Archive for the ‘Anheuser-Busch’ Category
Friday, October 29th, 2010
You know Jack? Maybe you should become friends with the Jack I know. Anheuser's entry into the Pumpkin Ale category.
The Brewski Report Reviews Michelob Brewing Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale
File Date: 10.29.10
File Name: The Little Guy Gets The Shaft - Again.
The Beer: Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale
Type: Pumpkin Ale
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 5.5% ABV
Brewer: Michelob Brewing Co. / Anheuser-Busch Inc.
Web Site: www.anheuser-busch.com
Country/State of Origin: MO, USA
Brewer Info: 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: Our fall seasonal is a subtle, well-balanced ale, copper in color, offering rich, full flavors and aromas of pumpkin and spices. This all-malt ale is brewed with golden delicious pumpkins and select seasonal spices, including nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and clove. Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale complements dishes such as turkey dinners, pumpkin bisque, teriyaki chicken and mild Italian sausages. Enjoy Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale in a tall, fluted glass.
Label: Our fall seasonal draws it’s rich copper color from two-row Caramel and Carapils barley malts. Brewed with Golden Delicious pumpkins and select seasonal spices to produce a balanced, truly flavorful taste. All malt ale brewed with pumpkins and select seasonal spices including nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and clove.
The Brewski Review: I recieved my mortgage statement the other day in the mail. It was higher than I’m used to seeing to I phoned the bank to see what’s up. Apparently, my insurance company and county of residence decided I wasn’t paying enough. After hearing this I found myself in a state of confusion. About 6 months earlier I contested my property value and a decision came down in my favor. So, naturally, I called the county tax department and they said, ‘Oh yeah. Your property value was reduced but your taxes went up.’ ‘Perfect’ I said to myself. This could only happen to me. I pressed a little further and the helpful woman on the other end of the phone also noted that there was a local school levy increase (Didn’t Obama just give Schools/teachers $50B?) that was unknown to my wife and I. It must have been a double secret ballet that only the school officials knew about and voted in favor of. This makes me happy. Then, I call my insurance company. My agent’s response was ‘There was a general, across the board rate increase to pay for hurricane claims in the Southern States.’ I responded with ‘Twenty percent?’ ‘Yes’ he said. Arrrg! Nothing makes me happier than paying more than my share to help keep someone else’s premiums affordable (people, this is sarcasm.). It seems that whenever a company, organization, or G-man agency needs money they just raise rates and taxes while my slice get’s smaller and smaller. Is this a great county or what? Now that I’m in a terrific mood, I’ll spill the bean on this seemingly not-so-bad industrial brew. There is some decent spice flavor and some malty taste. The beer poured out as a rich copper tone - one of my favorite colors (see pictures of my den walls). I enjoyed this beer but It just didn’t measure up to some of the other pumpkin beers I’ve tasted. Nonetheless, it was still a drinkable beverage. This brand has been available since 2005.
Drinkability: Would drink it again.
Appearance: Rich copper color.
The Buds: Decent showing for an industrial brew. Nice spice taste.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.75 out of 5 caps.
Pumpkin Chunkin Ammo.
Tags: $50 Billion, 20% Increase, 3.75 Rating, 5.5% ABV, Anheuser-Busch, Bank, Budweiser, Contested Values, Copper Color, Copper Paint, County, Den Walls, Education, G-Man, General Rate Increase, Hurricane, Increase Rates & Taxes, Industrial Brew, Insurance, Insurance Agent, Jack's Pumpkin Spice Ale, Little Guy Gets Squeezed, Lower Property Values, Metalized Paint, Michelob, Michelob Brewing, MO, Mortgage, Obama, Paint, Property Taxes, Pumpkin Ale, Schools, Southern States
Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Michelob Brewing, Tap Handles | No Comments »
Saturday, September 11th, 2010
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?
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
Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Margaritaville Brewing, Marketing 101 | No Comments »
Friday, August 20th, 2010
Here are a few vintage bud advertisements that make you wish for simpler times. I was just a glimmer in my mother’s eye when these ads saw their debut, but it still makes me yearn for a time before cell phones, cable news, wi-fi, rap music, bad 80’s hairstyles and celebrities who aren’t. Ahhhh!
