Brewery: North Coast Brewing Company
Location: Fort Bragg, CA
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: American Amber Ale
ABV: 5.5%
Nothing like a wedding to go and ruin a perfect Saturday afternoon. Luckily Josh was waiting in the distance for a run-in at the all favorite Sportstime. What do I want? I've been looking at that
Red Seal sign for years and never tasted it (as far as I know it hasn't been available) so Hill poured the pint and I accepted. A color more resembling orange than red and a taste that says "alcohol before flavor", not a preference for me. Not a smell that will stick but definetely a taste that will kick. I think i'll stick with the Old Ras' next time I venture through their territory.
Rating: C+
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Brooklynator Doppleback
Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: Dopplebock
ABV: 7.5%
We decided to head to Sportstime on Saturday to watch a friend drink a boot of Spaten for his birthday. While waiting I treated myself to a couple pints. The first was this Dopplebock from the Brooklyn Brewery. The dark brown pint arrived resembling a large glass of soda. It had a nutty sweet aroma and very little head. The first sip reminds me of bland raisin bread which isn't really something I want to drink. There is not much complexity to the flavor in this one. It's overly sweet and doesn't really do much for me. This is the first time I've been let down by Brooklyn Brewery.
Rating: C
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: Dopplebock
ABV: 7.5%
We decided to head to Sportstime on Saturday to watch a friend drink a boot of Spaten for his birthday. While waiting I treated myself to a couple pints. The first was this Dopplebock from the Brooklyn Brewery. The dark brown pint arrived resembling a large glass of soda. It had a nutty sweet aroma and very little head. The first sip reminds me of bland raisin bread which isn't really something I want to drink. There is not much complexity to the flavor in this one. It's overly sweet and doesn't really do much for me. This is the first time I've been let down by Brooklyn Brewery.
Rating: C
Preservation Pilsner
Brewery: Upland Brewing Company
Location: Bloomington, IN
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: Czech Pilsner
ABV: 5.5%
I was unaware that Upland made a pilsner until I spotted it on the Draft board at Sportstime. The pint was a really nice deep gold colour with a thick white head. I tried everything I could to get an aroma out of it but nothing was forthcoming. No one at the table had any luck with it either so I didn't feel that bad about it. The taste of this one was great. Very refreshing and crisp with a hint of sweetness. It finished off with a nice bitterness from the hops. This one is a keeper.
Rating: B+
Location: Bloomington, IN
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: Czech Pilsner
ABV: 5.5%
I was unaware that Upland made a pilsner until I spotted it on the Draft board at Sportstime. The pint was a really nice deep gold colour with a thick white head. I tried everything I could to get an aroma out of it but nothing was forthcoming. No one at the table had any luck with it either so I didn't feel that bad about it. The taste of this one was great. Very refreshing and crisp with a hint of sweetness. It finished off with a nice bitterness from the hops. This one is a keeper.
Rating: B+
Friday, May 23, 2008
Tecate
Brewery: Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Montezuma
Location: Mexico
Serving: Bottle
Style: Mexican Macro Lager
ABV: 4.5%
A round of golf led to some Mexican food. I decided to forgo my usual Negra Modelo to try a Tecate. I had read a poll where it won the best of the Mexican beer offerings, so I wanted to give it a whirl. After tossing aside the lime wedged in the bottle, I got down to business. I didn't have a glass for the beer, (some would say I am a cretin for drinking out of the bottle, but those people can get over themselves) so I can only guess that the colour is the customary straw of most Macros. It had a very sweet smell that was unexpected and a taste to match. The typical corn flavor was present but much sweeter than usual. I wouldn't call Tecate a great beer by any means, but it washed my carnitas tacos down nicely. I'll stick to my Negra Modelo or Dos Equis drafts because they have much better flavor.
Rating: C
Location: Mexico
Serving: Bottle
Style: Mexican Macro Lager
ABV: 4.5%
A round of golf led to some Mexican food. I decided to forgo my usual Negra Modelo to try a Tecate. I had read a poll where it won the best of the Mexican beer offerings, so I wanted to give it a whirl. After tossing aside the lime wedged in the bottle, I got down to business. I didn't have a glass for the beer, (some would say I am a cretin for drinking out of the bottle, but those people can get over themselves) so I can only guess that the colour is the customary straw of most Macros. It had a very sweet smell that was unexpected and a taste to match. The typical corn flavor was present but much sweeter than usual. I wouldn't call Tecate a great beer by any means, but it washed my carnitas tacos down nicely. I'll stick to my Negra Modelo or Dos Equis drafts because they have much better flavor.
