Posts Tagged ‘3.5 Rating’
Saturday, October 8th, 2011
Dogfish Head's try at my seasonal favorite - pumpkin ale.
Dogfish Head’s Pumpkin Ale Just Won’t Cut It For This Frustrated American
File Date: 10.8.2011
File Name: The struggles of being underwater.
The Beer: Pumpkin Ale
Type: Pumpkin Ale
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 7.0% ABV
Brewer: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Web Site: www.dogfish.com
State/Country of Origin: DE, USA
Brewer Info: The story of Dogfish Head began in June of 1995 when we opened Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, the first state’s first brewpub opened in the resort beach community of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The plan was to bring original beer, original food, and original music to the area. With the popularity of the pub growing, it was quickly apparent that the 12–gallon brewery would not keep up with demand. We built a new brewery and underwent a thirty-fold expansion of the brew house! We outgrew our distributing brewery in a couple years and in the summer of 2002; we moved our entire production brewery up the road to Milton, Delaware into a 100,000 square foot converted cannery. Around the same time (just to keep thing interesting), we built a distillery on the second floor of our Rehoboth Beach brewpub, so we could make vodka, rum and gin.
Brewer Brand Hype: A full-bodied brown ale with smooth hints of pumpkin and brown sugar. We brew our Punkin Ale with pumpkin meat, organic brown sugar and spices. This is the perfect beer to warm-up with, as the season cools. Punkin Ale is named after a locally-famous and seriously off-centered event here in southern Delaware - Punkin Chunkin (check out some of these Discovery Channel videos of Punkin Chunkin, you gotta see it to believe it!). In fact, Punkin Ale made it’s debut as it claimed First Prize in the 1994 Punkin Chunkin Recipe Conest - yes, that was a full 6 months before we even opened our doors for business. Punkin Chunkin has grown in size and scale with pumpkins now being hurled more than 4,000 feet through the air! If you come down to see if for yourself - come by and visit us. Since then, we’ve brewed Punkin Ale each and every fall. It is released right around September first each year. When you find it, grab some extra because it’s usually gone by Thanksgiving.
Label: A full bodied brown ale brewed with real pumpkin, brown suger, allspice, cinnamon & nutmeg.
The Brewski Review: I’m not ranking this pumpkin ale high on my list of favorite pumpkin ales. It has a gorgeous copper color and pours with a sumptuous head but it doesn’t have that pumpkin pie flavor I’m looking for. Others may not care for the pumpkin pie flavor but, to me, that’s what these beers are all about. This one just didn’t do it for me. The allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg weren’t as bold as I would have liked them to be. But then, of course, there are many things that aren’t as good as I’d want them to be. Take, for example, my finances: I don’t have nearly as much as I’d like. In reality, it’s less than ‘nearly as much’ and closer to ‘I drive a 15 year old car and can’t afford to upgrade because I’m under water on my mortgage’. But wait, it’s even worse than that! This taxpayer could save thousands if we refinanced our house, which we can’t do, because as you may have guessed, we’re under water on our mortgage! So, like so many of you out there, we struggle to get buy each and every day. Drinking an occasional beer is just a small reward that keeps me hanging on - day in and day out. And, by golly, if I want pumpkin pie flavor, dang it, I won’t settle for anything less!
Drinkability: Probably not. Would seek out another pumpkin ale.
Appearance: Visually appealing.
The Buds: Not very pumpkin pie-ish.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Tags: 3.5 Rating, 7.0% ABV, Allspice, Bottle, Cinnamon, Copper, DE, Dogfish Head, Dogfish Head Brewery, Domestic, Mortgage, Nutmeg, Pumpkin Ale, Pumpkin Pie, Refinance, Struggles, Taxpayer, Underwater, Underwater Mortgage, Vehicle
Posted in Dogfish Head Craft Brew | No Comments »
Thursday, June 16th, 2011
Blue Heron Pale Ale by Mendocino Brewing.
The Brewski Report Reviews Mendocino’s Blue Heron APA File Date: 6.16.2011
File Name: Retro Beers and Daisy Dukes.