Aren't you glad? Springtime is a happy time. And the best place to be is close to a bud. Cold, refreshing Budweiser....the King of Beers.
KNOW HIM! He's the easiest man in town to meet. Just visit your friendly tavern and ask for Budweiser....King of Beers.
I penned a post on 7.29.10 for Killians Irish Red that notes what my bartender would look like if I owned my own place. This smartly dressed man is what I pictured. Not a punk with a nose/ear/belly ring in a graphic tee shirt advertising his favorite band. Oh yeah, I dig that vintage light behind him as well.
Does anyone remember paying $0.25 for a beer? This would be a great vintage sign to have. Although, the only place my wife would allow me to hang it would probably be the garage or basement.
Tags: Anheuser-Busch, Bartender, Beer Advertisement, Beer Mug, Beer on Ice, Budweiser, Cold, Cold Beer, Glass of Beer, King of Beers, Man, Man with Can of Beer, Red, Server, Signs, Springtime, Tavern, Vintage, White, Woman, Woman Drinking a Beer
Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Marketing 101, Vintage Ads | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
The Food Looks As Good As The Beer Tastes.
The Brewski Report Reviews Michelob’s Amber Bock
File Date: 7.28.2010
File Name: Designated Driver Sleeps In His Own Bed.
The Beer: Amber Bock
Type: Bock
Serving: Draft
Stats: 5.2% ABV
Brewer: Michelob/Anheuser-Busch
Web Site: www.anheuser-busch.com
Country of Origin: MO, USA
Brewer Info: 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: Michelob AmberBock is an American-style bock beer with a rich, malty and smooth taste that is hearty and full-bodied, yet finishes cleanly. Anheuser-Busch introduced this premium-plus beer nationally in 1995. Best served with grilled, barbecued and German-style food. This dark mahogany lager has a rich nutty aroma. With a gentle hint of caramel malt sweetness, this American-style bock has a deep malty body that pours a tall head. Brewed using 100 percent malt-including dark-roasted black and caramel malts and all-imported hops
Label: Draft beer - no label.
The Brewski Review: I stopped into a small bar to have some dinner after work. It reminded me of my college drinking days: a bunch of regulars sitting up at the bar. I did spend time drinking at the local college bars, but I also liked to visit small bars where the misfits hung out: bikers, college kids, townies, old folks, music afficianados, etc. You had it all. The bands were great and the beer was cheap (rest assured we didn’t drink anything like Michelob - that was an old man’s beer.). Buy it by the bucket or pitcher. Pour it into plastic cups. Don’t touch anything in the restroom. If you were lucky you weren’t the nightly designated driver so you could whoop it up. It was always a challenge though not to be the driver. Usually we all met at someone’s house. After we had one or two we’d go outside to the cars. Everyone would walk to someone else’s car and then we’d argue. I probably had more than my fair share of driving assignments but that was alright. If you didn’t drive there was always a risk of not having a ride home. The driver may hook up or decide he’s had enough and just leave. So, when I did drive, I may not have been able to drink as much as I wanted. But, at least I knew where I’d be sleeping that night.
Drinkability: Sure. Would drink it again.
Appearance: Dark amber in color. Minimal head.
The Buds: Mild and malty tasting.
TBR Cap Rating: 4.0 caps out of 5.
Tags: 4.0 Rating, 5.2% ABV, Amber Bock, Anheuser-Busch, Bar, Bar Food, Beer Bucket, Bikers, Budweiser, College, College Bars, Designated Driver, Domestic, Draft, Drinking, Friends, Michelob, Misfits, MO, Music, Old Man's Beer, Pitchers, Plastic Cups, Sleeping, Townies
Posted in Anheuser-Busch | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
American Ale in all it's glory.
The Brewski Report Reviews Anheuser-Busch’s American Ale
File Date: 6.1.10
File Name: Would you like some beer with that smoke?
