"Malt Beverage brewed with peach concentrate" is marked on the front of the bottle.
Oh, gawd. Gulp. Stickiness, tartiness, sugary sourness of a disgusting cider.
The glass is filled with a million bubbles, closely resembling a Sprite that I just peed into a little bit. And tastes like that mostly.
It reminded me of New Years a bit, the cheap taste of fake champagne on my tongued mixed with the tartiness of eating a bag of megawarheads. Remember those?
This is hardly beer. I assume "Festina Peche" means "Peach fest". They got that right. But they forgot to add "Poo-poo".
_______________________________
I give Dogfish Head Festina Peche a gross 30.
Look: Light
Smell: Peach
Taste: Sweet, Tart, Sour, Peach Fruit Roll Up
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Day #34- Terrapin Sunray Wheat Beer
Terrapin, the bottle with the cartoon turtle from Athens, Georgia.
Easy to pass on the aisle for someone looking for a genuinely good summer beer- but don't pass it just yet!
Advertising a "wheat beer" is a tricky thing to do. You can easily cater to the "Smirnoff and Cider" crowd that only get Blue Moon when they want a "real beer". But Terrapin is genuinely serious about this Sunray beer.
Crisp, cool, mild and not too sweet, Terrapin's Sunray is one of the most refreshing yet well crafted wheat beers I have tasted.
The thinness of the head made me think i wasted a few wads of cash before I tasted it. The smell didn't change my mind with its lightly clove, honey smell. I was expecting a hair-spray sticky after taste of cheap extract- I was wrong.
Completely pure. Completely summer. Completely great.
_______________________
I give Terrapin Sunray Wheat Beer a complete 85.
Look: Light Gold
Smell: Honey, Clove
Taste: Crisp, Slightly Sweet with a lightly bitter aftertaste, refreshing
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Easy to pass on the aisle for someone looking for a genuinely good summer beer- but don't pass it just yet!
Advertising a "wheat beer" is a tricky thing to do. You can easily cater to the "Smirnoff and Cider" crowd that only get Blue Moon when they want a "real beer". But Terrapin is genuinely serious about this Sunray beer.
Crisp, cool, mild and not too sweet, Terrapin's Sunray is one of the most refreshing yet well crafted wheat beers I have tasted.
The thinness of the head made me think i wasted a few wads of cash before I tasted it. The smell didn't change my mind with its lightly clove, honey smell. I was expecting a hair-spray sticky after taste of cheap extract- I was wrong.
Completely pure. Completely summer. Completely great.
_______________________
I give Terrapin Sunray Wheat Beer a complete 85.
Look: Light Gold
Smell: Honey, Clove
Taste: Crisp, Slightly Sweet with a lightly bitter aftertaste, refreshing
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Day #33- Yazoo's Rye Saison
Ladies and Gents. It's been more than a month! I'm actually doing this thing. I'm legitimately tasting beers, really tasting them, every day, and reviewing them.
Some nights I have not posted, sometimes because of internet problems, sometimes because of circumstances, but I have reviewed the beers! This weekend has been one of those times. I will post two beers tomorrow.
In any case, it's time for another local review! The Rye Saison. A spring awakening. Yes, I know its summer, but let us reminisce to a time when it was not 95 degrees with a blanket covering humidity.
A distinctive gold pour. A sweet smelling nectar. The taste is light, tart, and sweet. A dash of white pepper taste rolls across my tongue as I lick the back of my teeth. Rye. A distinctive bitter grain added to this complex beer almost complementing the hops.
A strange distinction amongst other beers, Yazoo Rye Saison's complexity abounds with a sweet introduction and tempers the taste buds with a remarkably spicy yet smooth swallow.
Magic? No. However, a craftsman has honed this beer for genuine beer lovers everywhere.
________________________________________________
I give Yazoo's Rye Saison a well crafted 87.
Look: Gold
Smell: White Pepper, wheat
Taste: Light Honey followed by a spicy and smooth coriander like finish
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Some nights I have not posted, sometimes because of internet problems, sometimes because of circumstances, but I have reviewed the beers! This weekend has been one of those times. I will post two beers tomorrow.
In any case, it's time for another local review! The Rye Saison. A spring awakening. Yes, I know its summer, but let us reminisce to a time when it was not 95 degrees with a blanket covering humidity.
A distinctive gold pour. A sweet smelling nectar. The taste is light, tart, and sweet. A dash of white pepper taste rolls across my tongue as I lick the back of my teeth. Rye. A distinctive bitter grain added to this complex beer almost complementing the hops.
A strange distinction amongst other beers, Yazoo Rye Saison's complexity abounds with a sweet introduction and tempers the taste buds with a remarkably spicy yet smooth swallow.
Magic? No. However, a craftsman has honed this beer for genuine beer lovers everywhere.
________________________________________________
I give Yazoo's Rye Saison a well crafted 87.
Look: Gold
Smell: White Pepper, wheat
Taste: Light Honey followed by a spicy and smooth coriander like finish
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Day #32- Yazoo Sly Rye Porter
Some days suck. This post will be short. It's early in the morning and as much as I want to just go to sleep, i'm writing.
Yazoo's Sly Rye Porter transported me to a different place from my bad day. It's dark chocolate, coffee malt richness, balanced with a light sweetness was so pleasant, I drank two. And I was thirsty.
This porter isn't one that will leave you feeling like you ate a whole cake afterwards- it sticks true to its name, is simple, yet complex and put a wonderful smile on my face.
My new favorite Yazoo Brew.
____________________________
I give Yazoo Sly Rye Porter a wonderful 88.
Look: Dark.
Smell: Sweet, Dark Chocolate, Malt
Taste: Thick, Smooth, Dark Chocolate Hint with Coffee notes, yet light enough to want another.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Yazoo's Sly Rye Porter transported me to a different place from my bad day. It's dark chocolate, coffee malt richness, balanced with a light sweetness was so pleasant, I drank two. And I was thirsty.
This porter isn't one that will leave you feeling like you ate a whole cake afterwards- it sticks true to its name, is simple, yet complex and put a wonderful smile on my face.
My new favorite Yazoo Brew.
____________________________
I give Yazoo Sly Rye Porter a wonderful 88.
Look: Dark.
Smell: Sweet, Dark Chocolate, Malt
Taste: Thick, Smooth, Dark Chocolate Hint with Coffee notes, yet light enough to want another.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day #32- Pabst Blue Ribbon
I know this one will be controversial- no matter the outcome.
PBR has a cult-like following. Members of this cult believe that the beer they are drinking is actually "really good". This is simply not true.
PBR's pour has a healthier looking body than Miller, its smell is not so metallic (it is subtly metallic in fragrance), and the taste is, well... simple, cheap, and almost likeable.
It's crisp introduction is teasingly sweet, almost quality, and then quickly downgrades, almost, to it's all too similar cousin Bud Light.
I have tried, and I have partaken in many PBRs and had many a good time, but as a single beer, without the hype, PBR is just another cheaply made beer that won't cut it next to many in its own price range. Nice try.
_____________________________
I give Pabst Blue Ribbon a kind 70.