The Beer: Blue Heron Pale Ale
Type: American Pale Ale (APA)
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 6.1% ABV
Brewer: Mendocino Brewing Company
Web Site: www.mendobrew.com
State/Country of Origin: CA, USA
Brewer Info: In December ’83, the brewery rolled out the “World’s Largest 6-Pack” featuring 6 magnums of Red Tail…an OSHA nightmare tipping the scale at a brutal 42 pounds (the original magnum bottles have become a collectors’ item, some even becoming lamps). Within 5 years of that first batch of Red Tail, distribution had increased to 300 outlets in Northern California. Red Tail, Blue Heron, and Black Hawk had extended their habitats to 14 states nationally. By 1989, the demand of distributors made plain the need for 12oz bottles. By the 1990’s, the need for a dramatic expansion became evident. Land was acquired in Ukiah, CA, the facility remaining near the scenic California 101, just 12 miles north of the Hopland Brewery. It was in 1997 that Dr. Vijay Mallya, a global entrepreneur, took interest in Mendocino Brewing Company. Dr. Mallya, the head of “The UB Group”, a worldwide manufacturer of spirits and beer, believed that given the capital, Mendocino Brewing could remain in a position of strength for years to come. The addition of Olde Saratoga Brewing in New York State vaulted Mendocino Brewing into the sphere of East-Coast/West-Coast distribution, fostering the delivery of fresher product through dramatically shortened supply lines.
Brewer Brand Hype: Blue Heron Pale Ale is a delightful, medium bodied smooth ale, with a distinctive crisp mouth-feel and a fresh hoppy finish. It is brewed using premium two-row Pale malted barley, generous amounts of both Cluster bittering hops and Cascade finishing hops and our own special proprietary yeast strain.
Label: This award winning brew is Handcrafted to perfection. A Premium American Classic from a Pioneer Brewing Legend.
The Brewski Review: Good hoppy flavor. Again, tasting the same as all the other APA’s I’ve tried. I don’t think this one distinguishes itself any more that the others other than the fact that it may have a less hoppy taste. Was there ever a beer called Hopmeister? That would be a great name for a full-on hoppy beer like an IPA or an APA. Sounds like a brand from the 70’s though so the marketing schtick would need to have dude’s with polyester bellbottoms and ladies with daisy dukes. Then label it as ‘retro’ so all the beer snobs will have to drink it since it’ll be the new cool thing.
Drinkability: Alright. Would drink again.
Appearance: Med to darker gold color.
The Buds: Hoppy flavor.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 out of 5 caps.
Dig these 70's fashions. I was born too late for the ladies to see me in these hot poly styles.
The Orginal Daisy Dukes as worn by Daisy Duke herself.
Daisy Dukes updated by Britney Spears.
Tags: 3.5 Rating, 6.1% ABV, 70's Dudes, 70's Fashion, American Pale Ale, APA, Bellbottoms, Blue Heron, Bottle, Britney Spears, CA, Catherine Bock, Daisy Dukes, Domestic, Dukes of Hazard, Hopmeister Beer, Mendocino Brewing, Pale Ale, Polyester Clothes, Retro, Retro Marketing
Posted in Mendocino Brewing Co. | No Comments »
Sunday, June 12th, 2011
Singha Premium Lager with the Lion.
The Brewski Report Reviews Singha Premium Lager Beer
File Date: 6.12.2011
File Name: Triassic Park-ish weather may be here to stay.
The Beer: Singha Lager Beer
Type: Euro Pale Lager
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 5.0% ABV
Brewer: Boon Rawd Brewery Ltd. (Singha Corp. Ltd.)
Web Site: www.singhabeer.com (site takes a while to load)
State/Country of Origin: Bangkok, Thailand
Brewer Info: Phraya BhiromBhakdi was an aristocrat with an acute business vision. He was already successful in the ferry business, transporting passengers across the Chao Praya River. But, in the 1920s, bridges were being built around the capital, as private cars and public transportation were fast becoming the norm for commuters between Bangkok and Thonburi. Phraya BhiromBhakdi then thought to look for a new business venture. As Thai people were increasingly enjoying imported beers at the time, he found that beers were also being produced in a few Asian countries with similar climate to Thailand. Having received a report that water in parts of Bangkok was perfect for beer brewing, he visited many leading breweries in Europe to learn about the production process. Soon after, the request to brew the first Thai beer was granted; machineries imported;the new and exciting venture soon became the talk-of-the-town. Thus, began the story of the first beer to be brewed in Thailand, which began in 1933, when the founder was 60 years old. With Boonrawd Brewery being the first Thai brewery, the process leading up to the building of the brewery created much interest in Thailand at the time. Many visits to the brewery were made by members of the Royal Family, politicians, and foreign envoys, as well as other important individuals to see the new in-thing at the time. With Singha Corporation’s continual expansions, processes and technologies continually updated, Singha’s breweries are one of the most technological advanced in teh world. Please enjoy the photos from history to the present for which we will update periodically.