The Beer: American Ale
Type: American Amber/Red Ale
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 5.3% ABV
Brewer: Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
Web Site: www.anheuser-busch.com
Country of Origin: MO, USA
Brewer Info: 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: American-style amber ale. Budweiser American Ale has a robust taste that’s full-bodied, but not too heavy or too bitter. Carefully brewed with the highest quality American ingredients, this rich, amber-colored, all- malt ale delivers a satisfying bold taste with a bright hoppy finish. It’s an ale that’s distinctly American in character. Initial citrus and slight green hop aromas in the nose from the Cascade dry hop are balanced by caramel and slight toasted malt flavor and aromas. Balanced and full-bodied but not overpowering, with a savory finish. Brewed with caramel malted barley for a beautiful, rich amber color and sweet malt character and dry-hopped with Cascade hops from the Pacific Northwest for a noticeably citrus aroma, Budweiser American Ale achieves the perfect balance of rounded malt and hop flavor.
Label: Budweiser American Ale defines a new style of ale - The American Ale - created by Anheuser-Busch brewmasters to deliver robust ale taste that’s full-bodied, but not too heavy nor too bitter. Carefully brewed with barley from America’s Heartland and Cascade Hops from the Pacifc Northwest, this rich, ambered-colored ale has robust flavor and a distinctive, hoppy finish.
The Brewski Review: I thought I’d try out a new restaurant today while out on the road. It was tucked back off the main road with a red awning that said Sports. Beer. Food. and a few other key words to catch a guys attention. We walked in, a coworker and myself, and were quite surprised by how few people were inside and how much cigarette smoke clogged the air. (A Smoke-ateria I like to call it.) These patrons, about 8 old dudes in their 60’s and 70’s must have been huffing and puffing like they were all going on the wagon the next day. I think the bargirls must be smokers as well since no one made an effort to turn on the ventilation system. Let it be known, I’m no fan of smokers. I don’t judge people who smoke but at the same time, I don’t want to smell it just because you like to do it. Needless to say, we down a quick beer and hit the road. We glanced at the menu but, frankly, I don’t think I would have been able to enjoy eating anything. The worst part is, from just my short time inside my clothes reaked. Arrrg! Anyway, the beer I downed was a Budweiser American Ale. If I was a beer snob and tried to detect all the suble aromas I would be hard pressed considering the environment. Good thing I’m not one of those guys. I liked this brew. Rather hoppy but it wasn’t too bitter and had minimal aftertaste. Decent beverage for an industrial brewer. Winter would be a good time to enjoy this beverage. Although it wasn’t heavy it was nonetheless a richer, fuller brew.
Drinkability: Would drink it again - maybe in the fall or winter.
Appearance: No glass this time around.
The Buds: Good. Hoppy tasting with mild bitterness.
TBR Cap Rating: 4.0 out of 5.
Isn't this a great logo? Anheuser-Busch has never skimped on Marketing their brands.
Tags: 4.0 Rating, 5.3% ABV, American Ale, American Amber, Anheuser-Busch, Bar Food, Bar Girls, Bottle, Budweiser, Cigarette Smoke, Cigarettes, Environment, Indoor Smoking Ban, Key Words, MO, No Smoking, Old Dudes, Red Ale, Smell, Smelly Clothes, Smoke-eteria, Sports Bar
Posted in Anheuser-Busch | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
Bud Lime on the Bar Patio
The Brewski Report Reviews Anheuser-Busch’s Bud Light Lime Lager
File Date: 5.11.10
File Name: Big Brewer Cuts Out Small Produce Middleman
The Beer: Bud Light Lime
Type: Light Lager
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 4.2% ABV
Brewer: Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
Web Site: www.anheuser-busch.com
Country of Origin: MO, USA
Brewer Info: 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: American-style light lager that combines the superior drinkability of Bud Light with a splash of 100 percent natural lime flavor. Light-bodied brew with a delicate malt sweetness; clean, crisp finish, and the taste of a fresh-squeezed lime for ultimate refreshment. Perfect for summer refreshment, Bud Light Lime offers adults the citrus taste, expected from a fresh squeezed lime, without a trip to the produce aisle.
