortunate to have found this historical beer (in more than one sense) before it disappears. This porter is brewed with yeast that was recovered from a ship that sunk in 1825. Very cool stuff. How can you not want to try this piece of history? The ale pours a dark amber color with an off white head. Aroma is very sweet. Almost like burnt sugar. <br /><br />The flavor is also sweet. Dark roasted sugars dominate the palate with a very noticeable carbonation. Tingles on the tongue. I don't get much in the coffee department but some subtle chocolate comes through. Nothing revolutionary about the taste but I have to say that his is very drinkable and a solid example of what an English porter should be. <br /><br />Overall, I don't have anything negative to say about this beer besides the price. I paid about 12 dollars for a four pack. This is a fun beer to try because of the historical gimmick but after you have had it I would recommend switching to something less expensive. In my opinion you aren't getting anything extra for your buck. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 82% (Solid Beer, Too Pricey)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-29580536645736979602010-05-11T20:07:00.002-04:002010-05-11T20:30:52.695-04:00Beer Review: Stoudts Karnival Kolsch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sbq3rYRGJB1sPZTdko4UA0j8cBV1eslro_VgpnEVGkgediEg8u0srCMcH8CAtquABLYakTdIZpqCDUueZKvJq5Qams2szRiFApLGGtX8aIamZf460rGFiWLgvGEL4FzQDl0IhfWEAxQA/s1600/stoutskolsch.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sbq3rYRGJB1sPZTdko4UA0j8cBV1eslro_VgpnEVGkgediEg8u0srCMcH8CAtquABLYakTdIZpqCDUueZKvJq5Qams2szRiFApLGGtX8aIamZf460rGFiWLgvGEL4FzQDl0IhfWEAxQA/s320/stoutskolsch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470168744434578930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stoudt's Brewing Company Karnival Kolsch Ale</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This Cologne style used to be more obscure and is thankfully making a solid comeback in America. This is also a tough one to describe. Similar to a pilsner in ingredients with a twist on the fermentation process. The warm fermenting estery, fruity kolsch yeast really adds some depth to what would typically be a simple session beer. The kolsch pours a light golden color with a rich and foamy white head. Aroma isn't too strong, nothing too different from a standard pilsner or helles lager.<br /><br />The most surprising thing about this beer after the first sip is the amount of hop flavor present. This is just way too assertive. Typically the hops are in balance with the malt in this style. This balance is critical to give the beer its needed depth. I just don't get much more than a hoppy pilsner. Slight malt sweetness and an aggressive grassy hop flavor. A little boring.<br /><br />This is a decent beer but it really leaves me wanting a more traditional kolsch. If I went into this craving a pilsner I would be satisfied. The Karnival just doesn't provide that Kolschy flavor that I so rarely find. The hoppiness is way too strong. It drowns out any of the subtleties of the yeast. <br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 69% (Fine Taste. Not A Kolsch.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-29522951184392731642010-04-18T19:34:00.002-04:002010-04-18T20:23:58.534-04:00Beer Review: Saranac Irish Stout<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6f4iAulAxs5FgI2n-IVBGszyNJjhlmMT4esrE4O2usOGCPBRpgba9P6GnR5g-lzVpW2YUxDPPiohHKXdsRlzFZa2ibX_zcxD_eVZGDYAL0n57domzvbwD7Qh5UHuV5gI7b3OnIs4nOPWC/s1600/stoutpack.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6f4iAulAxs5FgI2n-IVBGszyNJjhlmMT4esrE4O2usOGCPBRpgba9P6GnR5g-lzVpW2YUxDPPiohHKXdsRlzFZa2ibX_zcxD_eVZGDYAL0n57domzvbwD7Qh5UHuV5gI7b3OnIs4nOPWC/s320/stoutpack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461626035666524290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">F.X. Matt Brewing Company Saranac Irish Stout</span><br /><br />This is one of the newest Saranac released contained in the "What Ale's You?" mixed 12 packs. St. Patrick's day may now be a year away but Irish ales can and should be enjoyed year round. At least in the spring time. I think Irish stouts tend to be more dry than the traditional English Stouts but I am not certain about this. The aroma on this beer is pure roasted barley. Deep and dark. I also love the appearance, extremely dark in color and the head has that awesome tan color that comes with truly dark beers.