Brewer Brand Hype: The golden liquid is produced using the finest quality barley, malt and hops, imported from around the world, together with the pure artisan water, with a special balance that is unique only to our areas, distinguishing the taste from other beers. Distinghished brewmasters from Thailand and Germany ensure the quality of the product and the balance in taste.
Label: The Original Thai Beer Since 1933.
The Brewski Review: Not sure how to judge the taste of the ‘Artisan Water’ but overall a pleasant tasting beer. Not a favorite but definitely a drink-worthy brewski. Overall taste was mild with a slight hoppy flavor. I’ve had other euro pale lagers that satisfied my taste buds better, but this would work on one of these hot summer days. It’s been surprisingly hot this year so far and it doesn’t appear to be letting up. Are we working our way back to the weather similar to that during the Triassic period (206 to 250 million years ago)? The Earth proceeds through different cycles and the temperature will change accordingly. The Triassic period was definitely warmer and had a bonus - had cool dinosaurs roaming around. That’s one time period I’ll be visiting once someone invents a time machine. I’ll just have to make a quick visit to the future to pick up a Ray-Gun at 7-11 before packing my bags.
Drinkability: Not if given a choice.
Appearance: Pale golden color with max head
The Buds: Slight hoppy taste.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
A more exotic and upscale print ad with the Singha Lion Girl (that's beer girl in America).
Gotta hand it to Singha - they love the beer girls. Like me, I think they do wonders to enhance the brand.
Another Singha beer girl. This one is wearing a sash so we may be looking at Ms. Singha. Looks more European than Asian though.
Tags: 3.5 Rating, 5.0% ABV, 7-11 Carryout, Back In Time, Bangkok, Beer Girls, Boon Rawd, Boon Rawd Brewery Ltd., Bottle, Cycles, Dinosaurs, Euro Pale Ale, Exotic, Future Travel, Gold, Heat, Hot, Hot Temperatures, Hot Weather, Imported, Lion Girl, Models, Party Girls, Posing, Premium Lager, Print Ad, Ray-Gun, Sash, Singha Corp. Ltd., Singha Lager, Thailand, Time Machine, Time Travel, Triassic Park, White
Posted in Boon Rawd Brewery | No Comments »
Saturday, March 19th, 2011
Sierra Nevada Spillage on the Celebration Ale
The Brewski Report Reviews Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale
File Date: 3.19.11
File Name: The Forgotten File
The Beer: Celebration Ale
Type: American IPA
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 6.8% ABV
Brewer: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Web Site: www.sierranevada.com
State/Country 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: The long, cold nights of winter are a little brighter with Celebration® Ale. Wonderfully robust and rich, Celebration® Ale is dry-hopped for a lively, intense aroma. Brewed especially for the holidays, it is perfect for a festive gathering or for a quiet evening at home.
Label: Special beers made for the winter season have been a brewer’s tradition for centuries. To honor this heritage, we present this unique offering. Celebration Ale.
The Brewski Review: Although 65 on the International Bitterness Units (IBU) seems high, It’s really not. But it sure seemed like it. It made me pucker up. Actually, I don’t like my beer too bitter. Maybe I need to become better acquainted with bitter beers so I can tolorate their hoppiness. My younger days of drinking mild American Adjunct lagers in college and years thereafter has put me in a bad position. Had I started down my drinking path requesting an IPA everytime I stepped up to the bar I’d probably like nothing less. So, I’m somewhat jaded. The only thing I can say is ‘it is what it is’. There are probably many that like this beer. I truely can’t say it’s a bad beer, it’s just not something I would enjoy drinking every day. So, if you like hoppy beers, give this one a try next holiday season. Oh yeah, you may note that the bottle says 2009. I’m a little untimely on this report. The report was half finished then it was misplaced and forgotten about. So, I thought I’d blow a little dust off the file folder and report out on it just the same. I’m sure my opinion hasn’t changed. I’ve just gotten a little older that’s all.
Drinkability: No. I’ll pass.
Appearance: Dark, cloudy medium amber color
The Buds: Hoppy and bitter.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 Rating
Yes. The beer I drank was from 2009. Of course, it was 2009 when I drank it.