Label: Premium Light Beer With 100% Natural Lime Flavor.
The Brewski Review: Another road review. I told the waitress to seat us (a coworker and myself) outside on the restaurant patio. It was a particularly nice day, blue skies and sunny with only a few passing clouds. The first order of business was to review the beer list straight away. I ordered a Gumballhead (Three Floyds Brewing Co.) but the waiter came back empty handed and said they were out. Not too many other choices other than the large, institutional brews with the large media budgets. So, I selected the lime flavored Bud beer. How original I thought…..forget about putting the lime in the bottle, just add the lime flavor. Surprisingly though, I think they actually pull it off quite well with this combination. The lime citrus flavor was abundant. Typical with most American Lagers, this was light, crisp and and a quick drinker. I would think the stuffy beer snobs would give this one a thumbs down when it really doesn’t deserve the bad wrap. AB brewed this to fit a market and I think they were successful in achieving their goal. If you like lime and plan on spending a nice warm day drinking beer and relaxing, this just may be the beer for you. Have several and it probably won’t fill you up if your eating a platefull of spicy wings, snoozing in the hammock, working in the yard or playing a game of volleyball.
Drinkability: Tasty lime flavor.
Appearance: Golden yellow. Large head dissipates quickly.
The Buds: Crisp and Refreshing for a hot, beer drinking summer day.
TBR Cap Rating: 4.25 out of 5
Tags: 4.2% ABV, 4.25 Rating, Anheuser-Busch, Beer Snobs, Bottle, Bud, Domestic, Gumballhead, Hammock, Institutional Beers, Light, Light Lager, Lime, Lime Flavor, MO, Patior Dining, Quick Drinker, Road Warrior, Summer, Summertime, Three Floyds Brewing, volleyball, Waitress, Wings
Posted in Anheuser-Busch | No Comments »
Monday, May 10th, 2010
Bud's Shock Top Belgian White
The Brewski Report Reviews Anheuser-Busch’s Shock Top Belgian White Witbier
File Date: 5.10.10
File Name: Snorting Beer Can Tingle
The Beer: Shock Top Belgian White
Type: Witbier
Serving: Draft
Stats: 5.2% ABV
Brewer: Anheuser-Busch, Inc
Web Site: www.anheuser-busch.com
Country of Origin: MO, USA
Brewer Info: 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: Introduced originally as seasonal beer Spring Heat Spiced Wheat in 2006, year-round as Shock Top in 2007. As an unfiltered Belgian-style wheat ale, this beer is naturally cloudy with a light golden color. Brewed with orange, lemon and lime peels and coriander. Shock Top Belgian White pairs well with fresh salads, chicken dishes and Asian cuisine. The beer is best enjoyed in a tall, wide-mouthed glass. To serve the brew perfectly, follow these pouring guidelines. Pour the brew down the side of the glass until about one-half inch of brew is left in the bottle. Lay the bottle on its side and roll it gently back and forth, mixing the remaining yeast that has settled at the bottom. Pour the rest of the brew, producing a nice, thick collar of foam.
Label: Reviewed this one as a draft. (Kind of hard to roll the bottle on it’s side when it comes from the keg. It makes me wonder if I’m getting the full taste from the tap.)
The Brewski Review: In typical witbier form, this Belgian style wheat ale is cloudy in color. I didn’t detect much of a citrus taste or aroma. With it’s crisp flavor and minimal aftertaste it would make for a decent summertime beverage. Nothing too special or noteable to make it my witbier of choice. My initial thought is to skip to another witbier before sampling this brew again. Although, I may be willing to give a bottle a try sometime to see if I’m tasting the full yeasty flavor. If I do try the bottle version, I’ll make it a point NOT to drink it while I dine with fellow coworker - ‘Two Buck Chuck’ - out on the road as I did when I drank the draft version. If I do, I’ll risk snorting most of the beer out my nose. Who can’t laught at a coagulation of ruthless and sarcastic comments about your place of work and those you work with? I most certainly can’t. And the company I work for definitely has no shortage of material to comment about. Does yours? Probably not. I’ve been with a few large, well known companies and they’re all about the same. Maybe one day I’ll find an organization where I actually enjoy going to work each morning and doing what I’m paid to do. I envy those individuals who knew what they wanted to do right out of high school, earned their degree and are now doing it. Probably making great money at it as well. Me? I need a career change. Only problem is, I can’t afford to start at the bottom. That’s what the lottery is for right?