Look: Light Copper
Smell: Slightly Metallic
Taste: Crisp, Sweet, Premature
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
PBR has a cult-like following. Members of this cult believe that the beer they are drinking is actually "really good". This is simply not true.
PBR's pour has a healthier looking body than Miller, its smell is not so metallic (it is subtly metallic in fragrance), and the taste is, well... simple, cheap, and almost likeable.
It's crisp introduction is teasingly sweet, almost quality, and then quickly downgrades, almost, to it's all too similar cousin Bud Light.
I have tried, and I have partaken in many PBRs and had many a good time, but as a single beer, without the hype, PBR is just another cheaply made beer that won't cut it next to many in its own price range. Nice try.
_____________________________
I give Pabst Blue Ribbon a kind 70.
Look: Light Copper
Smell: Slightly Metallic
Taste: Crisp, Sweet, Premature
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Day #31- Michelob Dunkelweisse
Michelob has always been a joke in the beer area historically for me. However, Michelob's Dunkelweisse completely delivers in this dark wheat beer.
Dark wheat beer is a new thing for me. I have never really partaken in its glory, and have no real expertise on the dunkel... However, I am a fan. And of all people, Michelob delivers.
Who would have thought the maker of the infamous "Mich Ultra" could produce something of this quality? What a surprise.
The dark beer mixed with a wheat beer? What is this craziness? I put it under my nose, closed my eyes and if I hadn't previously looked at the color, I would have expected light goldenrod! Whoa! WOwwEE.
Anyway, the entire experience was very enjoyable. The taste of dark wheat and malt teased my tastebuds, making me think this beer was a hefeweizen and then a brown ale. Complexities abound, expectations are superseded, and Michelob is almost respected in my book.
_____________________________
I give Michelob Dunkelweizen an impressive 83.
Look: Brown
Smell: Dark Malt, Clove
Taste: Smooth, Full, Malty, Full Wheat
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Dark wheat beer is a new thing for me. I have never really partaken in its glory, and have no real expertise on the dunkel... However, I am a fan. And of all people, Michelob delivers.
Who would have thought the maker of the infamous "Mich Ultra" could produce something of this quality? What a surprise.
The dark beer mixed with a wheat beer? What is this craziness? I put it under my nose, closed my eyes and if I hadn't previously looked at the color, I would have expected light goldenrod! Whoa! WOwwEE.
Anyway, the entire experience was very enjoyable. The taste of dark wheat and malt teased my tastebuds, making me think this beer was a hefeweizen and then a brown ale. Complexities abound, expectations are superseded, and Michelob is almost respected in my book.
_____________________________
I give Michelob Dunkelweizen an impressive 83.
Look: Brown
Smell: Dark Malt, Clove
Taste: Smooth, Full, Malty, Full Wheat
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Day #30- Miller Lite
I didn't buy this beer. I wouldn't. It was in my fridge, courtesy of Adam Zinke. I don't even think he bought it. However, I need to review this beer.
From the unhealthy urine color of the pour, the absence of any head to the highly metallic aluminum taste, Miller Lite delivers on every level of complete disgust.
I felt like I was disrespecting my beer glass as I poured it, eyeing its color as I have eyed many other beers, many great beers, and felt ashamed with my first sip.
It tastes like a can out of the bottle. That's special. It also delivers a quick spread of Reynolds Wrap intensity across the teeth, then dies, withers and makes you wonder if you even drank a beer.
Miller Lite, you are a disgrace. From your rampant advertising, exploiting the ignorance of beer drinkers everywhere with your "Hops of Three". How dare you.
The bottle says "Triple Hops Brewed". Congratulations. You are using three different types of hops. Sometimes my diarrhea has three different colors in it, but it's still shit.
_____________________________
I give Miller Lite a well deserved 17.
Look: Unhealthy Urine
Smell: Metal
Taste: Aluminum Foil, Lead from a number two pencil, a 9 volt battery
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
From the unhealthy urine color of the pour, the absence of any head to the highly metallic aluminum taste, Miller Lite delivers on every level of complete disgust.
I felt like I was disrespecting my beer glass as I poured it, eyeing its color as I have eyed many other beers, many great beers, and felt ashamed with my first sip.
It tastes like a can out of the bottle. That's special. It also delivers a quick spread of Reynolds Wrap intensity across the teeth, then dies, withers and makes you wonder if you even drank a beer.
Miller Lite, you are a disgrace. From your rampant advertising, exploiting the ignorance of beer drinkers everywhere with your "Hops of Three". How dare you.
The bottle says "Triple Hops Brewed". Congratulations. You are using three different types of hops. Sometimes my diarrhea has three different colors in it, but it's still shit.
_____________________________
I give Miller Lite a well deserved 17.
Look: Unhealthy Urine
Smell: Metal
Taste: Aluminum Foil, Lead from a number two pencil, a 9 volt battery
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Day #29- Orion Premium Lager
This Japanese beer makes up 1% of the beer market in Japan, yet 50% in Okinawa. Interesting? Yes.
I have loved PM (the restaurant in Nashville) for about 5 years. I have struggled to find another burger that beats it in Nashville, and I must say that I can't. Everything I have ordered at PM turns out to be styled differently from its original counterpart, and I love the tweaks and Asian improvements to classic American staples. And when I heard that executive chef/owner Arnold Myint of PM, Cha Cha, and Suzy Wong's House of Yum would be on the new season of Top Chef, I almost flipped out. I had never been to Wong's, so last night my friends and I ventured out after some drinks to check it out around 1:30 a.m.
We found ourselves in a very different crowd than what I (or we for that matter) usually roll in. The alternative night life scene. The excitement of the clubs bursting with life, a trance-like heartbeat pushing men and women (mostly men) out into the streets, drunk and hungry. And right next to this club is a light-up neon sign for Suzy Wong's. The purple, reds, and greens highlighted the lush, hip late-night atmosphere. Felt like I was in Chicago or L.A. even though I have never been there. A strange, unpretentious, remarkably chic little place.
We ordered. The specialty pulled pork nachos and the Peppered Beef with Broccoli and Beans.
Delicious. Completely, utterly, ridiculously ridiculous. I wanted to lick the broth out of the bowl.
Oh, and I got a beer. Orion. Very good. It came in a large bottle and the pale lager crispness perfectly book-ended the meal. There was nothing spectacular about Orion, mostly just made better by an amazing meal I think. Nothing added or rich or flavorful- the beer did its job. Accented the meal.
A great accompaniment to anything spicy, this Okinawan Pale Lager stands as a loyal denizen to anything "Myint".
_____________________________
I give Orion Premium Lager a heartfelt 83.
Look: Light Bronze
Smell: Skunky Pale
Taste: Light, Crisp
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
I have loved PM (the restaurant in Nashville) for about 5 years. I have struggled to find another burger that beats it in Nashville, and I must say that I can't. Everything I have ordered at PM turns out to be styled differently from its original counterpart, and I love the tweaks and Asian improvements to classic American staples. And when I heard that executive chef/owner Arnold Myint of PM, Cha Cha, and Suzy Wong's House of Yum would be on the new season of Top Chef, I almost flipped out. I had never been to Wong's, so last night my friends and I ventured out after some drinks to check it out around 1:30 a.m.