Tags: 3.5 Rating, 6.8% ABV, 65 IBU, American IPA, Bitter, Bottle, CA, Celebration Ale, College Bars, College Days, Domestic, Forgotten File, Mild American Adjunct Lager, Sierra Nevada, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Youth
Posted in Sierra Nevada Brewing | No Comments »
Monday, March 14th, 2011
Kompania Piwowarska SA's Tyskie Gronie Pale Lager
The Brewski Report Spotlights Kompania Piwowarska’s Tiskie Gronie
File Date: 3.14.2011
File Name: A World of Hurt For Japan
The Beer: Tyskie Gronie
Type: Pale Euro Lager
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 5.6% ABV
Brewer: Kompania Piwowarska SA
Web Site: www.kp.pl
State/Country of Origin: Poland
Brewer Info: Kompania Piwowarska SA came into being in 1999 out of the merger of LECH Browary Wielkopolski SA and Browary Tyskie Górny Śląsk SA with the South African Breweries International (currently SABMiller) becoming its strategic investor. In 1995 SAB acquired the majority stake in LECH Browary Wielkopolski SA and a year later in Browary Tyskie Górny Śląsk SA. In 2003 a contract was signed between Kompania Piwowarska SA and Radeberger Gruppe AG on the basis of which Kompania Piwowarska became the owner of Dojlidy Brewery of Białystok. In January 2008, the company was joined by the 4th brewery, Browar Belgia in Kielce, where the production process came to a close in 2009. In 2009, SABMiller purchased from Kulczyk Holding SA the 28,1 % of Kompania Piwowarska’s shares, thus becoming the sole owner of the company.
Brewer Brand Hype: Tyskie is our flagship brand. It is an unrivaled leader on the Polish beer market. For years it has been winning recognition at home and abroad. Many times it has been awarded the most prestigious prizes of the brewing industry. Tyskie is also a unique sport sponsor; since 2005 it has supported the Polish national football team, its coach Leo Beenhakker and football fans. Tyskie Gronie continuous a centuries’ long tradition of beer brewing at Tychy, dating back to 17th century. Gronie’s enthusiasts appreciate most of all its mild hoppy aroma, golden colour and the thick, white head. This beer’s exquisite taste and aroma are a benchmark for Polish beers of similar type. Tyskie Gronie is a fine beer brewed in compliance with traditional recipies. Tyskie Gronie stands for its rich head and ideally balanced bitterness. Tyskie Gronie tastes best after a long day’s work!
Label: Tyskie. Z Polski. Tyskie. Made in Poland.
The Brewski Review: If there’s anyone whose a big fan of pale lagers it’s me. But I was quite surprised when I tasted this Euro Pale. I wasn’t immediately in love with it. After I finished I’m still wasn’t. No love here. It seemed to sport too much of an aftertaste for me. I didn’t think it was mild either. Too bitter I guess is what it boils down to. So I think I’d have to pass on this one. And should I visit Poland I still wouldn’t drink it. It wasn’t terrible; just not for me. But on a more depressing note, I’m sure everyone is aware of the tragedy unfolding in Japan. It’s amazing that in our modern era of technological advances, so many people would perish in a tsunami triggered by an earthquake; especially in such a heightened cultural awareness where earthquake preparedness is taken to a level unlike any other. Preparing for a 100 year wave of water 30 feet high probably wasn’t even in the ‘likely scenario’ playbook the city planners reviewed. And, with a possible nuclear meltdown flickering on the horizon it’s easy to see why this is such a formidable catastrophe. Everyone should give a moment of silence for all the lost lives and those millions in need. Then, than your lucky stars that no matter what your current situation is, it’s better than what others are experiencing right now in the Land Of The Rising Sun.
Drinkability: Surprisingly I’d pass.
Appearance: Light golden color with ample head.
The Buds: Too much hoppy bitterness.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Wouldn't this make a great mural on the side of a 5 story building?
Polish beer caps on an image of an American Flag. Advertisement celebrating a milestone of Tyskie Gronie imported in America.
What is Dyngus Day you ask? Historically a Polish-American tradition, Dyngus Day celebrates the end of the often restrictive observance of lent and the joy of Easter. Over the decades, Dyngus Day has become a wonderful holiday to celebrate Polish-American culture, heritage and traditions.
Tags: 100 Year Event, 3.5 Rating, 5.6% ABV, Bitter, Bottle, Earthquake, Hoppy, Imported, Japan Crisis, Kompania Piwowarska SA, Land of the Rising Sun, Nuclear Incident, Pale Euro Lager, Pale Lager, Poland, SAB Miller, Tragedy, Tsunami, Tyskie Gronie
Posted in Kompania Piwowarska SA | No Comments »
Sunday, February 6th, 2011
Old Man Winter can be an unfriendly curmudgeon.
The Brewski Report Reviews Southern Tier’s Old Man Winter Ale
File Date: 2.6.2011
File Name: Egypt on the Quasar
The Beer: Old Man Winter Ale
Type: Old Ale
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 7.7% ABV
Brewer: Southern Tier Brewing Co.