Drinkability: Drinkable. If I drink it again, it’ll be in the bottle.
Appearance: Cloudy, Pale golden yellow.
The Buds: Decent for an industrial brew.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Tags: 5.2% ABV, Anheuser-Busch, Belgian White, Bottom, Bud, Career, Coriander, Degree, Domestic, Draft, Enjoy Work, Envy, High School, Instructions, Large Companies, Lemon, Lime, Lottery, MO, Money, Orange, Sarcastic Comments, Shock Top, Start Over, Summer, Summertime, Two Buck Chuck, Work
Posted in Anheuser-Busch | No Comments »
Sunday, August 30th, 2009
Hoegaarden's Witbier (White Beer) In All It's Cloudy Glory.
The Brewski Report’s Review on Hoegaarden, the Original Belgium White Beer.
File Date: 8.30.09
File Name: It’s Intuitively Obvious That The Obvious Isn’t Always Intuitive.
The Beer: Hoegaarden Original White Ale
Type: Witbier or White Beer
Serving: Bottle, Dark Glass, Long Neck; 11.2 FL OZ Serving.
Stats: 4.90% ABV
Brewer: Brouwerij van Hoegaarden
Country of Origin: Belgium
Brewer Info: Hoegaarden takes its name from the village of Hoegaarden, in Belgium’s Brabant Province, where the brewing of white beer can be traced back to 1445. However, around 1955, the last local witbier brewery, Tomsin, closed its doors. Pierre Celis, a milkman, decided some ten years later to try to revive the style. He began the new brewery in his hay loft. Celis used the traditional ingredients of water, yeast, wheat, hops, coriander and dried Curaçao orange peel known as Laraha. With demand for the product continuing to grow, Celis bought, in the 1980s, Hougardia, a local soft-drink factory that he rebuilt into a brewery.
After a fire in 1985, as is traditional in Belgium, several brewers offered their help. One of these was the largest brewer in the country, called Interbrew (after a merger with AmBev, renamed InBev). Interbrew lent money for the purchase of other buildings to rebuild the brewery. Over time, Celis felt very strongly that the company used the loan to pressure him to change the recipe to make the beer more “mass market”. Celis decided instead to sell Interbrew the brewery in 1987. After selling, Celis founded Celis Brewing Company in Austin, Texas, which was later acquired by Miller Brewing. Miller ultimately closed the brewery and sold the equipment and brand names to Michigan Brewing Company.
Hoegaarden's Signature Glass and Logo
Brewer Brand Hype: Hoegaarden is brewed using natural ingredients – mineral spring water, unmalted wheat, barley malt, hops, yeast, coriander and Curaçao orange peel. Hoegaarden is unfiltered, giving the beer a soft body, cloudy white appearance and thick, frothy head. This beer is particularly refreshing in warmer months and always should be served in its signature hexagonal glass, which keeps the beer colder longer.
Label: A delicious and surprising refreshing taste, naturally cloudy and brewed using a unique recipe of wheat, malted barley and a subtle hint of coriander and orange peel.
The Brewski Review: And so goes a true conversation at my day job’s morning production meeting between our Operations Manager and one of his direct reports, the HR Manager:
Ops Mgr: ‘The world is competitive.’
HR Mgr: ‘A well trained employee makes them more competitive.’
Ops Mgr: ‘Well, that’s intuitive.’
HR Mgr: (sarcastically) ‘Oh, and “The world is competitive” isn’t intuitive?’
Ops Mgr: (seriously) ‘I don’t believe it was to you.’
This is the world I live in - albeit a mere slice. Yes, I too must report to the Operations Manager. I’ll let you draw your own conclusions on this one.