We found ourselves in a very different crowd than what I (or we for that matter) usually roll in. The alternative night life scene. The excitement of the clubs bursting with life, a trance-like heartbeat pushing men and women (mostly men) out into the streets, drunk and hungry. And right next to this club is a light-up neon sign for Suzy Wong's. The purple, reds, and greens highlighted the lush, hip late-night atmosphere. Felt like I was in Chicago or L.A. even though I have never been there. A strange, unpretentious, remarkably chic little place.
We ordered. The specialty pulled pork nachos and the Peppered Beef with Broccoli and Beans.
Delicious. Completely, utterly, ridiculously ridiculous. I wanted to lick the broth out of the bowl.
Oh, and I got a beer. Orion. Very good. It came in a large bottle and the pale lager crispness perfectly book-ended the meal. There was nothing spectacular about Orion, mostly just made better by an amazing meal I think. Nothing added or rich or flavorful- the beer did its job. Accented the meal.
A great accompaniment to anything spicy, this Okinawan Pale Lager stands as a loyal denizen to anything "Myint".
_____________________________
I give Orion Premium Lager a heartfelt 83.
Look: Light Bronze
Smell: Skunky Pale
Taste: Light, Crisp
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Day #28- Yazoo Dos Perros
If you notice, I am posting two days on one day. This does not mean I reviewed two beers in one day to make up, but rather I chose to write them up as separate days on the same day. Get it? Good!
Who knew a hummus plate could be so good? If the ingredients are put together by someone who loves the food they work with, respects the people in their restaurant, and knows what the hell he/she is doing: Every dish will be great. And that is what I get at Sunset Grill.
The only downfall of Sunset, is its lack of draft beer. I understand that this non-draft status may precipitate a more extensive wine list and deeper pockets of the crowd; but come on. It's almost insulting. In any account, Dos Perros from the bottle was a great choice.
My personal favorite from Yazoo, it delivered as usual. And while not from the tap, it was still wonderful. The dark pour mustered a perfect amount of head, and the smell was almost sweet.
One awful mistake at certain places in Nashville that serve pizza and two for one drafts in little mason jars that barely muster 12 ounces is the mistake of putting a lime wedge on the glass. Absolutely not. Do that to your Corona. Not to your Dos.
In any case, the taste of Dos Perros is hard to describe for me. I don't know if this is just ignorance, or the fact that Dos Perros is remarkably simple, different, yet full-bodied and complex.
I was eating the fig compote with hummus on the pita bread, wondering how such a disgusting fruit could ever taste so good in my mouth when I realized the secret of Dos Perros. The complexity of dark malts balanced with such a light body. It's so easy to drink, yet it is so remarkably heavy on the tastebuds! How strange! And how wonderful.
_____________________________
I give Yazoo Dos Perros a sincere 87.
Look: Dark Brown
Smell: Sweet Malt
Taste: Almond, Caramel, Maple
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Who knew a hummus plate could be so good? If the ingredients are put together by someone who loves the food they work with, respects the people in their restaurant, and knows what the hell he/she is doing: Every dish will be great. And that is what I get at Sunset Grill.
The only downfall of Sunset, is its lack of draft beer. I understand that this non-draft status may precipitate a more extensive wine list and deeper pockets of the crowd; but come on. It's almost insulting. In any account, Dos Perros from the bottle was a great choice.
My personal favorite from Yazoo, it delivered as usual. And while not from the tap, it was still wonderful. The dark pour mustered a perfect amount of head, and the smell was almost sweet.
One awful mistake at certain places in Nashville that serve pizza and two for one drafts in little mason jars that barely muster 12 ounces is the mistake of putting a lime wedge on the glass. Absolutely not. Do that to your Corona. Not to your Dos.
In any case, the taste of Dos Perros is hard to describe for me. I don't know if this is just ignorance, or the fact that Dos Perros is remarkably simple, different, yet full-bodied and complex.
I was eating the fig compote with hummus on the pita bread, wondering how such a disgusting fruit could ever taste so good in my mouth when I realized the secret of Dos Perros. The complexity of dark malts balanced with such a light body. It's so easy to drink, yet it is so remarkably heavy on the tastebuds! How strange! And how wonderful.
_____________________________
I give Yazoo Dos Perros a sincere 87.
Look: Dark Brown
Smell: Sweet Malt
Taste: Almond, Caramel, Maple
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Day #27- Abita Jockamo IPA
I have a strange obsession with New Orleans. Now, I have been there, but I was younger and didn't really like it. I didn't know where to look, really. And I didn't understand the culture. I was, how do you say, a close-minded, ignorant piece of crap back then.
New Orleans is the culinary capital of the United States of America. New York? No. Chicago? ha. LA? SAN FRAN? Hell no. It's New Orleans. For many reasons. The variety of cultures, the history, the hardship, the good times, the bad, the music, the poverty, the wealth, the black, the white, the indian tribes, the many others I am overlooking...
In any case, the place is vastly under-appreciated and under-estimated. The show "Treme" on HBO is a wonderful look into the city. Now, let me please state that I know absolutely nothing about New Orleans first-hand. I only know its influences. And I only know that I can't wait to go back.
In any case, its time to review a beer. Abita Jockamo is named after the Indian tribes that dance in the parades in New Orleans to the tune of, "Iko! Iko! Jockama Fen An E!"
I don't like IPAs. I just don't. I have tried, for a long while, to develop my taste to them. I felt like as a beer connoisseur that I should love them. But it just never happened. Now, let me say, there are some I can drink casually more than others, but I would never go and buy a six of IPA because I wanted to hang out with something I like to drink.
However, I love this beer. The complexity of the resolute hoppyness of a traditional IPA is matched with an Amber Ale taste. The sweetness meets the bitterness perfectly, clashing in an almost symphonic melody of perfection- to a guy who doesn't even like IPAs.
Now, let me say this, you Sierra Nevada Anniversary IPA fans, will not find this hoppy enough. I think its perfect. Like all things french/cajun/new orleans.
______________________________
I give Abita's Jockamo IPA an impressed 88.
Look: Amber Red
Smell: Sweet and Hoppy
Taste: Strikingly Sweet and Hoppy- made to perfection.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
New Orleans is the culinary capital of the United States of America. New York? No. Chicago? ha. LA? SAN FRAN? Hell no. It's New Orleans. For many reasons. The variety of cultures, the history, the hardship, the good times, the bad, the music, the poverty, the wealth, the black, the white, the indian tribes, the many others I am overlooking...
In any case, the place is vastly under-appreciated and under-estimated. The show "Treme" on HBO is a wonderful look into the city. Now, let me please state that I know absolutely nothing about New Orleans first-hand. I only know its influences. And I only know that I can't wait to go back.
In any case, its time to review a beer. Abita Jockamo is named after the Indian tribes that dance in the parades in New Orleans to the tune of, "Iko! Iko! Jockama Fen An E!"
I don't like IPAs. I just don't. I have tried, for a long while, to develop my taste to them. I felt like as a beer connoisseur that I should love them. But it just never happened. Now, let me say, there are some I can drink casually more than others, but I would never go and buy a six of IPA because I wanted to hang out with something I like to drink.