Web Site: www.southerntierbrewing.com
State/Country of Origin: NY, USA
Brewer Info: Southern Tier Brewing Company of Lakewood, New York, has been in operation since 2002. Founders Phineas DeMink and Allen (”Skip”) Yahn started the brewery with the vision of bringing small batch brewing back to a region rich in brewing tradition. In 2002 Skip and Phin purchased the defunct Old Saddleback Brewing Co. in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. All the equipment was removed, brought back to Lakewood and set up at its new home located within the Stoneman Business Park. The Brewery began distributing regionally in February 2003. By 2005 sales covered the majority of New York State and the eastern half of Pennsylvania. In the beginning their two flagship brands were Pilsner and Mild Ale and they also brewed IPA. As it turned out the flagships were a flop and the IPA was a huge success! They next launched a line of seasonal beers which gained great success. Since the beginning, Southern Tier has experienced steady growth and after multiple expansions to keep up with demand a new building was built in 2009. The building was designed with the express purpose of brewing innovative, high quality beer for an expanding customer base.
Brewer Brand Hype: Old Man Winter - a liquid winter wonderland. With the onset of winter, the brewer’s mind turns to providing warmth. For our winter seasonal, we offer a rich and complex amalgam of hops and barley that will put the feeling back in your toes and lift your spirits above the snow. OMW throws a deep and inviting hue with a thickness that clings to the glass and the warmth of an open flame. Because of its high alcohol content, Old Man is a heady brew that encourages sipping and pondering its essential richness. Drink it fresh now, or cellar a few bottles to see how this old man becomes wiser with age.
Label: Brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Co. Lakewood, NY.
The Brewski Review: What about the turmoil in Egypt? I totally respect the passion and courage the Egyptians have exemplified in an effort to change the course of political winds. Since they didn’t wait around of some other country (i.e. U.S.) to come and fight their battle they get extra bonus points. But, maybe what they’re truly clamoring for is a really good beer. I was at the local pay-and-sip liquor store the other day to find an Egyptian beer which I could review. Low and behold, I could find none! No wonder their up in arms! I’d be angry too if I couldn’t get a brown bag afternoon delight from the corner carryout and get drunk on my front porch sitting on my van seat. The Egyptian government has had their thumb on the populous for years. Slim to no industry, few jobs, limited prospects, bleak future, no bloated government health care plan and no TARP! What else is there to do? Dang it! March downtown and protest! Of course, they do brew beer in Egypt. My local store just didn’t carry any. It makes for a good story though. Southern Tier’s Old Man Winter Ale may be just the beer for you to drink while watching the saga unfold on the Quasar. It was good but a little high on the hoppy bitterness scale for Tommy.
Drinkability: Would try other Old Ales before revisiting.
Appearance: Dark ruby brown w/ quick disolve head.
The Buds: Hoppy bitterness is high.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Did it cross your mind why the protestor signs are written in English? It's not their native tongue.
Many countries show an obvious distain for the western world. Yet they love to cater to the western news media. Or, are the news media putting the signs in the hands of the protestors? Hmmmm. Makes you wonder.
The local Cairo Office Max must have had a run on red markers.
Tags: 3.5 Rating, 7.7% ABV, Bleak Future, Bottle, Brown Bag, Carry Out, Conspiracy Theory, Courage, Drunk, Egypt, Egyptians, English, Few Jobs, Journalists, Limited Prospects, Liquor Store, New York, NY, Office Max, Old Ale, Old Man Winter, Old Man Winter Ale, Passion, Political Winds, Protestor Signs, Protestors, Protests, Quasar, Revolts, Southern Tier Brewing Co., Turmoil, Unfavorable Economic Conditions
Posted in Southern Tier | No Comments »
Thursday, December 23rd, 2010
Thar She Blows - A Category 5 Taste Sensation?
The Brewski Report Reviews Clipper City’s Heavy Seas Winter Storm “Category 5″ Ale
File Date: 12.23.10
File Name: Winter Ranks Fourth in Seasons
The Beer: Heavy Seas Winter Storm
Type: Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 7.5% ABV
Brewer: Clipper City Brewing Co.
