Heavy Seas Brewery - Peg Leg Imperial Stout Review

Type: Imperial Stout

ABV: 8%

Sight: Obviously it's dark...Black with a light brown foamy head.

Aroma: Heavy dark chocolate with anice coffee peaks. Very little or no alcohol in the nose...Very enticing.

Taste: Creamy chocolate and coffee intermingle nicely with an underlying molasses. There is a slight tingle of alcohol in the back of the throat, which leaves quickly.

Overall: Very smooth on the tongue, giving the mouthfeel a surprising light to medium body. The deep dark malts are strengthened just right with coffee touches. The finish is also light and leaves little evidence of just having a stout. Heavy Seas keeps the goodness coming.

Score: 8.3/10


Heavy Seas - Peg Leg Imperial Stout

Gordon Biersch - Blonde Bock

Type: Bock

ABV: 7%

Sight: Clear orange with golden touches at the base. There was a very thin head of white that completely disappears at the surface.

Aroma: Grassy, earthy notes pop first with a little malt and a touch of lemony citrus.

Taste: Wheat and a nice sweetness from citrus(mostly lemon or even light orange). The citrus holds well through til the end. The middle brings in a unrecognizable spice that brings a nice distinction from other bocks I've had. The finish rebounds with a balancing maltness that brings the brew back to the front.

Overall: A very surprising beer to me...Sweeter and a little spicier than I was expecting. This is more of a Helles than a "Blonde" bock as the name indicates. The mouthfeel is soft and light, and despite the 7% ABV, this is definitely a sessionable beer. I've had a few "GB's" at beerfest's, and thought of the samples as good, but not superb...This beer gave me a new outlook on them and will be seeking out more styles of "GB".

Gordon Biersch Brewery


Score: 8.2/10

Bells Brewery - Oberon Ale Review

Type: Summer Seasonal

ABV: 5.8%

Sight: Wheat yellow with a very light orange hue. Ultra thin head of white that made a swirl pattern on the surface.

Aroma: Light malt, grains and yeast are up front. The light sweets come from citrus...maybe grapefruit or a little lemon.

Taste: Fresh and clean light sweet malty beginning, then the sensible hop character comes forward with a slight citrus ester. The middle to the finish are nicely balanced between grain and more citrus. That same citrus pinches the corners of my throat.

Overall: Very nice a mellow for a hot summer refresher, or thirst quencher. Mouthfeel is light, with a mild sour that leaves the palate quickly.

Score: 8.5/10



Bells Brewery - Oberon Ale

St. Louis Brewery - Schlafly Brand "APA" Review

Type: American India Pale Ale

ABV: 8%

IBU: 50

Sight: Cloudy burnt-orange with darker tones throughout. The head was very thin and coats the surface beige.

Aroma: Caramel malt surrounded by citrus of grapefruit orange and a little lemon. Very evenly balanced.

Taste: Malt is prominent to me from the beginning. The hop is more melded citrus...meaning flavors are overlapping each other and not a certain citrus is standing out. There is a mild bite of alcohol that leads to the tangy aftertaste that pinches the back corners of the tongue.

Overall: It's an okay effort...I was expecting intense hop bitterness, but never quit got it. The malt unfortunately covered it up for the most part. The mouthfeel is light to medium and the finish hangs awhile. Good, not great...Okay, not bad.

Score: 7.8/10





St. Louis Brewing - Schlafly Brewery

Bells Brewery - Two-Hearted Ale Review

Type: American Pale Ale

ABV: 7%

Sight: A dull yellow with an orange hue that is lighter at the bottom. The head is thin and fluffy, but disappears to a white film quickly.

Aroma: Malt and muted citrus make for a pleasant bouquet base, that the light piney earth undertones can creep from within

Taste: The earthiness comes through in the form of a dry, slightly bitter hop front. The malt notes are also there from the beginning.The brew is actually too balanced between the bitterness and the sweetness to show any flavor popping or being pronounced. There is a tad sour note that stays with the tongue nicely.

