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+
Monday, May 26, 2008
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+
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