<br /><br />This is a big beer. Just fills my mouth up and really gives me that satisfying feeling that can only come from a beer that lacks nothing in flavor. This tastes like thick and delicious coffee. Similar to a Guinness but much better in my opinion. The lack of the nitrogen results in a slightly less smooth mouthfeel but it brings out a certain sweetness in the roasted barley. This is a very solid beer.<br /><br />This would easily be one of my "go to" picks for an American made stout. I think even the Irish would have a hard time beating this take on one of their top export beers. This is big enough to really hit a couple flavor notes but drinkable enough that I could certainly have quite a few. I am hard pressed to find flaws in this.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 88% (Deep, Dark, and Drinkable. A Credit to America.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-44280534277498493782010-02-10T19:50:00.002-05:002010-02-10T20:17:03.895-05:00Beer Review: Tyskie Lager<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_BVIZp_nwb6IyXm8_oTD5pxvm1S6JYrT14Kw6CaBW3dqY0lGqQMhwFPy8OSS_AAI7f7H3RaWYKpsX4XqXZwrgb6rcrH2Buq2HnY9KQRYphy15UwH-wHWqzE-_ndqyN8pQxLqGBVcAv-B/s1600-h/Tyskie_Beer-744444.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_BVIZp_nwb6IyXm8_oTD5pxvm1S6JYrT14Kw6CaBW3dqY0lGqQMhwFPy8OSS_AAI7f7H3RaWYKpsX4XqXZwrgb6rcrH2Buq2HnY9KQRYphy15UwH-wHWqzE-_ndqyN8pQxLqGBVcAv-B/s320/Tyskie_Beer-744444.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436782220888431394" border="0"></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tyskie Brewery Tyskie Gronie Premium Lager</span><br /><br />Finally! An imported lager that comes in an amber bottle. Green seems way too common for my liking. The lager pours a remarkably clear golden color with a decent head retention. The head was slow to build but managed to stay around for a while. Aroma is of very faint malt. Nothing out of the ordinary.<br /><br />Flavor is actually pretty dry for my taste. Similar to a typical Japanese lager (Asahi). Very sweet and clean malt flavor with almost nothing in the hop department besides the absolute minimum. This beer goes down very easily but it really doesn't leave me with much of an impression. Hops would have gone a long way to balance this and really make it drinkable.<br /><br />I like the bottle, but that is pretty much the only thing I can say I am pleased with. The flavor tastes like a slight step up from a typical light lager. Better than a Budweiser but not by nearly as much as I would like. I can't say that I hate this beer but I really don't see a need to import this, there are so many drinkable domestic lagers. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 72% (Drinkable. Nothing Unique. Poland Must Have Better Beer.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-60780630899171555832010-02-08T21:10:00.002-05:002010-02-08T21:27:18.998-05:00Beer Review: River Horse Lager<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYNNx9-1q_GxcJHCGII285Kr8iFWNXCZSlkFBhmxUFteHD_l7oxGIfdIfb87M5lGVNvei8V6EH7j_2SY7994Z_pBkcsVoWMKVkx2ONJXJYKAHJYNhtfcuBuzgin5WVRtiZGOiXYS4UvEC/s1600-h/riverhorselager.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYNNx9-1q_GxcJHCGII285Kr8iFWNXCZSlkFBhmxUFteHD_l7oxGIfdIfb87M5lGVNvei8V6EH7j_2SY7994Z_pBkcsVoWMKVkx2ONJXJYKAHJYNhtfcuBuzgin5WVRtiZGOiXYS4UvEC/s320/riverhorselager.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436060518093031474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">River Horse Brewing Company River Horse Lager</span><br /><br />The flagship beer of South Jersey's great River Horse Brewery. I am definitely a fan of this company. I have heard they have been often criticized for having uninteresting and mediocre beers but I must have missed that time. Every beer I have had from them has been loaded with flavor and the rotating "Brewer's Reserve" line has been filled with big, memorable beers. The lager pours a cloudy golden color with a moderately sized head. Aroma is pure malt.<br /><br />The flavor is striking. Touted as an "ungespundet hefetrub", this lager is deep. I had to do some googling on this term because I have never encountered it before. I think it means unfiltered and matured out in the open, rather than sealed off. If someone knows, feel free to let me know. The malt flavor on this beer is amazing. Large grain flavors and aromas rise out of the golden clouds and dominate this beer. Some bitterness is provided by a gentle hopping but nothing too noticeable.