Web Site: www.clippercitybeer.com
State/Country of Origin: ME, USA
Brewer Info: Brewed by Baltimore’s Clipper City Brewing Co., Heavy Seas is produced by Baltimore craft beer pioneer Hugh Sisson – the brewery’s founder and managing partner – and Brewmaster Ernesto Igot, formerly brewmaster at San Miguel Brewery in the Philippines. After successfully lobbying the Maryland Legislature to legalize brewpubs, Hugh began brewing professionally in 1989 at his family’s Baltimore pub – Sisson’s – which was coincidentally Maryland’s first brewpub. In 1994 he left Sisson’s to found Clipper City and has been involved in all aspects of the business – brewing, finance, marketing, and sales. Combined, Hugh and Ernie represent over 50 years of experience in developing, producing, marketing, and selling fine beer. Totally driven by a passion to make richly flavored beers, they are also focused on making beers with finesse and balance. Their wealth of experience gives them a firm foundation in the values of traditional brewing methods, yet they also share a desire to create new beer experiences. The result is a brand that captures the best of both worlds – modern beer thinking blended with the best elements of traditional methods.
Brewer Brand Hype: Our winter ale brewed with copious helpings of English malts and both U.S. and English hops making it a ruddy hued Imperial ESB in style. Full malty flavors dancing with powerful hop aromas and a lingering yet firm hop bitterness. Pairs well with very sharp cheddar, stews, and grilled ribs. Available October – December.
Label: This here pounder has a fine layer of yeast at her bottom. It won’t send you to Davey Jones’ locker, but will protect your brew from the rigors of life at sea. Hang on…it’s a Category 5 Ale! With a full ruby hue, vivid malty flavor, and earthy hop aroma, Winter Storm is an original - an Imperial ESB for the winter months.
The Brewski Review: I’m tired of winter already. Look at the street in front of my house (see picture below). Just kidding. I will say though, my tolorance for winter has abated in my ‘experienced’ years. I don’t really mind the cold weather so much as the snow. Just tired of it all. Move to FLA you SAY? No. Too humid and hot. Fall is my favorite time of year followed close by Spring. That’s why I’ll stay up north. Part of my journalistic endeavor here is to isolate the best beers to drink in any season. So, at some point down the road I’ll at least have a list of winter beers to keep me warm inside while I wait out the cold season. Like this Clipper City Brew: it a nice winter beer. Hearty with an bitter finish (obviously). But, there were some nice hop and malt characteristics in the taste. Nice tasting ESB.
Drinkability: Yes. Would purchase again.
Appearance: Medium ruby color.
The Buds: Good malty flavor.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.50 crowns out of 5.
The snow has really piled up on the street in front of my house.
Tags: 3.5 Rating, 7.5% ABV, Bottle, Category 5 Ale, Clipper City Brewing, Cold Weather, Domestic, ESB, Extra Special Bitter, Fall, Favorite Season, Fourth, Heavy Seas, Holidays, Hot and Humid, Hurricane, Journalistic Endeavor, List of Beers, ME, Move, Northerner, Ruby Color, Seasonal, Snow, Spring, Tolorance, Water, White, Winter, Winter Storm
Posted in Clipper City Brewing | No Comments »
Saturday, December 4th, 2010
12 Thirsty Dogs Would Be Panting Quite A Bit.
The Brewski Report Files One For Thirsty Dog’s 12 Dogs of Christmas
File Date: 12.4.10
File Name: Woodworking Is Theraputic
The Beer: 12 Dogs Of Christmas
Type: Winter Warmer
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 8.3% ABV
Brewer: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.
Web Site: www.thirstydog.com
State/Country of Origin: OH, USA
Brewer Info: Here at the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company, full flavor, delicate balance, texture and aroma combine to make beer an infinitely complex and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Each of our beers is meticulously hand crafted in small batches using the finest ingredients. High quality malted barley is the source of the beer’s sweetness and body. Select American and European hops are used to balance the malt sweetness, and at times to add special flavors and aromas to the beer. Our carefully selected ingredients, along with our specially designed recipes and brewing processes, give Thirsty Dog beers unique flavor profiles that are hard to find in today’s mass-market “one size fits all” society. Our craft brewed beers are far more diverse in range and character than the small spectrum of mass-market beers offered to the American public by the large national breweries. Enjoy the diversity and unleash the flavor today. Welcome to Thirsty Dog Brewing Company, and welcome to great beer!
Brewer Brand Hype: Spiced for the holidays with honey, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and Santa’s secret recipe.
Label: This beer’s name sums up the idea of bringing the best together to celebrate. It is filled with seasonal flavors from generous amounts of toasted and caramel malts, mixed with equally generous amounts of honey, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. We feel it’s the perfect libation, filled with flavors of the season.