However, I love this beer. The complexity of the resolute hoppyness of a traditional IPA is matched with an Amber Ale taste. The sweetness meets the bitterness perfectly, clashing in an almost symphonic melody of perfection- to a guy who doesn't even like IPAs.
Now, let me say this, you Sierra Nevada Anniversary IPA fans, will not find this hoppy enough. I think its perfect. Like all things french/cajun/new orleans.
______________________________
I give Abita's Jockamo IPA an impressed 88.
Look: Amber Red
Smell: Sweet and Hoppy
Taste: Strikingly Sweet and Hoppy- made to perfection.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Day #26- Hollande 1620 Lager
Dutch records indicate that this brewery was alive and kicking back in 1620. That's almost 400 years. Usually most breweries would exploit this fact, not just in the name (like Hollande 1620) but also in price (unlike Hollande 1620).
I found a 12-pack for $11.99. It looks oh-so-cute in its tiny squished green bottle, and rather Imperial with its classic looking label. But how does it taste?
The pour of the bronze brew left a light head and a sweet smelling effervescence. And the taste was good. The beer was crisp and sweet at first with a smooth barley aftertaste. This simple lager was well made and inexpensive compared to all other types of beer in that style and that history.
______________________________
I give Hollande 1620 an 85.
Look: Bronze
Smell: Light Honey and Hops
Taste: Crisp with a Sweet Barley ending
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
I found a 12-pack for $11.99. It looks oh-so-cute in its tiny squished green bottle, and rather Imperial with its classic looking label. But how does it taste?
The pour of the bronze brew left a light head and a sweet smelling effervescence. And the taste was good. The beer was crisp and sweet at first with a smooth barley aftertaste. This simple lager was well made and inexpensive compared to all other types of beer in that style and that history.
______________________________
I give Hollande 1620 an 85.
Look: Bronze
Smell: Light Honey and Hops
Taste: Crisp with a Sweet Barley ending
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Day #25- Bargain Beer of the Week! Dundee's Honey Brown Lager
*$5.99 for a six-pack*
Tonight was a wonderful celebration for my good friend Tanner. It was a premature birthday celebration that included Tacos, Tequila, Friends, Family and Beer. I was low on money, thought of an inexpensive brew that was quality- and thought of the Honey Brown!
Now, i'm not a fan of Dundee's beer. Most of what I have had lacks quality, but the Honey Brown is a winner.
The beer is rich (as it says on the label), but the beer goes down unequivocally for a honey brown. While most are so sweet and rich they are impossible to drink, this beer is refreshing and somewhat complex. The spiciness of the initial taste is surprising as it leads to a suddenly smooth aftertaste that breaks through the spiciness and reminds you that the honey is there- but not so much you can't drink a few.
I would also add that it is a great beer of choice for summer if you aren't in the mood for a wheat or a cerveza.
Give it a try. It can be found (of all places) in Whole Foods in Green Hills. $5.99. What a steal.
_______________________________
I give Dundee's Honey Brown an inexpensively impressive 83.
Look: Light Brown
Smell: Sweet Malt
Taste: Light but full, spicy and sweet
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Tonight was a wonderful celebration for my good friend Tanner. It was a premature birthday celebration that included Tacos, Tequila, Friends, Family and Beer. I was low on money, thought of an inexpensive brew that was quality- and thought of the Honey Brown!
Now, i'm not a fan of Dundee's beer. Most of what I have had lacks quality, but the Honey Brown is a winner.
The beer is rich (as it says on the label), but the beer goes down unequivocally for a honey brown. While most are so sweet and rich they are impossible to drink, this beer is refreshing and somewhat complex. The spiciness of the initial taste is surprising as it leads to a suddenly smooth aftertaste that breaks through the spiciness and reminds you that the honey is there- but not so much you can't drink a few.
I would also add that it is a great beer of choice for summer if you aren't in the mood for a wheat or a cerveza.
Give it a try. It can be found (of all places) in Whole Foods in Green Hills. $5.99. What a steal.
_______________________________
I give Dundee's Honey Brown an inexpensively impressive 83.
Look: Light Brown
Smell: Sweet Malt
Taste: Light but full, spicy and sweet
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Day #24- Spaten Premium
The Nasty Bits. A great title for a book, one that my favorite author/chef has already decided was a great title. In any case, I must talk about mine and my girlfriend's lunch today. We went to Peter's Sushi, the greatest sushi place in Nashville/Greater Nashville area. We went all out. Got the snake roll. Wanted some hot sake. Got it. Got the octopus sashimi. Then I wanted to try the craziest thing they could throw at us (they were out of monk fish liver) and the waited said, "Uni". "Uni"? I inquired. "Sea Urchin." We immediately nodded as the raw innards of that spikey deep-sea beast were so beautifully placed on top of a roll of rice. "One bite," the sushi craftsman (Tom) yelled at us as we slowly brought it up to our face. "Makes you strong!", Tom exclaimed, raising his arms and flexing his less than impressive biceps.
We ate all of it. And it was wonderful. We left with the shots of hot sake still lurching about in our brains, almost urging us to ignore our responsibilities and go back inside for round two. The deep sea taste still in our mouths as we longed for the beach, any respite from this early summer humidity.
In any case, I left and went to work. Grateful for a great break and meal.
The nasty bits. So often ignored. So often misunderstood. So often unexplored. I wonder what would have happened if no one was ever brave enough to try what everyone else thought was "nasty". We probably wouldn't have beer.
Hops. A nasty plant. At least to eat or use for anything? Right? No. Barley a little more understandable, but hops? Crazy.
In the early 1500s Germany passed a law about making beer. You must only use Hops, Barley, Water, Yeast to make beer. Anything other than that is not beer. Thank you Germany. Although this law has been repealed (sadly) it is still used for marketing purposes for those "die-hard German beer fans".
But Spaten. It could have originated in the 15th century (although heavily debated). In any case, Spaten Premium is a good beer. But it isn't the best German beer I have had. But God, do I appreciate the Germans. A wonderfully well crafted beer for one of my favorite styles of all time. Committed to only the nasty bits.
_______________________________
I give Spaten Premium a respected 86.
Look: Clear Light Gold
Smell: Lightly Skunked
Taste: Crisp, Slightly Sweet, medium bodied
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
We ate all of it. And it was wonderful. We left with the shots of hot sake still lurching about in our brains, almost urging us to ignore our responsibilities and go back inside for round two. The deep sea taste still in our mouths as we longed for the beach, any respite from this early summer humidity.
In any case, I left and went to work. Grateful for a great break and meal.
The nasty bits. So often ignored. So often misunderstood. So often unexplored. I wonder what would have happened if no one was ever brave enough to try what everyone else thought was "nasty". We probably wouldn't have beer.
Hops. A nasty plant. At least to eat or use for anything? Right? No. Barley a little more understandable, but hops? Crazy.
In the early 1500s Germany passed a law about making beer. You must only use Hops, Barley, Water, Yeast to make beer. Anything other than that is not beer. Thank you Germany. Although this law has been repealed (sadly) it is still used for marketing purposes for those "die-hard German beer fans".