<br /><br />Don't fall into the trap of assuming that just because it is called a lager that it is boring. I have been guilty of this more than once. This is a deep beer that should be respected. Much more than a filler for a variety pack. I could definitely see myself getting a six pack of this now and then. Very drinkable. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 86% (Complex, Unique, and Drinkable. A Great Choice.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-11869937409692503772010-02-01T22:00:00.003-05:002010-02-01T22:16:08.991-05:00Beer Review: Flying Dog Raging Bitch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLrUTdCXQoiR5nprhG-TytgBIbYj-4IcG7IH2VfhNOfeGTZ4_aS_c3ncGHn7CMi4Wxo0DOw44DIx6cxQF8iTCzNYph_pRgH9Xa0QcyJCmulLIwtaTfKnD2Z4XgLrLI0Bw0NSv7OQZbgyq/s1600-h/Flying+Dog+Raging+Bitch.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLrUTdCXQoiR5nprhG-TytgBIbYj-4IcG7IH2VfhNOfeGTZ4_aS_c3ncGHn7CMi4Wxo0DOw44DIx6cxQF8iTCzNYph_pRgH9Xa0QcyJCmulLIwtaTfKnD2Z4XgLrLI0Bw0NSv7OQZbgyq/s320/Flying+Dog+Raging+Bitch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433475662540376946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flying Dog Brewing Company Raging Bitch Belgian Style India Pale Ale</span><br /><br />This is an exciting offering. Not too often that you find this style. I hope it becomes more common. The name is awesome and is perfectly complimented by resident artist Ralph Steadman's badass bottle art. Who doesn't like a little gonzo art with their beer? The bitch pours out a medium amber color with loads of lacing around the glass. Aroma is nothing but hops and Belgian spicy yeast. Very inviting. At 8.3% ABV this beer is no joke.<br /><br />The flavor is excellent. Exactly as I had hoped. Alternates between a very bitter aggressive hop profile and what tastes like a Belgian Dubble. The hops do seem to dominate the beer but that is how it should be. A raging bitch needs to be a bitch to your tongue. Seems appropriate to me. The Belgian side of this ale is very sweet, spicy, and alcoholic. There is just a lot going on here. Very complex.<br /><br />When I am craving a Belgian ale and do not want to sacrifice hoppy goodness this is the perfect beer. I don't taste a single cut corner. This is a big beer done right and at a great price. $8.39 a six pack is very reasonable for a beer of this caliber. I am not sure what the availability of this brew is but I encourage everyone to get this before it is gone. I can't even find a real flaw. I declare this case worthy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 95% (This Bitch Is Raging. Not for the timid.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-74644233951446985122010-01-25T20:30:00.003-05:002010-01-25T20:54:10.736-05:00Beer Review: Peroni Beer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrygoujBnwN6jolrwyaVqKD2ZIKIO_Qh_2yrKJahejkTdq_cDQXWwylfvY7xvqSh3uJ_dgT0-1iqaAy2GxlrYInu0FRyF6HqmbSMmeKN6dfyrl6-vLtwuqjmJ3jCQ5tPZWxdWAuqnLA_T/s1600-h/peroni.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrygoujBnwN6jolrwyaVqKD2ZIKIO_Qh_2yrKJahejkTdq_cDQXWwylfvY7xvqSh3uJ_dgT0-1iqaAy2GxlrYInu0FRyF6HqmbSMmeKN6dfyrl6-vLtwuqjmJ3jCQ5tPZWxdWAuqnLA_T/s320/peroni.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430854940719722594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">S.p.A Birra Peroni Brewing Company Peroni Beer</span><br /><br />Finally, got a chance to try this Italian import that I have seen popping up more and more. While I know Italy has a local microbrewery scene this is the only brush with Italian brewing that I have encountered. The green bottle is an immediate loss of a couple points but not the biggest deal. I have had great beers in green bottles. The brew pours a light golden color with a very white head. Classic pilsner look. Aroma of light malt. Not too much to smell.<br /><br />The flavor is a dead ringer for Heineken. Light skunky flavor with a very light malt flavor. Some hoppiness but really nothing powerful. This is a very basic European import pilsner. Something that I am sure most people have had before. Just replace a Heineken label with Peroni and you are there.