Rating: C
Monday, May 19, 2008
60 Minute IPA
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Location: Delaware
Serving: Bottle/Snifter
Style: American IPA
ABV: 6%
After sushi we stopped by Nächbar for their Happy Hour. Donnie opted for Old Style while I decided to try out yet another IPA. It poured a rich golden orange colour with a head that decided to hang out for awhile. The smell had a lot going on. It was fruity with some herb and floral scents. The taste was very well balanced for an IPA. It had the citrus hop tang to it but it wasn't overpowering and there was a nice nutty flavor to help things along. Very easy to drink.
Rating: B
Location: Delaware
Serving: Bottle/Snifter
Style: American IPA
ABV: 6%
After sushi we stopped by Nächbar for their Happy Hour. Donnie opted for Old Style while I decided to try out yet another IPA. It poured a rich golden orange colour with a head that decided to hang out for awhile. The smell had a lot going on. It was fruity with some herb and floral scents. The taste was very well balanced for an IPA. It had the citrus hop tang to it but it wasn't overpowering and there was a nice nutty flavor to help things along. Very easy to drink.
Rating: B
Friday, May 16, 2008
Kirin Ichiban
Brewery: Kirin Brewery Company
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Serving: Pint
Style: Japanese Rice Lager
ABV: 4.9%
After an early departure from the daily bump and grind at work, I've finally made it to the Maido Happy Hour. What better way to celebrate than some fresh sushi and a brew. The first pint was put in front of me and the first thought was "is this a Bud Light?". A clear beer very much resembling the "American" style had very little, quickly disappearing head and had a scent that was easily forgettable but a taste that was quite refreshing. Not a favorite but fitting for the dinner.
Rating: B-
Josh's take
A visit to Maido for Happy Hour always leads me to a pint or two of Kirin. It's not my favorite Japanese beer, that would probably be Sapporo or Asahi, but it's on tap and that always trumps bottles for me. Our crystal clear golden pints arrived out on the sunlit patio to accompany our appetizer. They had a decent head that disappeared rapidly. Very little smell pretty much sets up the taste. Not much going on but decent flavor. If there was an Asian Pabst this would be it. I know that these beers aren't the greatest but I don't really look for that when I'm eating sushi. I like to taste the sushi and wash it down with a beer that quenches my thirst but doesn't knock out the subtle sushi flavor.
Rating: B-
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Serving: Pint
Style: Japanese Rice Lager
ABV: 4.9%
After an early departure from the daily bump and grind at work, I've finally made it to the Maido Happy Hour. What better way to celebrate than some fresh sushi and a brew. The first pint was put in front of me and the first thought was "is this a Bud Light?". A clear beer very much resembling the "American" style had very little, quickly disappearing head and had a scent that was easily forgettable but a taste that was quite refreshing. Not a favorite but fitting for the dinner.
Rating: B-
Josh's take
A visit to Maido for Happy Hour always leads me to a pint or two of Kirin. It's not my favorite Japanese beer, that would probably be Sapporo or Asahi, but it's on tap and that always trumps bottles for me. Our crystal clear golden pints arrived out on the sunlit patio to accompany our appetizer. They had a decent head that disappeared rapidly. Very little smell pretty much sets up the taste. Not much going on but decent flavor. If there was an Asian Pabst this would be it. I know that these beers aren't the greatest but I don't really look for that when I'm eating sushi. I like to taste the sushi and wash it down with a beer that quenches my thirst but doesn't knock out the subtle sushi flavor.
Rating: B-
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Skinny Dip
Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Inc.
Location: Colorado
Serving: Bottle
Style: American Blonde Ale
ABV: 4.2%
I wanted to try out another New Belgium while I had the chance and this was all I could find at the Fiesta market. It's a low calorie, low alcohol summer ale so I was a bit apprehensive. It turns out my fears were unfounded, Bud Select this is not. Skinny Dip was a fine yellow-orange with lots of lacing. It's brewed with kafir lime and you can really smell that lime. The taste was very refreshing and light with hints of the lime and some bread. This would be perfect on a really hot day and it just happened to be 99 degrees when I had it.
Rating: B-
Location: Colorado
Serving: Bottle
Style: American Blonde Ale
ABV: 4.2%
I wanted to try out another New Belgium while I had the chance and this was all I could find at the Fiesta market. It's a low calorie, low alcohol summer ale so I was a bit apprehensive. It turns out my fears were unfounded, Bud Select this is not. Skinny Dip was a fine yellow-orange with lots of lacing. It's brewed with kafir lime and you can really smell that lime. The taste was very refreshing and light with hints of the lime and some bread. This would be perfect on a really hot day and it just happened to be 99 degrees when I had it.