But Spaten. It could have originated in the 15th century (although heavily debated). In any case, Spaten Premium is a good beer. But it isn't the best German beer I have had. But God, do I appreciate the Germans. A wonderfully well crafted beer for one of my favorite styles of all time. Committed to only the nasty bits.
_______________________________
I give Spaten Premium a respected 86.
Look: Clear Light Gold
Smell: Lightly Skunked
Taste: Crisp, Slightly Sweet, medium bodied
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Day #23- Flying Dog's In- Heat Hefeweizen
I've had a request from a die-hard fan to talk about good beers to drink in the summer. I don't have time in this post to write in-depth about great summer beers, but I promise, I will have a note amidst the reviews about seasonal beers.
In any case, Hefeweizens are a great beer to drink in Nashville's awfully nasty summer heat. But don't buy Flying Dog.
This Hefeweizen is flat, tastes like most Hefs at its core, but dies immediately. I understand what "light" tastes like, and I also understand what "dead" tastes like. Flying Dog's Hef is dead from almost the start.
I really don't have much else to say about this beer. Try any other Hef, at least if you don't like them they are trying harder than Flying Dog.
_______________________________
I give Flying Dog's In- Heat Hefeweizen a 78.
Look: Dark Goldenrod
Smell: Citrus-Clove
Taste: Lightly Clovey, Slightly Citrus
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
In any case, Hefeweizens are a great beer to drink in Nashville's awfully nasty summer heat. But don't buy Flying Dog.
This Hefeweizen is flat, tastes like most Hefs at its core, but dies immediately. I understand what "light" tastes like, and I also understand what "dead" tastes like. Flying Dog's Hef is dead from almost the start.
I really don't have much else to say about this beer. Try any other Hef, at least if you don't like them they are trying harder than Flying Dog.
_______________________________
I give Flying Dog's In- Heat Hefeweizen a 78.
Look: Dark Goldenrod
Smell: Citrus-Clove
Taste: Lightly Clovey, Slightly Citrus
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Day #22- Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen
It was one of those nights after work where you end up closing your car door in your driveway, take one step, stop, and wonder how you ended up where you are. It was as if the car directed itself home by my body's ticks and innate responses. A zombie like grip on the wheel as my pinky and ring fingers radiated a warmth from them staying about an inch from a hot, sizzling slab of iron for 10 hours, roasting like a suspended rotisserie chicken, cooking in it's own fat. In any case, a perfect time for a beer.
I popped open a Hefeweizen from Sierra Nevada, expecting Sierra Nevada's usually over the top extremes of flavors, and was nicely surprised. A perfectly balanced Hef! A new thing for me, as most Hefs usually taste too sweet and orange-y; while others taste like too much coriander and clove.
Sierra Nevada's Hefeweizen stands out among others for its attempt at balance, a wheat beer for both kinds of Hef lovers!
________________________________
I give Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen an 84.
Look: Cloudy Dark Goldenrod
Smell: Citrus, Clove
Taste: Balanced perfectly between clove and the orange-citrus hefeweizen beers
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
I popped open a Hefeweizen from Sierra Nevada, expecting Sierra Nevada's usually over the top extremes of flavors, and was nicely surprised. A perfectly balanced Hef! A new thing for me, as most Hefs usually taste too sweet and orange-y; while others taste like too much coriander and clove.
Sierra Nevada's Hefeweizen stands out among others for its attempt at balance, a wheat beer for both kinds of Hef lovers!
________________________________
I give Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen an 84.
Look: Cloudy Dark Goldenrod
Smell: Citrus, Clove
Taste: Balanced perfectly between clove and the orange-citrus hefeweizen beers
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Beer #21- Red Seal Ale
This beer has the best bottle cap I have ever seen. It is from North Coast Brewing Company, and depicts a whale's tail sticking out of the water in black and white. I have a strange fascination with whales due to Moby Dick, but that is another blog. In any case, the cap was inspiring and I was curious to taste another North Coast brew.
As I poured the Red Seal Ale, the pale looking head fizzed up nicely. It's dark amber color was inviting and I was interested if it would take the sweet amber taste, or the dry pale taste. It was the latter, mostly, yet more complex than just that. I generally do not pick up a dry pale ale when I want to casually relax and enjoy the evening, but I must say, this is a very different tasting beer than most I have had. And yet so simple.
Red Seal is complex in the way that it mirrors two kinds of beers. On the front end, the initial taste almost mirrors a Nut Brown, sweet and full. On the back end, the pale ale grittiness is briefly reflected on the back edges of the tongue and cheeks. Impressive indeed.
Most beers try to make complexity out of a mixture of strange ingredients that should never be in a beer. However, Red Seal only uses Hops, Malted Barley, Water, and Yeast. Amazing. I deeply respect this beer.
________________________________
I give Red Seal Ale an appreciatively complex 87.
Look: Copper/Dark Amber
Smell: Heavily Hopped with a Dark Malt subtlety
Taste: Smooth at first, followed by a 5 second period of deadness, ending with a swell of hoppy pale ale around the molars
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
As I poured the Red Seal Ale, the pale looking head fizzed up nicely. It's dark amber color was inviting and I was interested if it would take the sweet amber taste, or the dry pale taste. It was the latter, mostly, yet more complex than just that. I generally do not pick up a dry pale ale when I want to casually relax and enjoy the evening, but I must say, this is a very different tasting beer than most I have had. And yet so simple.
Red Seal is complex in the way that it mirrors two kinds of beers. On the front end, the initial taste almost mirrors a Nut Brown, sweet and full. On the back end, the pale ale grittiness is briefly reflected on the back edges of the tongue and cheeks. Impressive indeed.
Most beers try to make complexity out of a mixture of strange ingredients that should never be in a beer. However, Red Seal only uses Hops, Malted Barley, Water, and Yeast. Amazing. I deeply respect this beer.
________________________________
I give Red Seal Ale an appreciatively complex 87.
Look: Copper/Dark Amber
Smell: Heavily Hopped with a Dark Malt subtlety
Taste: Smooth at first, followed by a 5 second period of deadness, ending with a swell of hoppy pale ale around the molars
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Beer #20- Guinness Extra Stout
"So you want to be a Chef, ay?!!" My boss, Chef David James cackled at me as the Expo and myself were shoulder deep in pots and pans. In the middle of the rush our dishwasher bailed. Just walked out. He didn't even walk into the kitchen and give a complimentary, "F*ck You!" He just left.
God Bless the dishwashers, and God damn them. They are of utmost importance in the biz, and few of us could actually do that job. Yet we think of it as minuscule, as unimportant- even as degrading. Yet when they leave, the whole restaurant comes to a stand still- even the Chef isn't that important. There are always a few cooks around.
Inside of us all we have a desire to be great. But what is greatness? As my alarm of 6 a.m. is looming right around the corner, I pour my Guinness Extra Stout and sit back and relax of a job well done. I quickly reminisce to my first beer at a Pub in Wales, UK.