<br /><br />I am not big on this beer. It seems like there are endless brands offering this same style of beer. I would like to be able to differentiate this beer but as I feared it is just another import clone. If you are a big Heineken fan give this a try but if you don't like skunky beer stay away. To me, there is nothing new to be found here. This is a disappointing offering from a country that produces such aromatic and flavorful cuisine and wine.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 62% (Skunky and Boring. Been Down this Road Too Many Times.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-13646154764498321072010-01-19T21:15:00.003-05:002010-01-19T21:43:40.541-05:00Beer Review: Köstritzer Schwarzbier<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNX7GKovVJPG0x-PDv2xfFNhBjd-zbd8EICcIQtqnMZXC0bzrgJvMh0D-b1FvV52O9LCfCbn3EaCgyyf_XuwIby6z6rBaHTPYB3satkhQ9czDJ3VyzlXljZq1fDDpwpodOjoYgF69oovF/s1600-h/Kostriker.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 82px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNX7GKovVJPG0x-PDv2xfFNhBjd-zbd8EICcIQtqnMZXC0bzrgJvMh0D-b1FvV52O9LCfCbn3EaCgyyf_XuwIby6z6rBaHTPYB3satkhQ9czDJ3VyzlXljZq1fDDpwpodOjoYgF69oovF/s320/Kostriker.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428639980033416834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Köstritzer Schwarzbier Brewery Köstritzer Schwarzbier Lager</span><br /><br />Sorry for the delay in another review, been busier than usual. Doesn't mean I have been drinking less, just writing less. The Black lager is one of my favorite styles of beer as it is rich on roasted malt and obscenely drinkable. If you are lucky, it will even have some depth. Do not be fooled by the appearance. The lager pours a very dark mahogany color with a light brown head. I get a little bit of alcohol in the aroma but nothing too crazy. Not like an Imperial Stout which will clear you right up.<br /><br />This is tasty. Barely has any viscosity. The mouthfeel is light and airy. Strong chocolate flavors going on here. Very light carbonation also which I think is a plus. I have no need for extra bubbles. Sweet caramel flavors come through as well. Almost like drinking a very light hot chocolate that will still put hair on your chest. Who doesn't want more hair on their chest? The hop flavors are lacking but typically they are toned down when doing a black lager. Still, I would like more.<br /><br />The originators of the style produced a damn good product here. Personally, I like some of the American versions better (Sam Adams Black Lager stands out) but I can't bring myself to pan this just because it isn't the best. This is a solid example of how a cold fermented lager goes down easy. Flavor doesn't have to be sacrificed. If you want something dark and not too heavy this will hit the spot.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 83% ( Sweet and Dark. Not Too Deep. Average for the Style.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-33570055456730582602009-11-20T23:53:00.002-05:002009-11-21T00:17:36.352-05:00Beer Review: Saranac Maple Porter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6ti3fc77rOp0mHMn-FidSOX5fXEJNzDiTkRcUoWqWNErvLsu_qd-7JHMEWA7QWE8FwPiiXsacDaX3HMAle0YABssg7pt5uXTOBBmlqSNwtYcCUzQ6aj1itxBMoqh_XDpv1nhkwEv3ffx/s1600/Maple+Porter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 66px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6ti3fc77rOp0mHMn-FidSOX5fXEJNzDiTkRcUoWqWNErvLsu_qd-7JHMEWA7QWE8FwPiiXsacDaX3HMAle0YABssg7pt5uXTOBBmlqSNwtYcCUzQ6aj1itxBMoqh_XDpv1nhkwEv3ffx/s320/Maple+Porter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406415557168499506" /></a><b>Matt Brewing Company Saranac Maple Porter</b><div><br /></div><div>This is a beer I am excited for. If it is anything like the caramel porter I am in for a treat. I have never heard of or encountered a maple flavored beer but I have to say I really like the idea. Sweet maple flavors combined with dark roasted porter can't be bad. This may be a novelty beer but I really don't care. All I care about is how it tastes. I never said I was too good for novelties. The porter comes out a dark amber color with a solid white head. Aroma is pure maple.</div><div><br /></div><div>First sip... wow. Like the stellar caramel porter the maple flavor is not hidden at all. Even if it is added flavor this is not lacking anything maple. I feel bombarded with breakfast flavors that I very rarely actually eat. I am more of an eggs and meat guy than a pancake and syrup guy but this really works. Ironically, the typical beer flavor of this beer is dominated by the maple. Sounds bad but in my opinion it really isn't. I crawled up this beer mountain for maple and the top is by no means lacking. I may be ranting but it also could be beer bliss.