Rating: B-
Fat Tire Amber Ale
Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Inc.
Location: Colorado
Serving: Pint & (6) Bottles
Style: American Amber
ABV: 5.2%
I love this beer. I am going to get that out of the way to begin with. Fat Tire cannot be sold in Kentucky or Indiana, the two places I predominantly find myself drinking. It is torture knowing it's out there but just out of reach. I took full advantage of the availability of it on my trip southwest. A midday break, I think I'll have a Fat Tire. Time to call it a night, I think I'll watch some TV and enjoy a Fat Tire. This pbj is making me thirsty, I think I'll pour a Fat Tire into one of these custom plastic Super 8 cups and wash it down. You get the idea.
One night, Lauren and I managed to wander into a bar called the Blind Pig on 6th St., boy was that a mistake. Mr. Joe Vega was playing music. Joe is a Latin American fellow with an acoustic guitar and a large set list that he takes requests from for $1. Some of the tunes we were fortunate enough to enjoy were, Wanted Dead or Alive, Black Magic Woman, Creep, and 867-5309 Jenny. An eclectic mix. The old woman playing air guitar seemed to really love it. The only thing that kept me sane was my pint of Fat Tire. The light amber pint was like a lighthouse beacon on the stormy sea. The smell of baking bread and some sweet flowers drifted up my nose taking me to a happier place. That first sip flooded my mouth with sweet malty goodness accompanied by some bitter hops and a hint of fruit. I hate to use the term drinkable but this beer is most certainly that. Very easy to quaff and quite refreshing.
* fun fact - New Belgium was the 1st wind powered brewery in the US.
Rating: A
Location: Colorado
Serving: Pint & (6) Bottles
Style: American Amber
ABV: 5.2%
I love this beer. I am going to get that out of the way to begin with. Fat Tire cannot be sold in Kentucky or Indiana, the two places I predominantly find myself drinking. It is torture knowing it's out there but just out of reach. I took full advantage of the availability of it on my trip southwest. A midday break, I think I'll have a Fat Tire. Time to call it a night, I think I'll watch some TV and enjoy a Fat Tire. This pbj is making me thirsty, I think I'll pour a Fat Tire into one of these custom plastic Super 8 cups and wash it down. You get the idea.
One night, Lauren and I managed to wander into a bar called the Blind Pig on 6th St., boy was that a mistake. Mr. Joe Vega was playing music. Joe is a Latin American fellow with an acoustic guitar and a large set list that he takes requests from for $1. Some of the tunes we were fortunate enough to enjoy were, Wanted Dead or Alive, Black Magic Woman, Creep, and 867-5309 Jenny. An eclectic mix. The old woman playing air guitar seemed to really love it. The only thing that kept me sane was my pint of Fat Tire. The light amber pint was like a lighthouse beacon on the stormy sea. The smell of baking bread and some sweet flowers drifted up my nose taking me to a happier place. That first sip flooded my mouth with sweet malty goodness accompanied by some bitter hops and a hint of fruit. I hate to use the term drinkable but this beer is most certainly that. Very easy to quaff and quite refreshing.
* fun fact - New Belgium was the 1st wind powered brewery in the US.
Rating: A
Big Bark Amber Lager
Brewery: Live Oak Brewing Company
Location: Austin, TX
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: Vienna Lager
ABV: ?
My final stop on my Austin tap house tour led me to Ginger Man. This is the one I was looking forward to and it did not disappoint. Taps as far as the eye can see. Nice cozy feel with dark wood and a darts section, always important. I decided to stick with a local brew and I was rewarded.
The Big Bark was a dark copper colour with a thin head, and a really nice sweet fruity aroma.
The first swig brought the taste of tangerines to mind. I also noticed some bread like flavor, biscuits maybe probably due to the malt. It finishes with a nice bitter hit to balance things out. Quite tasty. I used to be a fan of amber beers but I have slowly moved away as they tend to be pretty bland. This is definitely an exception with a delicious complex flavor.
Rating: B+
Location: Austin, TX
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: Vienna Lager
ABV: ?
My final stop on my Austin tap house tour led me to Ginger Man. This is the one I was looking forward to and it did not disappoint. Taps as far as the eye can see. Nice cozy feel with dark wood and a darts section, always important. I decided to stick with a local brew and I was rewarded.