I was 14 and my Dad told me to go order a drink called Guinness at the bar. I wearily stepped out of my seat, thought about this foreign task, stuck out my chest and got the attention of the barkeep. "Two pints of Guinness please," I politely asked, feeling quite criminal as a rush of blood pumped through my veins and the bartender sloshed the frothy pints (real pints, mind you) down on the wooden bar-top. I remember gripping those beers with a ferocity and determinacy I have seldom experienced, even after this moment. And I sat down with my Dad. And we drank.
That was the day I became a man. I felt... I felt, well, I felt greatness.
And I do to this day every time I have this beer. Not that I am some great cosmic accomplishment, but rather, that I did something today. That I am a part of this world and that I washed those damn dishes the best I could. I sweated, I cursed at the prep guy, I made a crude joke or two as I buffed the pans clean, we laughed at our misery in all of it, and then Chef brought us a beer.
This beer was a sacramental sign of respect. I gulped it down as sanitizer ran down my arms, the burnt cheese smell mixed with soap clogged my nasal cavity, and my apron felt and smelled like it was pulled out of a swampy bog on the delta in Mississippi- yet it was so amazing.
It was and no one can argue with that. Just like the first Guinness (and best, because it was on Draft and in the UK) I had ever tasted, the beer handed to me by someone I respect was an unspoken, yet completely communicated form of approval, of respect, of a job well done. There is nothing else like that this world. No other universal man-sign. Tonight, beer was a gesture, it stood for so many things that no one could ever say, and it always will stand for that.
*Please note my first beer was Guinness Draught, different from the beer I am officially reviewing. However, while two distinctively different beers, and while the Extra Stout lacks the creaminess and is lighter, I love them both the same (like two of your own children). Below is my score and characteristics of the Extra Stout.*
_________________________________
I give Guinness Extra Stout a 93.
Look: Motor Oil Black
Smell: Dark Malted Coffee
Taste: Heavy, Bitter up front with a sweet, smooth subtle dark chocolate aftertaste
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
God Bless the dishwashers, and God damn them. They are of utmost importance in the biz, and few of us could actually do that job. Yet we think of it as minuscule, as unimportant- even as degrading. Yet when they leave, the whole restaurant comes to a stand still- even the Chef isn't that important. There are always a few cooks around.
Inside of us all we have a desire to be great. But what is greatness? As my alarm of 6 a.m. is looming right around the corner, I pour my Guinness Extra Stout and sit back and relax of a job well done. I quickly reminisce to my first beer at a Pub in Wales, UK.
I was 14 and my Dad told me to go order a drink called Guinness at the bar. I wearily stepped out of my seat, thought about this foreign task, stuck out my chest and got the attention of the barkeep. "Two pints of Guinness please," I politely asked, feeling quite criminal as a rush of blood pumped through my veins and the bartender sloshed the frothy pints (real pints, mind you) down on the wooden bar-top. I remember gripping those beers with a ferocity and determinacy I have seldom experienced, even after this moment. And I sat down with my Dad. And we drank.
That was the day I became a man. I felt... I felt, well, I felt greatness.
And I do to this day every time I have this beer. Not that I am some great cosmic accomplishment, but rather, that I did something today. That I am a part of this world and that I washed those damn dishes the best I could. I sweated, I cursed at the prep guy, I made a crude joke or two as I buffed the pans clean, we laughed at our misery in all of it, and then Chef brought us a beer.
This beer was a sacramental sign of respect. I gulped it down as sanitizer ran down my arms, the burnt cheese smell mixed with soap clogged my nasal cavity, and my apron felt and smelled like it was pulled out of a swampy bog on the delta in Mississippi- yet it was so amazing.
It was and no one can argue with that. Just like the first Guinness (and best, because it was on Draft and in the UK) I had ever tasted, the beer handed to me by someone I respect was an unspoken, yet completely communicated form of approval, of respect, of a job well done. There is nothing else like that this world. No other universal man-sign. Tonight, beer was a gesture, it stood for so many things that no one could ever say, and it always will stand for that.
*Please note my first beer was Guinness Draught, different from the beer I am officially reviewing. However, while two distinctively different beers, and while the Extra Stout lacks the creaminess and is lighter, I love them both the same (like two of your own children). Below is my score and characteristics of the Extra Stout.*
_________________________________
I give Guinness Extra Stout a 93.
Look: Motor Oil Black
Smell: Dark Malted Coffee
Taste: Heavy, Bitter up front with a sweet, smooth subtle dark chocolate aftertaste
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Beer #19- Kronenbourg 1664
Skunky. That is the smell of the true pale lager. Pop the cap and take it in. Take that skunk in. I love it.
Kronenbourg's bottle is a wonderful looking bottle. And it has been brewed since 1664. I can't even comprehend that amount of time. I was skeptical about this brew, it looks pretentious, I thought it was over priced, and it was a lager from France.
However, I was greatly surprised. I realize that my description of the smell of Kronenbourg is not verbose, nor does it fully spread out the distinct smells individually to adequately craft its fragrance in your mind, but I do think that "Skunky" is an adequate qualifier. By "Skunky" I do not mean; relating to feces, trash or a carcass, but rather the distinct smell of a skunk about a mile away from your car. This smell is foremost similar when the nose is about a foot away from the immediately popped top, and I will not attempt to explain the smell more eloquently, for it is my review, my ideas, and my ultimate scores. I am a servant to the layperson, and the layperson would smell skunk.
In any case, this old brew taste was remarkable. Crisp, full bodied, pristine, refreshing, and unadulterated. I was entranced. I finished the bottle before I got to this word.
Kronenbourg, I am sorry I doubted you. You are indeed "La Premiere Biere Francaise".
__________________________________
I give Kronenbourg 1664 an unwavering 89.
Look: Bronze
Smell: Wonderfully Skunky Hops.
Taste: Crisp. Full. Pristine.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Kronenbourg's bottle is a wonderful looking bottle. And it has been brewed since 1664. I can't even comprehend that amount of time. I was skeptical about this brew, it looks pretentious, I thought it was over priced, and it was a lager from France.
However, I was greatly surprised. I realize that my description of the smell of Kronenbourg is not verbose, nor does it fully spread out the distinct smells individually to adequately craft its fragrance in your mind, but I do think that "Skunky" is an adequate qualifier. By "Skunky" I do not mean; relating to feces, trash or a carcass, but rather the distinct smell of a skunk about a mile away from your car. This smell is foremost similar when the nose is about a foot away from the immediately popped top, and I will not attempt to explain the smell more eloquently, for it is my review, my ideas, and my ultimate scores. I am a servant to the layperson, and the layperson would smell skunk.
In any case, this old brew taste was remarkable. Crisp, full bodied, pristine, refreshing, and unadulterated. I was entranced. I finished the bottle before I got to this word.
Kronenbourg, I am sorry I doubted you. You are indeed "La Premiere Biere Francaise".
__________________________________
I give Kronenbourg 1664 an unwavering 89.
Look: Bronze
Smell: Wonderfully Skunky Hops.