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a great beer. One that I would buy a case of if I had the option. I wouldn't want this year round but this is a great winter treat. The beer lives up to its name and offers a rare flavor experience that inspires greatness. This is a great part of the 12 beers of winter and one I will try to enjoy as much as possible. Drink this with breakfast and you may win the lottery by lunch time.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Final Score: 93% (Unique and Flavorful. Dark, Rich, and Full Maple.) </b></div>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-69174488403890846012009-11-17T21:56:00.002-05:002009-11-17T22:16:45.242-05:00Beer Review: Saranac Rye IPA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IHSeXoEyBdMjBfIaucN6YvDMKfRqyFJdoaWlibpB2zYvvb6eX8r_UBldiz2q557qkaB6Bp2JatoZ4Munj7sd1TglLlDC2mHyI-4P-402NlubuTXWJPb-uI0ZiJJ3Ql5ba1QLzqHJkekY/s1600/Rye+IPA.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 66px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IHSeXoEyBdMjBfIaucN6YvDMKfRqyFJdoaWlibpB2zYvvb6eX8r_UBldiz2q557qkaB6Bp2JatoZ4Munj7sd1TglLlDC2mHyI-4P-402NlubuTXWJPb-uI0ZiJJ3Ql5ba1QLzqHJkekY/s320/Rye+IPA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405272596589611970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">F.X. Matt Brewing Company Saranac Rye IPA</span><br /><br />My second review of the new brews in the 12 beers of winter mix pack from F.X. Matt. The Saranac line seems to be including more rye beers lately and I can't help but be happy about this. Rye is underused and too rarely experienced. The spicy character really adds some depth to the malt flavor that can't be replicated by any yeast that I am aware of. This India pours a golden color with a nice full head. Lacing abound. <br /><br />Sweet and spicy. The flavor in this brew is awesome. Very aggresive hop flavors swirl around your palette while the rye malt brings you back home. This is a big, bold, and hoppy beer that is as close to balanced as you really want an IPA to be. One of these days I have to get a nice rye sandwich and pair these up. Maybe with some Russian dressing to mix things up.<br /><br />If you are craving a serious helping of hops and want something a little different from your usual IPA this will hit the spot. I love these mix packs. F.X. Matt has the right idea with the constant rotation of their brews. New and long lost brews really keep things interesting. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 87% (Spicy and Hoppy. Not a Single Punch Pulled. Delicious.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-42698420770112411692009-11-17T20:23:00.003-05:002009-11-17T20:47:04.625-05:00Beer Review: Saranac Black Lager<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zJhN2iBkd2UyvsHFpB2SAPv_OPuX9Ao9sOj9-D16my2wybb1vkq2b8lPlmbwSuafgq8MEakPPXBCGl_wMGNnn8zhyphenhyphene6IV63qnYQwmVxxz4s_L7uex36c5e9IzntGMpB-HzQjiejqDGXi/s1600/Black+Lager.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 66px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zJhN2iBkd2UyvsHFpB2SAPv_OPuX9Ao9sOj9-D16my2wybb1vkq2b8lPlmbwSuafgq8MEakPPXBCGl_wMGNnn8zhyphenhyphene6IV63qnYQwmVxxz4s_L7uex36c5e9IzntGMpB-HzQjiejqDGXi/s320/Black+Lager.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405248187859368866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">F.X. Matt Brewing Company Saranac Black Lager</span><br /><br />My first review from the new 12 Beers of Winter from Saranac. I always love Black Lagers. This iconic Bavarian style is always rich in flavor yet immensely drinkable. A fantastic choice for winter sessioning. I hope this lives up to my high expectations. The lager pours a very dark amber color, not quite black but damn close. Aroma is loaded with chocolate.<br /><br />First taste impressions.... very drinkable. Smooth with a very rich mouthfeel. Slightly malty flavors high you first with a very creamy carbonation feel following. I also taste a very large hop bite. This is somewhat similar to last years India Brown Ale, just tweaked slightly off to the malty side. Roasted caramel flavors are floating around but you really have to do some digging.