The Big Bark was a dark copper colour with a thin head, and a really nice sweet fruity aroma.
The first swig brought the taste of tangerines to mind. I also noticed some bread like flavor, biscuits maybe probably due to the malt. It finishes with a nice bitter hit to balance things out. Quite tasty. I used to be a fan of amber beers but I have slowly moved away as they tend to be pretty bland. This is definitely an exception with a delicious complex flavor.
Rating: B+
Pabst Blue Ribbon "trifecta"
Brewery: Pabst Brewing Company
Location: Mailwaukee, WI
Serving: can (1), bottle (4), "tallboy" (2)
Style: American Lagar
ABV: 5%
Had I been at the track and hit this trifectia I'd be a rich man, but since I was working in the yard (ie: mowing, weeding, seeding, and tree removing) I figured I'd take the bet.....I won. Given I cannot describe appearance other than "Red, White, & Blue" but regardless I know a superior beer when I taste one. Now I've heard certain people complain of these American lagers and their "no taste drinkability" but truth is I don't always want a beer so heavy and filling. In those instantances I go for the Pabst and have yet to be let down (10 years and counting).
Rating: A+
Location: Mailwaukee, WI
Serving: can (1), bottle (4), "tallboy" (2)
Style: American Lagar
ABV: 5%
Had I been at the track and hit this trifectia I'd be a rich man, but since I was working in the yard (ie: mowing, weeding, seeding, and tree removing) I figured I'd take the bet.....I won. Given I cannot describe appearance other than "Red, White, & Blue" but regardless I know a superior beer when I taste one. Now I've heard certain people complain of these American lagers and their "no taste drinkability" but truth is I don't always want a beer so heavy and filling. In those instantances I go for the Pabst and have yet to be let down (10 years and counting).
Rating: A+
Monday, May 12, 2008
Red Headed Stranger
Brewery: Lovejoy's Tap Room
Location: Austin, TX
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: Irish Red
ABV: ?
I have been exploring the different pubs and taprooms of Austin trying to find a place to fill the Sportstime void that will soon be in my life. This place is at the end of the horrible row of 6th st. bars that remind me of Bourbon St. or Downtown Nashville. It's not actually on 6th and doesn't seem to have much in common with them though. The blacked out windows and the lack of much in the way of a noticable entrance aren't exactly tourist friendly. It's a nice dumpy place with some pool tables and a juke box kind of like the mag bar but without the charm. They had a pretty good selection of drafts and they brew 4 of their own beers. I ordered the Red Headed Stranger because the description intrigued me. I took the deep amber pint to a couch to sample. It had a nice toasty malt aroma with some hints of fruitiness. The hops stand out much more than I expected in an Irish and that is a god thing. This beer was pretty damn tasty. It has a nutty malty flavor that finishes with a nice bitter fruity hop bite. I don't really see myself hanging out at Lovejoys but I might pop in take home a growler of this beer on occasion.
Rating: B+
Location: Austin, TX
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: Irish Red
ABV: ?
I have been exploring the different pubs and taprooms of Austin trying to find a place to fill the Sportstime void that will soon be in my life. This place is at the end of the horrible row of 6th st. bars that remind me of Bourbon St. or Downtown Nashville. It's not actually on 6th and doesn't seem to have much in common with them though. The blacked out windows and the lack of much in the way of a noticable entrance aren't exactly tourist friendly. It's a nice dumpy place with some pool tables and a juke box kind of like the mag bar but without the charm. They had a pretty good selection of drafts and they brew 4 of their own beers. I ordered the Red Headed Stranger because the description intrigued me. I took the deep amber pint to a couch to sample. It had a nice toasty malt aroma with some hints of fruitiness. The hops stand out much more than I expected in an Irish and that is a god thing. This beer was pretty damn tasty. It has a nutty malty flavor that finishes with a nice bitter fruity hop bite. I don't really see myself hanging out at Lovejoys but I might pop in take home a growler of this beer on occasion.
Rating: B+
Lone Star Beer
Brewery: Pabst Brewing Company
Location: Texas
Serving: Pitcher / Pint
Style: American Macro
ABV: 4.72%
We decided to have dinner at a pub called, The Dog and Duck. It was a nice funky little place that I can definitely see hanging out at. They had a nice selection of drafts but we opted for the Texas experience with Lone Star Beer. Lauren and I split a pitcher which means she had a glass and I had the rest. The white head disappeared rapidly leaving a clear glass of that pale straw colour we've all come to love. After my first drink I immediately sprouted a handle bar mustache, cowboy hat, and developed a hankerin' for a side of beef. The taste was pretty standard macro fair but slightly above average. It was sweet and crisp, the kind of beer that quenches on a hot day, fairly bland but drinkable.