Taste: Crisp. Full. Pristine.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Beer #18- Yazoo Hefeweizen
Okay, it's local. Nashville. I love it. I was born in this city and have lived here most of my life. It's a great place and a strange place. It's dichomatic in musical taste, southern flair, food, and drink. By this I mean that Nashville is what you may think it would be like if you have never actually been here, and that it is exactly not. I could go on for pages with useless rabble about my beloved city, but I won't. If you know here, then you know what I mean. If you would like to know more, email me.
But let's cut to the chase, Yazoo. I've had all the brews, i've had them on tap, at the brewery, in the bottle, and in my belly. And, to be honest, I have struggled to love all of their beers (save Dos Perros). And I must say that I feel the same with the Hefeweizen.
Hefeweizens generally come in two distinct flavors; generally semi-sweet citrus orange beers, and banana clove beers. These beers get their taste from the concentrated core of the beer that gets boiled (the wort) and the wheat that gets steeped (much like a large teabag) in the beer. That being said, Yazoo Hefeweizen is on the highest side of clove and banana tasting beers that I have ever tasted. And, I must say, I like my clove taste best left in cigarillos and Vietnamese food.
But, taste aside as much as I can do, I will grade this beer by its craftsmanship. The beer's color is a cloudy goldenrod, with a thin head. It's smell is largely banana with a subtle amount of clove and coriander. It's taste is overwhelmingly like the smell. I really am stumped about what else to say. It is very well crafted, though, for those who can't get enough banana in their lives.
Yazoo's Hefeweizen is bold and unapologetic for a Hefeweizen, and I respect that. But I really wouldn't buy this beer at the bar, but only because of my taste.
Yazoo dualistic implementation of its strikingly recognizable ingredients doesn't take away from its refreshing drinkability. It is a success, in that regard, but a failure in regard to my personal taste. Yazoo Hefeweizen accurately reflects Nashville's many sides to me, and while it's not my favorite style, I still appreciate it.
__________________________________
I give Yazoo Hefeweizen a respectable 85.
Look: Cloudy Goldenroad
Smell: Banana, Clove
Taste: Banana, Clove
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
But let's cut to the chase, Yazoo. I've had all the brews, i've had them on tap, at the brewery, in the bottle, and in my belly. And, to be honest, I have struggled to love all of their beers (save Dos Perros). And I must say that I feel the same with the Hefeweizen.
Hefeweizens generally come in two distinct flavors; generally semi-sweet citrus orange beers, and banana clove beers. These beers get their taste from the concentrated core of the beer that gets boiled (the wort) and the wheat that gets steeped (much like a large teabag) in the beer. That being said, Yazoo Hefeweizen is on the highest side of clove and banana tasting beers that I have ever tasted. And, I must say, I like my clove taste best left in cigarillos and Vietnamese food.
But, taste aside as much as I can do, I will grade this beer by its craftsmanship. The beer's color is a cloudy goldenrod, with a thin head. It's smell is largely banana with a subtle amount of clove and coriander. It's taste is overwhelmingly like the smell. I really am stumped about what else to say. It is very well crafted, though, for those who can't get enough banana in their lives.
Yazoo's Hefeweizen is bold and unapologetic for a Hefeweizen, and I respect that. But I really wouldn't buy this beer at the bar, but only because of my taste.
Yazoo dualistic implementation of its strikingly recognizable ingredients doesn't take away from its refreshing drinkability. It is a success, in that regard, but a failure in regard to my personal taste. Yazoo Hefeweizen accurately reflects Nashville's many sides to me, and while it's not my favorite style, I still appreciate it.
__________________________________
I give Yazoo Hefeweizen a respectable 85.
Look: Cloudy Goldenroad
Smell: Banana, Clove
Taste: Banana, Clove
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Beer #17- Tennent's of Scotland
Expectations are clearly the most influential factor in judging. For instance, I remember watching previews for the movie "Troy" when I was in high school. My friends and I were eager with anticipation as we left school early one day for the matinee showing of the film.
The theatrical trailer showed hard hitting action, an epic storyline, great actors, amazing cinematography, and promising inspirational speeches.
The movie had everything we had previously seen on the previews, yet they were not delivered in an appropriate manner. The movie floundered, sputtered, and failed before we even finished it. We left upset, angry, but mostly sad. The anticipation was over and it wasn't even close to delivering. I feel like Tennent's is microcosmal of my Troy experience.
As bravely ignorant as this sounds, I wish I had a Molson Canadian right next to this beer to compare the two. I know i'm insulting every Scottish man with this comment, but there are striking similarities between the two. Both a bit on the pale lager side, but with very different prices.
I will give Tennent's this, it has a deeper complexity. This pale lager sits on the palate for a second, delivers a brief complexity of sweet hops with white peppery notes- and then disappears. It's rush of brief flavor is subtly assaulting and unforgiving, leaving the palate wanting more, but not necessarily more of Tennent's.
I'm sorry Scotland, I was expecting more.
___________________________________
I give Tennent's of Scotland an 82.
Look: Light Bronze
Smell: Hops and subtle white pepper
Taste: Crisp. Light. The pepper.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
The theatrical trailer showed hard hitting action, an epic storyline, great actors, amazing cinematography, and promising inspirational speeches.
The movie had everything we had previously seen on the previews, yet they were not delivered in an appropriate manner. The movie floundered, sputtered, and failed before we even finished it. We left upset, angry, but mostly sad. The anticipation was over and it wasn't even close to delivering. I feel like Tennent's is microcosmal of my Troy experience.
As bravely ignorant as this sounds, I wish I had a Molson Canadian right next to this beer to compare the two. I know i'm insulting every Scottish man with this comment, but there are striking similarities between the two. Both a bit on the pale lager side, but with very different prices.
I will give Tennent's this, it has a deeper complexity. This pale lager sits on the palate for a second, delivers a brief complexity of sweet hops with white peppery notes- and then disappears. It's rush of brief flavor is subtly assaulting and unforgiving, leaving the palate wanting more, but not necessarily more of Tennent's.
I'm sorry Scotland, I was expecting more.
___________________________________
I give Tennent's of Scotland an 82.
Look: Light Bronze
Smell: Hops and subtle white pepper
Taste: Crisp. Light. The pepper.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Beer #16- Molson Canadian
In honor of the World Cup which starts in five days, I will be drinking out of my authentic World Cup 2010 South African glass that my wonderful friend Klay Kelley retrieved from this part of the world a mere few weeks ago.
Also in honor of the World Cup, I will be reviewing an international beer from the country which will most likely win it all, Canada.
Molson Canadian. I must admit I used to laugh at this beer when I passed it in the store. For one, it is $5.99 for a six-pack. Another, it's Canadian. Kidding. I love Canada!
In any case, I felt it was time to try it. New Yorkers swear by it, and I have a good friend who loves it, so I tried it.
The pour is a light lager-esque bronze with a lightly hoppy taste. And in fact, the taste was quite refreshing. While the beer has no complexity, it is a decent drink for the dough.
Oh, Canada. I'm sorry for skipping over your beer to buy similarly priced Bud-light during my ignorant days. You will now take the place of it if I ever have to choose between the two of you.
___________________________________
I give Molson Canadian decent 81.
