September « 2010 « THE BREWSKI REPORT

September 22, 2010

Sam Adams’ Octoberfest Beer Review 9.22.10

Filed under: Sam Adams — Tags: 3.75 Rating, 5.3% ABV, Auto Repairs, Axle, Boston Beer Co, Cleaning, Computer, Draft, Insulation, Low Volt Wiring, MA, Marzen, Octoberfest, Office, Planting Trees, Remodel, Sam Adams, Strip Paint, Time Waster, Vacation, Wireless Router — Tommy Brewski @ 6:49 pm

For display purposes only. Mine was a draft.

The Brewski Report Reviews Samual Adams’ Octoberfest
File Date: 9.22.2010

File Name: My Lost Vacation
The Beer: Sam Adams Octoberfest
Type: Marzen/Oktoberfest
Serving: Draft
Stats: 5.3% ABV
Brewer: Boston Beer Co. (Samuel Adams)
Web Site: www.samueladams.com
State/Country of Origin: MA, USA
Brewer Info: Jim Koch founded The Boston Beer Company in 1984 because he believed that Americans deserved better beer. Today, we’re a team of about 350 people, and we all share a common passion for bringing great Samuel Adams® beers to beer lovers everywhere. We’ve worked hard for the many successes we’ve enjoyed over the years. The Boston Beer Company has been cited as one of the best companies to work for by Boston Magazine, one of the Best Entry-Level Jobs by The Princeton Review, and our beers have won more awards than any beer in history.

Brewer Brand Hype: Brewed with five varieties of malted barley for a big, rich flavor. The first thing you notice when pouring a glass of this seasonal beer is the color. Samuel Adams® Octoberfest has a rich, deep reddish amber hue which itself is reflective of the season. Samuel Adams Octoberfest masterfully blends together five roasts of malt to create a delicious harmony of sweet flavors including caramel and toffee. The malt is complimented by the elegant bitterness imparted by the Bavarian Noble hops. Samuel Adams Octoberfest provides a wonderful transition from the lighter beers of summer to the heartier brews of winter.
Label: Draft beer served at the bar.

The Brewski Review: I took a week off for vacation tin the hopes of getting a good start on remodeling two more rooms in my house. As I noted in an earlier e-mail, I’ve been cleaning out our ‘office’ for a while and I was dissapointed that it wasn’t completed BEFORE my vacation started. The last thing I wanted to do was waste time moving stuff on my vacation (which, by the way, is rare for me to take a whole week’s vacation.) So, it took two days to finish moving material out of the office and get the room sealed up - rosin paper on the floor and plastic over the doorways (sans the doors which were removed to strip the paint). And then, I tried to plug my wireless router back in and reconnect our computers. That’s were I lost two more days. So, four of my 9 total days were spent cleaning and trying to figure out how to set up the computer. Then, I purchased a few trees I needed to get into the ground before winter so I set about doing that. This took two days. So, my plans to work on my house and repair my SUV (the front sway bar links broke and the sway bar shifted over and tore a hole in my front passenger side CV Boot). I just pushed my timeline out until spring on both. I figure if my front axle locks up on me….oh well. And, it’s too late into the season to start tearing plaster off my walls. I won’t be able to run the wiring and insulate before it freezes so I better wait. The good news? I’ve got all winter to work on other stuff. Oh yeah, the beer. It was a decent octoberfest beer. Holding out for something better. Would drink it again though.

Drinkability: Probably.
Appearance: Medium to dark brown. Minimal head (dirty glass?)
The Buds: Malty with a bitter finish.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.75 out of 5

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September 12, 2010

James Boag’s Premium Lager Beer Review 9.12.10

Filed under: Beer Girls, J Boag & Sons Brewery, Marketing 101 — Tags: 4.0 Rating, 5.0% ABV, Autralia, Balanced Life, Body, Euro Pale Ale, Female Friend, Grumpy Gus, Import, Improved Life, J. Boag & Sons, Life, MBA, Mind, Money, Monitary, Premium Lager, Purpose, Self Analyzing, Spirit, Tasmania, Thinker, Wife — Tommy Brewski @ 7:31 pm

The Tasmanian Devil.

The Brewski Report Reviews J. Boag & Son’s Premium Lager
File Date: 9.12.10

File Name: Grumpy Gus Dives Deep Within
The Beer: James Boag’s Premium Lager
Type: Euro Pale Ale
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 5.0% ABV
Brewer: J. Boag & Sons Brewing
Web Site: www.boags.com.au
Country of Origin: Australia
Brewer Info: Our history begins in 1881 with the establishment of the Esk Brewery in the remote colonial settlement of Launceston. It was in this brewery that James Boag I and his son James Boag II commenced a tradition of brewing the highest quality beers - and, while they retained the Esk brewery name for some years, ‘Boag’s Brewery’ became a frequent reference. Tasmania’s cool climate and island remoteness offered an abundance of superior quality ingredients for brewing. James Boag quickly realized that these premium ingredients underpinned the brewing of incomparably better beers. After assuming the ownership of Esk brewery in 1883, James Boag and his son were able to combine their appreciation of the finest natural ingredients with the superior equipment of their new brewery to quickly establish their reputation for brewing beers that were far from ordinary. Today, we still insist on using the finest hops, barley, and pure water to produce extraordinary beers. Every bottle reflects the purity and isolation of our island, and James Boag’s commitment to the perfection of the brewer’s craft.