Why I mention this rather useless conversation above is that the results of this beer review were in no way intuitive based upon the bottle as it was pulled off the retailers shelf. I purchased it, along with a smattering of others, and stuck them in the back of the fridge. I usually don’t have an agenda when I review beers. I stick my hand in the back of the fridge and whatever I pull out is what I drink. This time around I picked Hoegaarden’s Witbier (White Beer). Little did I know how delicious and exceptional it was going to be. Luckily, I read the back label before I finished pouring it into the glass. I don’t know of many beers that have pouring instructions but this is one of them. Step1: Use Hoegaarden’s hexagonal glass (which I didn’t), Step2: Pour 2/3 into glass, Step3: Swirl bottle, and finally, Step4: Pour rest to form head. Do quite a bit of swirling since the sentiment at the bottom of the bottle took a while to dislodge. The beer was oh so smooth and had a quite unique flavor. As noted, it was cloudy. Much more so after I swirled and poured the last remaining liquid into the glass.
Drinkability: Smooth. Great tasting.
Appearance: Very pale golden yellow and cloudy in color.
The Buds: Loved it. Will definitely drink it again.
TBR Cap Rating: 4.75 out of 5
If there are any instructions a man must read it's on the label for Hoegaarden's White Beer.
Tags: Belgium, Brewery Fire, Brouwerij van Hoegaarden, Cloudy, Hoegaarden, HR Manager, Imported, Instructions, InterBrew, Intuition, Miller Brewing, Operations Manager, Signature Glas, Swirling, Unfiltered, White Beer, Witbier
Posted in Brouwerij van Hoegaarden | No Comments »
Anheuser-Busch’s Shock Top Belgian Witbier 5.10.2010
Monday, May 10th, 2010Bud's Shock Top Belgian White
The Brewski Report Reviews Anheuser-Busch’s Shock Top Belgian White Witbier
File Date: 5.10.10
File Name: Snorting Beer Can Tingle
The Beer: Shock Top Belgian White
Type: Witbier
Serving: Draft
Stats: 5.2% ABV
Brewer: Anheuser-Busch, Inc
Web Site: www.anheuser-busch.com
Country of Origin: MO, USA
Brewer Info: 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.
Label: Reviewed this one as a draft. (Kind of hard to roll the bottle on it’s side when it comes from the keg. It makes me wonder if I’m getting the full taste from the tap.)
The Brewski Review: In typical witbier form, this Belgian style wheat ale is cloudy in color. I didn’t detect much of a citrus taste or aroma. With it’s crisp flavor and minimal aftertaste it would make for a decent summertime beverage. Nothing too special or noteable to make it my witbier of choice. My initial thought is to skip to another witbier before sampling this brew again. Although, I may be willing to give a bottle a try sometime to see if I’m tasting the full yeasty flavor. If I do try the bottle version, I’ll make it a point NOT to drink it while I dine with fellow coworker - ‘Two Buck Chuck’ - out on the road as I did when I drank the draft version. If I do, I’ll risk snorting most of the beer out my nose. Who can’t laught at a coagulation of ruthless and sarcastic comments about your place of work and those you work with? I most certainly can’t. And the company I work for definitely has no shortage of material to comment about. Does yours? Probably not. I’ve been with a few large, well known companies and they’re all about the same. Maybe one day I’ll find an organization where I actually enjoy going to work each morning and doing what I’m paid to do. I envy those individuals who knew what they wanted to do right out of high school, earned their degree and are now doing it. Probably making great money at it as well. Me? I need a career change. Only problem is, I can’t afford to start at the bottom. That’s what the lottery is for right?
Drinkability: Drinkable. If I drink it again, it’ll be in the bottle.
Appearance: Cloudy, Pale golden yellow.
The Buds: Decent for an industrial brew.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Tags: 5.2% ABV, Anheuser-Busch, Belgian White, Bottom, Bud, Career, Coriander, Degree, Domestic, Draft, Enjoy Work, Envy, High School, Instructions, Large Companies, Lemon, Lime, Lottery, MO, Money, Orange, Sarcastic Comments, Shock Top, Start Over, Summer, Summertime, Two Buck Chuck, Work
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