Rating: C-
Location: Texas
Serving: Pitcher / Pint
Style: American Macro
ABV: 4.72%
We decided to have dinner at a pub called, The Dog and Duck. It was a nice funky little place that I can definitely see hanging out at. They had a nice selection of drafts but we opted for the Texas experience with Lone Star Beer. Lauren and I split a pitcher which means she had a glass and I had the rest. The white head disappeared rapidly leaving a clear glass of that pale straw colour we've all come to love. After my first drink I immediately sprouted a handle bar mustache, cowboy hat, and developed a hankerin' for a side of beef. The taste was pretty standard macro fair but slightly above average. It was sweet and crisp, the kind of beer that quenches on a hot day, fairly bland but drinkable.
Rating: C-
Robert the Bruce
Brewery: Three Floyds Brewing Co
Location: Munster, IN
Serving: Growler
Style: Scottish Ale
ABV: 7%
I admit the 6 High Lifes I had prior to indulging in my 1/2 of the growler has affected my memory or tastebuds, because I have hardly any recollection of this brew other than it did me in and was delicious at the same time....and in some situations what more do you really need?
Rating: B+
Location: Munster, IN
Serving: Growler
Style: Scottish Ale
ABV: 7%
I admit the 6 High Lifes I had prior to indulging in my 1/2 of the growler has affected my memory or tastebuds, because I have hardly any recollection of this brew other than it did me in and was delicious at the same time....and in some situations what more do you really need?
Rating: B+
Friday, May 2, 2008
Barfly IPA
Brewery: Barley Island Brewing
Location: Noblesville, IN
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: American IPA
ABV: 5.6%
I had not heard of Barley Island so I decided to check this out. It turns out they are an Indiana brewery so it was nice to drink locally. This pint was a lovely burnt orange colour with a very small head that left lace all down the glass. It smells citrusy and hoppy, pretty much like every other IPA I've described the smell of. The taste was very nice. A sweet orange flavor is predominate with a mild bitter hop finish. This would be an easy IPA to drink multiples.
Rating: B+
Location: Noblesville, IN
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: American IPA
ABV: 5.6%
I had not heard of Barley Island so I decided to check this out. It turns out they are an Indiana brewery so it was nice to drink locally. This pint was a lovely burnt orange colour with a very small head that left lace all down the glass. It smells citrusy and hoppy, pretty much like every other IPA I've described the smell of. The taste was very nice. A sweet orange flavor is predominate with a mild bitter hop finish. This would be an easy IPA to drink multiples.
Rating: B+
Spaten Maibock
Brewery: Spaten-Franzikaner-Bräu
Location: Munich, Germany
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: Maibock
ABV: 6.5%
After a round of golf I was craving a pint with the mates. Hill and I met Donnie at Sportstime to do just that. The maibock was a light golden colour resembling a pilsner. The aroma is very faint and smells sweet and doughy, like ready to be baked bread. It had a very light sweet taste that finished with what tasted like tobacco to me and spearmint to Donnie. We'll combine the 2 and say it had a skoal finish. Not a bad offering but I prefer Upland's version.
Rating: B-
Location: Munich, Germany
Serving: Imperial Pint
Style: Maibock
ABV: 6.5%
After a round of golf I was craving a pint with the mates. Hill and I met Donnie at Sportstime to do just that. The maibock was a light golden colour resembling a pilsner. The aroma is very faint and smells sweet and doughy, like ready to be baked bread. It had a very light sweet taste that finished with what tasted like tobacco to me and spearmint to Donnie. We'll combine the 2 and say it had a skoal finish. Not a bad offering but I prefer Upland's version.
Rating: B-
"The Czar"
Brewery: Avery Brewing Company
Location: Colorado
Serving: 1/2 pint
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 11.73%
Another out of season brew that I've enjoyed recently during Gravity Head, this heavily roasted imperial stout goes down with smooth harshness of a good stout. The aroma of a roasted cocoa bean creates a thick frothy head which was begging to become that temporary stache we all know and love.
Rating: A-
Location: Colorado
Serving: 1/2 pint
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 11.73%
Another out of season brew that I've enjoyed recently during Gravity Head, this heavily roasted imperial stout goes down with smooth harshness of a good stout. The aroma of a roasted cocoa bean creates a thick frothy head which was begging to become that temporary stache we all know and love.
Rating: A-
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