The Brewski Review: The pace of the work around my house has slowed considerably. When I concoct a project in my I do myself no favors by limiting my time. What I need to do is take my planned timeline and multiply it by five so I’ll be closer to a realistic completion date. Case in point: my wife and I went shopping for the kids at the verable toy institution Toys-r-Us a few days ago. I noticed a wooden train set assembled on a little wooden table. What a great idea. A simple little table. I figured it would take longer to map out the cuts on a 1/2 pc of plywood than to assemble the table. Wrong. The project took me about a month to complete. Between work and the family, I don’t have the time to complete these project so I don’t know why I sign up for them. Yet, I still get pulled by my wife about not spending enough time with the family or considering them before my projects. She says I do things I ‘want’ to do like work on the house, cars or our rental property while she does things she ‘has’ to do like take care of the kids and cook. I drop my head in defeat. I always hope I win the lottery because I see no way out of this quandry. Until then, I keep plugging along…..all without the help of a therapist. Remarkable isn’t it? Maybe I should drink more often. This beer would be a good place to start. Says Ale brewed with honey and spices. It didn’t appear to add much to the taste because I didn’t think it was all that fantastic. Maybe if I were to have drank it outside in the bittery cold it would warm me up and taste better? Perhaps, but why would I want to do that? Oh yeah, the table? See pics of how it turned out. Finished it on New Years Eve Day. (Obviously, this article is back-dated.)
Drinkability: Average winter warmer. Wouldn’t drink it again.
Appearance: Generous head at pour. Dissipates quickly.
The Buds: Honey & Spice flavor didn’t stand out.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
The completed project. The whole set up on top of the table was destroyed about 5 minutes after my son came in the room. He likes to walk through and detroy anything your doing or working on. As a parent your supposed to nurture your child's strong points. Aside from encouraging him to be a demolitions expert, I'm at a loss.
Tags: 12 Dogs of Christmas, 3.5 Rating, 8.3% ABV, Bottle, CARS, Christmas Shopping, Defeat, Dinosaurs, Domestic, Have To's, House, House Projects, Kids, Long Project List, Lottery, New Year's Eve Day, OH, Rental Property, Small Play Table, Spices, Therapy, Thirsty Dog Brewing, Toys-r-Us, Train, Unrealistic Timelines, Wants, Wife, Winter Warmer, Wooden Train Set, Woodworking, WoodWorking Project
Posted in Holidays, Projects, Thirsty Dog Brewing | No Comments »
Friday, July 30th, 2010
Bell's Brewery Oberon Ale
The Brewski Report Reviews Bell’s Oberon Ale.
File Date: 7.30.10
File Name: Scent Of Sunny On Sale Now!
The Beer: Oberon Ale
Type: American Pale Wheat Ale
Serving: Draft
Stats: 5.8% ABV
Brewer: Bell’s Brewery Inc.
Web Site: www.bellsbeer.com
Country of Origin: MI, USA
Brewer Info: Bell’s Brewery, Inc. formerly Kalamazoo Brewing Company, founded by Larry Bell as a home-brewing supply shop in 1983, sold its first beer in 1985. Originally brewing in a 15-gallon soup kettle, the company has grown remarkably. Bell’s Brewery has grown from a tiny operation renting part of a former plumbing supply warehouse to a bustling, regional craft brewery. Although the “microbrewery” revolution began on the West Coast in the 1970s, the Midwest saw this brewing development much later. Bell’s Brewery stands as the oldest craft-brewer east of Boulder, Colorado. Originally self-distributed, Larry and crew brewed, bottled and delivered all of the beer to market for the company’s first four years. By 1989, Bell’s was shipping over 500 barrels annually and assigned its first wholesaler to further establish itself across the State of Michigan. After struggling several years to produce and sell robust, full-bodied ales against a tide of a mass-market domestic beer, Bell’s began to see the demand for craft beer grow dramatically. Bell’s soon ventured outside Michigan, continuing its solid growth and developing a reputation across the Midwest for the unique style and flavor of its Bell’s brands.
Brewer Brand Hype: An American wheat ale brewed with Saaz hops. Spicy and fruity, Oberon is the color and scent of a sunny afternoon.
Label: A short draft beer served at the bar. No labels.