Brewer Brand Hype: James Boag’s Premium Lager is an internationally recognised, multi-award winning premium beer with a rich Tasmanian heritage. Acclaimed both at home and overseas, James Boag’s Premium was honoured with the 2007 Crystal Prestige Award for winning 10 consecutive gold medals at le Monde Selection in Brussels. This success is the result of combining the finest ingredients, world class brewing skills and the distinctive black and white imagery featured in our TV, cinema and print advertising inspired by our photographer Helmut Newton. James Boag’s Premium’s sophisticated style is a perfect match for the smooth, subtle and perfectly balanced characteristics of this world-class lager.

The Helmut Newton Marketing Campaign? Good? Are You Inspired To Buy The Beer Based On this?

'Who is James Boag?' The Helmut Newton Marketing Campaign. Think it's good? Are You Inspired To Buy The Beer Based On this?

Label: In 1853 James Boag commenced his brewing tradition on the banks of the Esk River in Launceston, Tasmania. We use Tasmania’s finest ingredients combined with extended lagering to create a crisp, pale lager rich in flavour.

The Brewski Review: Grumpy Gus woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. In the middle of the night I awoke and wondered where my life was compared to where I wanted it to be. The trigger was a comment my wife made a few days ago about seeing a former female friend of mine in a grocery store parking lot. There was neither an exchange of words or glances but the tell stuck with me. This woman and her husband both have MBA’s, have great jobs that they love and, of course, the money and ’stuff’ to go along with it. They seems to have it all. As you can imagine this type of thinking is corrosive. The grass is always greener right? Some of you know what I’m talking about. My point is that everyone’s expectation of life should always be more - and I’m not strickly talking monitary rewards. How about purpose? Peace of mind? A well balanced life? An improved body, mind and spirit? You should always strive to be the best. Some days it’s difficult but I try. I hope you do to. And, to improve your taste buds, try picking up a six of this beer - James Boag’s Premium Lager. I was surprised how this beer tasted. Well, I guess I shouldn’t say surprised because I really didn’t have any preconcieved notion as to how it should taste. Maybe I should say…I was pleased with the taste of this beer. There was some nice malt taste and a little hoppy but very well balanced. Very smooth and mild.

Drinkability: Most definitely.
Appearance: Pale golden color.
The Buds: Smoooooooth.
TBR Cap Rating: 4.0out of 5 caps

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September 11, 2010

Margaritaville Brewing’s Landshark Lager Beer Review 9.11.10

Filed under: Anheuser-Busch, Margaritaville Brewing, Marketing 101 — Tags: 2.5 Rating, 4.7% ABV, American Adjunct Lager, Anheuser-Busch, Cooperative Project, Disappointment, Domestic, FL, Jimmy Buffet, Jimmy In The Third Person, Lacks Substance, Landshark Lager, Landshark Stadium, Lemming, Margaritaville Brewing, Miami Dolphins, NFL Football, Parrotheads, PR Stunt, Seinfeld, Stephen Ross — Tommy Brewski @ 2:21 am

Fins Up Parrotheads! Or, As Jimmy Would say - 'Drink Up! I Need To Fund Another Business Venture.'

The Brewski Report Reviews Margaritaville Brewing’s Landshark Lager
File Date: 9.11.10

File Name: Singing All The Way To The Bank
The Beer: Landshark Lager
Type: American Adjunct Lager
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 4.7% ABV
Brewer: Margaritaville Brewing / Anheuser-Busch
Web Site: www.landsharklager.com
Country / State of Origin: FL, USA
Brewer Info: Since Margaritaville Brewing is only a ‘label’, here is some info on the real brewing company: Anheuser-Busch traces its origins back to the Bavarian brewery, which was established in 1852. Eberhard Anheuser acquired the Bavarian brewery in 1860 and renamed it E. Anheuser & Co. In 1864, his son-in-law, Adolphus Busch, joined the company that would later become Anheuser-Busch. While the company’s early years were demanding, Adolphus Busch proved up to the challenge. His keen vision, bold initiative, marketing savvy and passionate commitment to quality were his legacy to those who followed, and the high standards he established have been adhered to by each succeeding generation. Today, Anheuser-Busch produces the two best-selling beers in the world, Budweiser and Bud Light, and operates 12 breweries in the United States.

Brewer Brand Hype: Fins Up! Land Shark Lager has arrived! Grab a refreshing, thirst quenching island lager and let the “Fin Begin”! Land Shark Lager Premium Quality is brewed by the Margaritaville Brewing Company in Jacksonville Florida. Land Shark Lager is a refreshing, drinkable island lager brewed with a complex blend of hops…giving the beer a distinctive hop note taste.
Label: Premium Quality Island Style Lager. Landshark Lager. Fins Up!