<br /><br />This is an enjoyable beer despite it not quite tasting like a traditional black lager. This definitely tastes more like a brown ale brewed with lager yeast. I expected a little more depth but this is by no means a bad beer. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 71% (Lackluster and Light on Flavor. Needs More Roasted Malt.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-36857052556513709252009-10-15T21:54:00.002-04:002009-10-15T22:12:58.761-04:00Beer Review: Highland Gaelic Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsJFMaIeeGl1xxjlbt2J2i-1Fqvsk733XCAIjQBqP-8J6GxfW8bn6D8zWPMTD0w9e6N5vyHwmDA1hkfquvPrR-A0U5UwqIu0jxLH2OWIMLZMDfzmfaQQ2IWqvHd_vc4x7ShEjhW9D2un1/s1600-h/gaelic-ale-highland-brewing-company.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsJFMaIeeGl1xxjlbt2J2i-1Fqvsk733XCAIjQBqP-8J6GxfW8bn6D8zWPMTD0w9e6N5vyHwmDA1hkfquvPrR-A0U5UwqIu0jxLH2OWIMLZMDfzmfaQQ2IWqvHd_vc4x7ShEjhW9D2un1/s320/gaelic-ale-highland-brewing-company.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393010439348490754" /></a><b>Highland Brewing Company Gaelic Ale</b><div><br /></div><div>My first Highland review. This is a craft brewery located in Virginia that is not normally available in New Jersey unless you have some very generous connections who are willing to drive down to Asheville and pick up a variety pack. I am very fortunate. This is the brewery's flagship beer so it seems fitting that this is my first review. This it touted as a balanced ale with a generous amount of malt. The appearance is exactly as pictured. Dark amber in color with a decent sized fluffy white head. Aroma of sweet caramel and some hop spiciness. Very appetizing.</div><div><br /></div><div>The flavor is fantastic. I love when I find a really well balanced ale that meets both of my cravings (malt and hops) and this brew falls into that rare category. The lightly roasted sweet caramel flavor really adds great depth to the beer. You can almost chew the beer, very rich and full. Nothing feels watered down. The hop flavor is also in full form here. Spicy and bitter, the hops stand up to the mammoth task of balancing the malt without burning out your taste buds. This is not far off from being a very balanced IPA. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a very sessionable and deep ale that is certainly worthy of being the flagship beer of any brewery. If you are lucky enough to have this in your area I certainly recommend supporting Highland. Judging from this beer they are also well worth traveling for. I love a great beer. The only downside is the limited availability.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Final Score: 93% (Outstanding. Worth a Long Journey.)</b> </div>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-4689455260255753052009-10-13T20:05:00.004-04:002009-10-13T21:43:46.200-04:00Beer Battle!: Budweiser VS Miller High Life<a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcTkqC59lTZx2DxLtAYj5BcEZ23Km8XSO3nwDQKFCdbiGFYUGfreh-XMRBQb04CPI5P24yPUMR8dCh1tvFIrQdEm5S9masaiL7Xuqy6ZX_zfLR7UpcNrssUDToekSsofm6q1QkSZud6Wh/s1600-h/budweiser-label1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcTkqC59lTZx2DxLtAYj5BcEZ23Km8XSO3nwDQKFCdbiGFYUGfreh-XMRBQb04CPI5P24yPUMR8dCh1tvFIrQdEm5S9masaiL7Xuqy6ZX_zfLR7UpcNrssUDToekSsofm6q1QkSZud6Wh/s320/budweiser-label1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392240361327022418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAyg0Rbwoq7UHJfsASsI1fA9Mhdh1soHSNBMzOvclFNE_XaTyD6P4ZIIvDPRLLQh2clISf7AVb4YCEBMm5WPlvVZMklJHHOOZZleUQK7bnJ3jNgZUFmTZ_Srt6xoTe29afjTSup7OwcQ1/s1600-h/Miller+High+Life+Logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAyg0Rbwoq7UHJfsASsI1fA9Mhdh1soHSNBMzOvclFNE_XaTyD6P4ZIIvDPRLLQh2clISf7AVb4YCEBMm5WPlvVZMklJHHOOZZleUQK7bnJ3jNgZUFmTZ_Srt6xoTe29afjTSup7OwcQ1/s320/Miller+High+Life+Logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392240357813328754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beer Battle I: Budweiser (The King) vs. Miller High Life (The Champagne)</span><br /><br />Time for my first beer battle. This time its Budweiser versus the High Life. Blind taste testing is the only way to go here and I will rate them on a scale of 1 to 5 in the areas of flavor, aroma, and sessionability. One will be beer "A", the other beer "B". This is the first of hopefully many more to come...