The Brewski Review: I don’t really have much to say about Oberon Ale and it appears the brewer doesn’t either. Take a look at the Brewer Brand Hype noted above. ‘color and scent of a sunny afternoon’? Who wrote this uniquely undescriptive marketing tagline? Bell’s Brewery must have bartered some of their product with a local ad firm because they most certainly couldn’t have paid for this touchy, feely assembly of words. If this verbiage is printed somewhere on the label and I was fortunate enough to read it before purchasing, the limited sensitivity of my manliness would have prevented me from purchasing this beverage. The bottle would have slipped through my hand and exploded on the store floor while I stood, slackjawed and immobile at the mere thought of something so unnaturally beer-like. Who is the intended market for this brand: nuns and sweet old grandmothers between the ages of 60 and 80? Seriously, was there any vision here into gaining market share with this brand advertising? I’m just really at a loss on this. What does a sunny afternoon smell like? To me, the scent of a sunny afternoon smells like fresh cut grass in the spring, thick, muggy and humid air in the summer, a burning pile of leaves in the fall and crisp, burning notrils on a subzero and sunny winter day. What does the scent of a sunny day smell like to you? Most likely not like this beer. Oberon to drink was decent and drinkable but I guess I expected more than Bell’s was capable of delivering. Ultimately, I wouldn’t consider Oberon Ale a quintessential summertime beer if that’s what the ’scent of a sunny afternoon’ is supposed to convey.
Drinkability: Sure. Maybe.
Appearance: Clear and medium to dark golden color.
The Buds: Good. But I expected more.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Why couldn't the caption be 'Beer for the Blue Skies and Warm Days of Summer'? This picture is pretty darn inviting.
Tags: 3.5 Rating, 5.8% ABV, Advertising, American Pale Wheat Ale, Bell's, Bell's Brewery, Burning Leaves, Domestic, Draft, Fall, Grandmothers, Manliness, Market Share, Marketing, MI, Muggy, Nuns, Oberon, Oberon Ale, Scent, Spring, Subzero, Summertime, Sunny, Tagline, Winter
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Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Straight from the Keg - not the oil can.
The Brewski Report Reviews Foster’s Lager
File Date: 7.27.2010
File Name: Down Under Beer Ads Are Tops
The Beer: Foster’s Lager
Type: American Adjunct Lager
Serving: Draft
Stats: 5.0% ABV
Brewer: Foster’s Group Limited
Web Site: www.fostersbeer.com
Country of Origin: Australia
Brewer Info: William and Ralph Foster created Foster’s in 1887. They were so dedicated to delivering Foster’s the way it should be enjoyed, they even sold it with ice to keep Australia’s warm environment at bay. More than 120 years later, the bold, refreshing taste of Foster’s is available in more than 150 countries, making it the largest-selling Australian beer brand in the world. Foster’s 25.4 oz. cans arrived in the U.S. in 1972. They resembled motor oil cans so, naturally, Americans nicknamed them “Foster’s Oil Cans.” And the name’s stuck ever since. Truth is, we quite like it. Almost as much as we like what’s inside. Pride of Ringwood hops are only grown by Hop Products of Australia in Bushy Park, Tasmania and Oven River, Victoria and by Ellerslie Hop Estates in Myaree. And unlike other beers, they’re added at the end of the brewing process to preserve their freshness. These hops and an exclusive Foster’s yeast are what give Foster’s its bold, refreshing taste. The “secret” yeast doesn’t produce sulfer harshness that other beers can exhibit, which means that Foster’s taste is never skunky and always Australian.
Brewer Brand Hype: It’s bright, golden color sits beneath a creamy foam head. A moderate aroma with a full malty character. Foster’s Lager is a 5% alcohol by volume lager with a bright, golden color that delivers a refreshing beer-drinking experience with a crisp, clean hop finish.
Label: The kegs were in the cooler. The bartender wouldn’t let me in.
The Brewski Review: The great thing about Foster’s Lager is their sense of humor. Face it, the beer is just another American Adjunct Lager and is nothing super special. So, how do you make it special? Clever marketing. Great ads with a sense of humor and a company that isn’t too proud or stuffy. I can recall some of the television ads from years ago (i.e. ‘Long Distance Relationship’ - where a man and woman sit at opposite ends of a bar). Different than anything else that was out there in my opinion. Check out the print ad below and you’ll see what I mean. As far as the beer goes, it’s a session beer. Drink it in large quantities. It’s cold, crisp and suitable for a warm summer day. There is a slight hoppy finish to it as noted above. Someday, when I win the lottery, I’ll visit Autralia and drink a Foster’s down under. Maybe it’ll bring on a whole new meaning drinking it as a domestic beer vs. an import.
Drinkability: Most likely wouldn’t drink again.
Appearance: Pale straw gold color.
The Buds: Typical tasting adjunct lager.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 out of 5 caps.
Well, you wouldn't want a warm beer, would you?
Tags: 3.5 Rating, 5.0% ABV, American Adjunct Lager, Australia, Draft, Foster's, Foster's Lager, Humor, Lottery, Marketing, Print Ads, Session Beer, Television Ads, Travel
Posted in Foster's Group Ltd | No Comments »