The Brewski Review: What can I say about this? I’m sure to disappoint all the Parrotheads out there but this beer was lacking some serious substance. It didn’t tasted bad, there just wasn’t any taste. If your not aware, this beer is a ‘cooperative project’ between Jimmy Buffet’s ‘Margaritaville Brewing’ label and Anheuser-Busch which started in 2006. A relatively new brand.

The Stadium Deal

In 2009 Jimmy Buffet, et al., convinced Stephen Ross of the Miami Dolphins to change the name of the Dolphin’s stadium to Landshark Stadium. Definitely a marketing ploy but on whose part I don’t know. Mr. Ross should have gotten something out of the deal to make it worth his time. It seems like quite a bit of effort for a little PR stunt. Anheuser-Busch has deep pockets so maybe it sold Landshark Lager to the stadium at cost - giving Mr. Ross a little profit bump. But, after tasting the beer, Anheuser-Busch should be spending big $ to sell this brand.

PR Extroidenaire Buffet With Ross

I like Jimmy Buffet’s songs but I’m not a Parrothead and I won’t be a lemming just because I like his music. Face it, Mr. Buffet is an astute businessman. If he can make a few bucks and it fit’s within his ‘theme’ then I’m sure he’d consider it - and why not. I don’t fault the man. He owns restaurants, casino’s, has played in movies and TV, writes and of course, is a musician. Maybe Jimmy likes the beer. (Remember the Seinfeld episode where Jimmy refers to himself in the third person - ‘Jimmy’s got a compound fracture!’ - classic.) Good for him. I, on the other hand, need a little more taste to make me sing. I have a hard time believing that AB will keep this brand going for an extended period of time. They must be subsidizing the heck out of it to keep it alive. That’s my take.

Drinkability: Nah. Never again.
Appearance: Very pale golden color.
The Buds: Bland. Not much flavor.
TBR Cap Rating: 2.50 out of 5 caps.

Akroyd And The Landshark. Classic SNL. Candygram Anyone? Perhaps This Is The Birthplace Of Buffet's Brand Name?

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September 8, 2010

Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale Beer Review 9.8.10

Filed under: Sierra Nevada Brewing — Tags: 4.25 Rating, 5 Hr Car Ride, 5.6% ABV, American Pale Ale, Beach, Blustery, CA, Campfire, Cool, Cool Front, Daughter, Fall Foilage, Hoppy, Kiddie Pool, Oktoberfest Beers, Rock Hunting, Sierra Nevada, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Son, Vacation, Wader, Weather, Wife & Kids — Tommy Brewski @ 4:49 am

Sierra Nevada's Flagship Brand - Pale Ale.

The Brewski Report Reviews Seirra Nevada’s Pale Ale
File Date: 9.8.2010

File Name: A Cool Day At The Beach Is Better Than None.
The Beer: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Type: American Pale Ale
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 5.6% ABV
Brewer: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Web Site: www.sierranevada.com
Country/State of Origin: CA, USA
Brewer Info: [In 1978] Ken and co-founder Paul Camusi cobbled a brewery together from dairy tanks, a soft-drink bottler, and equipment salvaged from defunct breweries. Though the equipment was secondhand, they created a first-rate microbrewery. The ingredients were premium, including the copious quantities of hops that would become the brewery’s trademark. An avid backpacker, Ken named the new company for his favorite hiking grounds—the Sierra Nevada mountains. Finally, on November 15, 1980, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. brewed the first batch of what would soon become a landmark in American craft brewing: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

Brewer Brand Hype: Our most popular beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, is a delightful interpretation of a classic style. It has a deep amber color and an exceptionally full-bodied, complex character. Generous quantities of premium Cascade hops give the Pale Ale its fragrant bouquet and spicy flavor.
Label: Purest Ingredients. Finest Quality.

The Brewski Review: I took the wife and kids on a short little vacation to the beach today. Yes, it’s late in the year so the beaches weren’t crowded. But, since it is late in the year, it was rather blustery and cool. Maybe mid 60’s tops. Definitely not swimming weather. This cool front didn’t happen to be included in my daughters vacation plans. She must have told us well over 150 times of her desire to go to the beach (or some derivation of that). This took place over a 5 hr car ride so you can see how very eager she was. In the end, I don’t think she was too disappointed. She likes the idea of the beach. At most, she may have waded in but I doubt she would have went under. Even when we set up the kiddie pool in the back yard, she only wades for a few minutes then she’s off on some other play-gig. We’ll head back again next year in the fall. This will be the last year we can afford to have a vacation after the start of school so we’ll pack in as much as we can. Fall foilage, campfires, rock hunting (also a favorite of my son) and Oktoberfest beers will be high on my list. Getting to the beer, we stopped into a restaurant and I thought I’d try out this Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. It was good. Sierra Nevada supposedly started their business with this beer and it’s the brand anchor of thier ship. It had a very tight, foamy head at the pour. Nice tasting pale ale. A little hoppy for me but I’d drink another given the chance.

Drinkability: Definitely would drink again.
Appearance: Light golden color. Huge foamy head.
The Buds: Nice hoppy flavor.
TBR Cap Rating: 4.25 caps out of 5.