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Aroma:</span><br /><br />This is a tough one to call, both very similar but I have to hand this to beer "A". Slightly more of a grainy aroma. No real hop aromas in either one. I always find it really hard to get much in the aroma department when drinking rice malt light lagers but there has to be a winner here.<br /><br />A: 3 B: 2<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flavor:<br /></span><br />Another very close call but A just has a deeper flavor. A has a rich malt flavor compared to "B" which just tastes like a toned down version of "A". "A" has a crisper aftertaste while "B" is a little sweeter. Not much going on in the hop department. At least nothing which sets one apart from the other.<br /><br />A:3: B:2<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sessionability:</span><br /><br />If I was to reach for another one which one would I go for? Hmm... I have to go with "B". The tables seemed to have turned. "A" just starts to taste watery after a short while and "B" still maintains its flavor after a few sips.<br /><br />A:2 B:3<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Results:</span><br /><br />Looks like "A" wins by a very narrow margin. This was much harder than I thought it would be. Fun, but tricky. The winner is.... Budweiser! I am honestly surprised, I thought Miller High Life would edge out the King of Beers but the opposite happened. Never again will I buy a High Life. Who needs Champagne when you are the King?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score:</span> A: 8 B:7LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-28876785453299564232009-09-30T19:54:00.002-04:002009-09-30T20:20:51.567-04:00Beer Review: Blue Moon Harvest Moon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hhw77kOv4l9FZFa0oSx2k7mlGQKQwU66pVK2AqsAFuG7OfQxzfD3UE7-KwgcN-wRaHfRB7XmBECcFrQvfhkNC8KNAYR147sAz_Uvk3xC_0srMyAXVSls_1TkzPmbGWdZea0RSzDtBCGo/s1600-h/pumpkinale.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hhw77kOv4l9FZFa0oSx2k7mlGQKQwU66pVK2AqsAFuG7OfQxzfD3UE7-KwgcN-wRaHfRB7XmBECcFrQvfhkNC8KNAYR147sAz_Uvk3xC_0srMyAXVSls_1TkzPmbGWdZea0RSzDtBCGo/s320/pumpkinale.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387413820045636722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blue Moon Brewing Company Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale</span><br /><br />Fall seasonals are by far my favorite. These months just don't last long enough. While Blue Moon may be owned by Molson-Coors they produce some decent craft beers and I have yet to try this creation. I have to first give them credit for very cool bottle art. It may not be very important in the grand scheme but I believe everything is part of the whole. I am very fickle about pumpkin ales. I love drinking them in the fall but if they have too much spice I quickly get disgusted. Sessioning with these can be very difficult. It is a very fine line to walk. The Harvest Moon pours a medium amber color with a sizable head that lingers for the duration of the glass. Very faint malty aroma though I do have a cold so you probably shouldn't go by my nose at the moment. <br /><br />Now for the first taste. Very surprising. This is exceptionally balanced with the rich malt flavor and the delicate spicing. This may be the session pumpkin ale I have been looking for. The spicing is noticeable and delicious but will definitely not cause my tongue to recoil. The pumpkin flavor is actually pronounced in this where as other pumpkin ales tend to overpower this flavor with malt or allspice.<br /><br />This is a superb example of what this American original fall seasonal should be. Very mouthwatering. Just because it is owned by one of the big boys doesn't mean you should dismiss it. The beer world would do well to keep an open mind. The Blue Moon people hit all the marks with this one. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 90% (Solid, Balanced, and Delicious. A Masterful Pumpkin Ale.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-17681048771609383382009-09-05T21:46:00.002-04:002009-09-05T22:14:31.305-04:00Beer Review: Bud Select 55<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/files/2009/08/select55.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 173px; height: 173px;" src="http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/files/2009/08/select55.