Overall: It is a good brew. Balanced and flavorful. Mouthfeel is medium with a pleasant light aftertaste of sour citrus is welcomed. Recntly it was ranked #2 by Zymurgy, in regards to IPA's of the year.

Score: 8.5/10


                                                                                                          Bells Brewery - Two-Hearted Ale


                                

Victory Brewing Co. - "Sunshine" Weissbier Review

Type: Weissbier Bavarian Style

ABV: 5.7%

Sight: Cloudy straw yellow with a thin white head that leaves a film that completely encloses the brew underneath.

Aroma: Awesomely strong wheat essence with a pleasant citrus back(lemon/grapefruit).

Taste: More mellow wheat/grain taste than most wheat beers. Subtle citrus high notes that lead to a soft malt finish that actually leaves the tongue clean.

Overall: Nice, refreshing and light. Great for a warm summer afternoon. I definitely recommend drinking it before it warms up...turns a tad sour the warmer it gets. Another great effort from Victory.

Score: 8.4/10



Victory Beer - Sunrise Weissbier

Kenya Brewery - Tusker Lager Review

Type: Lager

ABV: 4.2%

Sight: Light golden yellow with a thin white head that leaves a sparse film on the surface

Aroma: Mellow malt and grains along with a very light hoppiness. Actually very blah...nothing stands out.

Taste: Sweet malts and biscuit to start. Evenly balanced from front to back. A subtle sour near the end that hangs for a while.

Overall: Not really impressed. The mouthfeel is light, and the palate is clean and sessionable.  It is better than any macro lagers out there but nothing to praise.

Score: 6.8/10 

Goose Island Brewery - IPA Review

Type: IPA

ABV: 5.9%

IBU: 55

Sight: Summery translucent bright-orange with golden tones at the bottom. The head is a finger-thick that is fluffy white and dies off to leave a creamy film on that surface of the brew.

Aroma: Earthy floral front with a hop citrus pop. A nice nose of sweet malt on a deeper inhale.

Taste: Orange and grapefruit with a light sweet caramel backbone. A mild tingle of alcohol from front to back keeps things together well. It finishes with a light sour that pinches on the inner cheeks.

Overall: Not too shabby. The nose matches the taste. The mouthfeel is light to light medium and is very pleasing to to tongue. Refreshing and clean overall with a light aftertaste that can be inviting for more than 1 at a time.

Score: 8.0/10

St. Louis Brewery - Schlafly Brand "Dry Hopped APA" Review

Type: American Pale Ale

ABV: 5.9%

IBU: 50

Sight: Nice sunset orange with gold tones peaking through the translucent to opaque body the head was a bubbly white, a fingers thick.

Aroma: Subdued orange with an earthiness that i'm not so sure about(it is pleasant to those nose). Malty sweet touches meld all of it together well.
Taste: Malt sweetness is the leader in flavor and it jumps in from the front. Secondly you get a light tingle from the alcohol along with a subdued hop bitterness following. Not much of a hop-citrus taste, but a mild dryness is intermingled to help even everything out.

OverallL Not a bad APA at all. Very balanced throughout, with a medium mouthfeel. Nothing really pops as the dominant taste for me. I really didn't get the benefit in the dry-hopping at all. it didn't bring those "fruity flavors or aromas" as described on the bottle neck.


Schlafly Brewery

Score: 8.2/10  

Greene King/Morland Brewery - Olde Speckled Hen review

Type: English Pale Ale

ABV: 5.2%

Sight: Beautiful R\red body that is crystal clear, with a very thin head that is gone almost immediately.

Aroma: Strong floral-grassy nose that eminates from the glass well. Some mild hoppiness comes through in the end.

Taste: Nice bite up front with a mellow tingle on the back of the tongue. Roasted malt is prominent and mixes well with the grassy peaks from the hops.

Overall: Very good classic beer with a smooth balanced body. The mouthfeel is light to medium. There is a nice mild aftertaste on the tongue.