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b>Anheuser-Busch Inc. Budweiser Select 55</b><div><br /></div><div>This is a new one for me. I don't know how long this has been out but it is most certainly an attempt to fight back at Miller's "MGD 64". With a whopping nine calorie difference they are most certainly coming out with guns blazing (there is sarcasm here). Before I go into depth with this I do want to point out that I will review this brew based on the style that was attempted. I won't compare it to a Triple IPA because everyone should already know that this is not going to have that much depth. This is a <i>light</i> light beer (or double light as I would like to call it). The 55 pours like any other Budweiser product with a light golden color and a short lived head. I can't smell anything besides a slight grainy aroma. </div><div><br /></div><div>The flavor of this is almost impressive. Hear me out. This doesn't taste a whole lot lighter than a coors/bud light and it manages to cut out roughly half the calories. Calorie conscious people who enjoy very light beer would do well to try this. However, the alcohol content is an extremely low 2.3% ABV. So if you are attempting to get a buzz you should certainly look elsewhere. Also, if you enjoy the taste of a full bodied beer you should definitely avoid this. Bohemian style Pilsner this is not. This is more yellow seltzer than anything else. With maybe a little skunk flavor to mix things up. </div><div><br /></div><div>The main problem I have with this personally is that I just can't see a need for it. Are there really people who drink Bud Light and ask if there is anything lighter? NA beers have more flavor than this. I do, however, think that the target demographic for this beer will love it. People who want to be seen drinking a beer but don't like the taste of it will never have it better. Experiment with this if you like but don't complain to me when you realize you spent the same amount of money on half the beer. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Final Score: 60% (Successful in Being Light, Failure in Retaining Flavor)</b></div>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711930417499443921.post-79811857095572186042009-07-21T20:40:00.003-04:002009-07-21T21:01:20.815-04:00Beer Review: Guinness Draught<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pgKVE7A30EzqmEkZjUi7hI3aAexglVu7V60lHisS_rQ45W98ows4Ok_Xku4JLCN2uO-tL5vjbQdqg5tCbMa8OQmVzTTJIrEUsaI4ZmqqENXad7bDmpawzNbI9C029Xivpg2Ys1mIQFPF/s1600-h/Guinness-Draught-Can-440ml.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 138px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pgKVE7A30EzqmEkZjUi7hI3aAexglVu7V60lHisS_rQ45W98ows4Ok_Xku4JLCN2uO-tL5vjbQdqg5tCbMa8OQmVzTTJIrEUsaI4ZmqqENXad7bDmpawzNbI9C029Xivpg2Ys1mIQFPF/s320/Guinness-Draught-Can-440ml.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361077913960424370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">St. James's Gate Brewery Guinness Draught</span><br /><br />This is the most classic stout on the planet. It isn't the original but it's prevalence throughout the world is impressive to say the least. Thank you Diageo. Having the innovative widget in the can is awesome. Such a nice touch. The nitrogen head forms perfectly and laces all over the glass (does anyone really not know what a Guinness looks like?). I don't get very much in the aroma department.<br /><br />The flavor is ridiculously smooth for a stout, I think due in a large part to the nitrogen used for nitrogenation (carbonation doesn't make sense). The majority of the flavor is all coffee with chocolate thrown in. The roasted malt does it's job but doesn't go overboard. Some hop bitterness in the aftertaste. This all goes down so easy, makes it seem like this is a watered down version of what a stout should be. Isn't a porter a lighter version of a stout? This really should be called a porter if you ask me.<br /><br />It may not be very deep but it does provide a great introduction to the darker beer styles. This is a beer that everyone should try at least once. For me, this is a beer that I will get occasionally in bars but really won't seek out. It isn't bad at all, just doesn't stand out after having experienced a couple of very rich stouts. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Score: 73% (Classic and Drinkable. Not Very Complex.)</span>LumbeerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07261327508143925786noreply@blogger.com0