Score: 7.6/10


Olde Speckled Hen

Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Hop Ottin' IPA Review

Type: India Pale Ale

ABV: 7%

Sight: Deep bright orange that isn't able to be seen through. A half finger thick head that is fluffy and white.

Aroma: Previlant orange citrus notes and an earthy backbone with sweet malts poking through.

Taste: Awesomely smooth dry hop punch in the front then the great sweet malts hit up next. Finishes with a light aftertaste that holds the tongue nicely.

Overall: I am very happy that i grabbed this one to finish my singles 6 pack the other day. Great nose, a medium to light mouthfeel. Citrus and hops. I couldn't ask for much more.

Score: 8.9/10


Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Hop Ottin' IPA

Stone, Victory, & Dogfish Head Colaboration - Saison Du Buff (Stone Session) Review

Type: Farmhouse Ale

ABV: 6.8%

Sight: Orange tinted yellow with light-red hues throughout...A rocky thick white head that dissolves slowly.

Aroma: Orange peel, spice, and a sweet malt balanced perfectly.

Taste: Citrusy sweetness of grapefruit, orange, and a touch of lemon come through nicely. Clove or corriander help sweeten up the nice light malty backbone. Another spice comes through, I think rosemary, but could be wrong. There is a bit of bitterness that is inviting and helps add some dryness to things.

Overall: Expected alot out of this collaboration, it delivered and then some. Sweetness, hoppy bitterness, and the uniqueness of ingredients all come together well to make this a top notch beer. I didn't get the specifics of the extra spices of italian, but it didn't matter to me. A great beer from 3 of the best breweries out there. I wouldn't expect anything less.


Saison Du Buff

Score: 9.1/10

Evolution Craft Brewery News - July 3, 2010

News and Notes: July 3, 2010

Evolution Craft Brewery - Delmar, Delaware

While filling my growler, I got talking to the Bar-guy and asked about the outdoor setting area I had heard was possibly in the works...He said it was a go and they took measurements for it a day or so ago, and it will be in the front of the Brewery near the main entrance. Also while there I found out that Haymaker was getting ready to be tapped, in 2 weeks(July 14th or so) and Lot #6 Double IPA was coming in about a month. It is basically Lot #3 on Steroids. I can't wait for this one...The best news for me was that the Lot #3 bottles were coming to the mid-Atlantic area in about 4-6 weeks...I love this beer...It is the "Best" IPA I've had to date, and I've had many. So keep in the loop about Evolution Craft Brewing through me on the Blog. Support your Local Craft Brewery's, I Do.

Drink with The Wench Presents BeerBlogger Interview Series - Beer Cruiser

Thanks to Ashley V. Routson...AKA The Beer Wench for interviewing me for the famous Beer Blogger interview series. The questions were quick, painless and also fun and informative. I did realize Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione
is wrong...

Check it out here:  Beer Blogger Interview - Beer Cruiser

Avery Brewing Co. - 14'er ESB Review

Avery Brewing Co. - Boulder Co.

Type: ESB

ABV: 5.13%

Sight: Straight up orange with a dulling browness hue to it. The head pours light Off-white that is a finger thick.

Aroma: Orange citrus and grass lead the way with a sweetness pulling up the rear. Very plasant and inviting.

Taste: A nice dry grassy and hoppy front with a little citrusy bite. The malt sweetness is the thing that brings things around full-circle.

Overall: Fits the style well with angy bitterness and brownish in color, malt balance and a light to medium mouthfeel. Enjoyable and sessionable. It finishes clean with a light citrus tingle on the back edges of the tongue. Good job paying tribute to those beautiful peaks in your backyard Avery. I'll see you in November.

Score: 8.3/10

BrewDog Mikkeller - I Beat You Imperial IPA Review

Type: Imperial American IPA

ABV: 9.75%

Sight: Nice translucent amber-orange with lighter highlights at the bottom. The head pours a thick white that clings to the glass nicely.

Aroma: Right on with the typical hop nose of grass and citrus, along with a sweet malt deepness of possible caramel that brings it all together.

Taste: Alcohol is the main thing that is noticed when sipping. Citrus and maltiness lag far behind. There is a bit of dryness that trys to dull the main characteristics and bring things to a balance, but it isn't enough to do it.

Overall: The dry from the hops "almost" overtake the dominant alcohol. A rich maltiness(i'd bet it is roasted lightly), tries to lasso the taste of the alcohol to median levels...It doesn't. All it can really do is help someone say "I BEAT YOU" in the pursuit of getting drunk.

Score: 6.8/10

South Hampton Publick House Brewery - Double Witte Review

South Hampton Publick House - Witte Beer

Type: Witte(White) A Double

ABV: 6.6%

Sight: Bright and cloudy yellow with a fluffy thick head of white that hangs fat for a while.

Aroma: Hops, lemon, some orange, and alot of wheatiness. A very nice and complex nose.

Taste: Smooth and sweet on first swig. Creamy coating of the tongue and sides of the throat. Not bitter or punchy-bold like most wheat beers. Definite orange and lemon along with some spice from most likely coriander or clove.

Overall: Mouth-feel is pleasant and light. Complex taste and nice balance from front to back. I really like witte beers and this one can hang with some of the best German's out there.

Score: 8.7/10

Flying Dog - "Doggie Style" Classic Pale Ale Review

Flying Dog Brewery - Doggie-Style

Type: American Pale Ale

ABV: 5.5%

IBU:35

Sight: A nice see-through amber-brown with a touch of orange. The head is roughly an inch thick and is a bubbly off-white.

Aroma: Lightly toasted malt sweetness up front, maybe caramel, with some hop bitterness(not alot) and a touch of an earthy element.

Taste: A tad dry in the beginning, with that sweetness we got with the nose. A pleasant bitter that bites through each sip. It finishes with a subtle tanginess on the sides and back of the tongue.

Overall: Nice sweetness is the hallmark of the brew. The mouthfeel is light to medium with the bitterness i like. I'd consider this a session beer although othes might not. It is definitely deserving of the numerous medals it has won for it's category.

Score: 8.1/10

RJ Rockers - Fish Paralyzer Review

RJ ROCKERS - ON TAP

Type: Belgian-Style Pale Ale

ABV: 7.5%

Pckg: 22 oz. Bottle

Sight: Anything but "Pale" to me...Deep dark brown with burnt orange tint when light is thrown at it. The head is smoothe a finger thick and creamy...lasting on the surface til the first sip

Aroma: Roasted malt and yeasty at first breath, then a hint of spice sneaks in there with the tingle from alcohol

Taste: Much malty sweetness with a light dry element. A tad sourness holds the edges of the tongue. A light smokiness comes through with a fuller mouth.

Overall: With the name, I was expecting it to be over-the-top, but it is really good. It, to me, is more light a Brown Ale(Newcastle) than a Pale Ale. The mouthfeel is medium to full but doesn't hinder this brew from being enjoyed as a session beer. Great job RJ...I wasn't really that impressed with "Son Of A Peach" as many others were, but you've redeemed yourself well.

Score: 8.8/10

Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale Review

SAMUEL SMITH'S OLD BREWERY PALE ALE

Type: Pale Ale

ABV: 5%

Sight: Deep dark orange with an almost brown hue. The head pours a creamy off-white that is half a finger thick

Aroma: Light orange tang at first, then malt shines on the deeper the inhale...some spice adds to the tingle of alcohol.

Taste: Sweetness of citrus and malt hit first, then the transition to close, is a tad sour with a moderate amount of alcohol tingles.

Overall: Nice balanced light body with a friendly citrusy backbone. The malt melds well with the alcohol to get to the tangy end. That alcohol  is an asset to the beer in that it keeps the front and back leveled to make this a nice balanced ale.

Score: 8.5/10