Look: Light Bronze
Smell: Very Lightly Hopped Taste
Taste: Light and Refreshing, not complex.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Also in honor of the World Cup, I will be reviewing an international beer from the country which will most likely win it all, Canada.
Molson Canadian. I must admit I used to laugh at this beer when I passed it in the store. For one, it is $5.99 for a six-pack. Another, it's Canadian. Kidding. I love Canada!
In any case, I felt it was time to try it. New Yorkers swear by it, and I have a good friend who loves it, so I tried it.
The pour is a light lager-esque bronze with a lightly hoppy taste. And in fact, the taste was quite refreshing. While the beer has no complexity, it is a decent drink for the dough.
Oh, Canada. I'm sorry for skipping over your beer to buy similarly priced Bud-light during my ignorant days. You will now take the place of it if I ever have to choose between the two of you.
___________________________________
I give Molson Canadian decent 81.
Look: Light Bronze
Smell: Very Lightly Hopped Taste
Taste: Light and Refreshing, not complex.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Beer #15- Shiner Bock
Some people are cocky. Some people are cocky about weird things. Take Texas for instance. People are cocky about being from Texas. It's a strange neurosis. But not all people, places, or things in Texas are cocky about nothing. Some have a quiet confidence that has withstood the test of time. And this particular thing is found in Shiner, Texas.
It’s easy to get cocky. My cockiness, while present sometimes, is subtle. Confidence is a good thing. Cockiness is a bad thing. I tend to re-learn this lesson often, and in often humiliating ways. One of the ways I learned this lesson happened last night.
If you are an avid reader of my blog, you will know that I recently got moved up the line at the restaurant, and am now on the flat-top, cooking the main dishes. It was Friday night, 5 p.m. It was my second or third night on the grill and I was ready. My blood was pumping, ears perked and ready for the sound of the tickets to start rolling in. I had my station set up with everything I needed, double wielding my spatulas and almost bowing, ready to prove myself. Around 5:20, the tickets started rolling in and I was rolling with them- almost scoffing at each item that was yelled at me to make.
I had 3 large plates in the cheeseburner, one stacked a bit against the other. The cheeseburner is located at my forehead, and is an open boiler with hell-like flames that lick at the tips of my head and squeeze the sweat out of my pores on my forehead. Plates are put here so you can get food that is hot and delicious.
And then it happened.
In the midst of pulling one plate out of the burner, the other started to shift and slid out, falling right at the flat-top with tremendous speed, as if leaving behind a comet-like tail and shattered. The kitchen stopped. The servers stop yelling. The manager sighed as I gazed into his eyes to see whether his reaction would be merciful or necessarily livid. He looked at me and said, "Take everything out. Trash it. Clean it."
For the rest of the night we were behind by at least 8 tickets. My cockiness was shattered much like that plate. But I knew it wasn’t time to throw in the towel. I tightened my apron and started cooking. And we made it. After fours hours of non-stop tickets, turn after turn, we broke a record at the restaurant, and no ticket went more than 20 minutes. Success.
I learned confidence in the kitchen last night only by having my cockiness shattered.
And that is what Shiner Bock does best in a state full of cocky-headed-ninny-muggins.
Shiner stands tall, and without the necessity of million dollar marketing campaigns.
The pour of Shiner Bock is a dark brown pour, always with the perfect amount of head (if poured right). The smell is richly malted with a deep earthy tone. And the taste is simple and somewhat surprising. For as dark as the Bock looks, the drink is an almost medium-light pristine thirst quencher. Shiner Bock makes this style of Dark-Malted beer deliciously drinkable, and amazingly seasonal. Perfect for hot summer days, yet also just as good when the leaves start to turn in the fall... But we all know what we're drinking then...
In any case, Shiner Bock delivers with a steady confidence, although somewhat defiled on every beer list when put between the Miller Light and Bud, it is prize in the midst of the garbage. Shiner Bock stands as a statuesque "Domestic" and teaches us that not everything that comes from Texas is a cocky bastard for no purposeful reason.
___________________________________
I give Shiner Bock a confident 86.
Look: Dark Brown
Smell: Malt
Taste: Medium-Light Bodied Malty and Crisp
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
It’s easy to get cocky. My cockiness, while present sometimes, is subtle. Confidence is a good thing. Cockiness is a bad thing. I tend to re-learn this lesson often, and in often humiliating ways. One of the ways I learned this lesson happened last night.
If you are an avid reader of my blog, you will know that I recently got moved up the line at the restaurant, and am now on the flat-top, cooking the main dishes. It was Friday night, 5 p.m. It was my second or third night on the grill and I was ready. My blood was pumping, ears perked and ready for the sound of the tickets to start rolling in. I had my station set up with everything I needed, double wielding my spatulas and almost bowing, ready to prove myself. Around 5:20, the tickets started rolling in and I was rolling with them- almost scoffing at each item that was yelled at me to make.
I had 3 large plates in the cheeseburner, one stacked a bit against the other. The cheeseburner is located at my forehead, and is an open boiler with hell-like flames that lick at the tips of my head and squeeze the sweat out of my pores on my forehead. Plates are put here so you can get food that is hot and delicious.
And then it happened.
In the midst of pulling one plate out of the burner, the other started to shift and slid out, falling right at the flat-top with tremendous speed, as if leaving behind a comet-like tail and shattered. The kitchen stopped. The servers stop yelling. The manager sighed as I gazed into his eyes to see whether his reaction would be merciful or necessarily livid. He looked at me and said, "Take everything out. Trash it. Clean it."
For the rest of the night we were behind by at least 8 tickets. My cockiness was shattered much like that plate. But I knew it wasn’t time to throw in the towel. I tightened my apron and started cooking. And we made it. After fours hours of non-stop tickets, turn after turn, we broke a record at the restaurant, and no ticket went more than 20 minutes. Success.
I learned confidence in the kitchen last night only by having my cockiness shattered.
And that is what Shiner Bock does best in a state full of cocky-headed-ninny-muggins.
Shiner stands tall, and without the necessity of million dollar marketing campaigns.
The pour of Shiner Bock is a dark brown pour, always with the perfect amount of head (if poured right). The smell is richly malted with a deep earthy tone. And the taste is simple and somewhat surprising. For as dark as the Bock looks, the drink is an almost medium-light pristine thirst quencher. Shiner Bock makes this style of Dark-Malted beer deliciously drinkable, and amazingly seasonal. Perfect for hot summer days, yet also just as good when the leaves start to turn in the fall... But we all know what we're drinking then...
In any case, Shiner Bock delivers with a steady confidence, although somewhat defiled on every beer list when put between the Miller Light and Bud, it is prize in the midst of the garbage. Shiner Bock stands as a statuesque "Domestic" and teaches us that not everything that comes from Texas is a cocky bastard for no purposeful reason.
___________________________________
I give Shiner Bock a confident 86.
Look: Dark Brown
Smell: Malt
Taste: Medium-Light Bodied Malty and Crisp
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Beer #14- Atwater Brewery's "Vanilla Java Porter"
I hate Michigan. I grew up in Nashville with a father and uncles who bred their children to be rabid Ohio State fans. Although I have only been to Ohio once, and have fought many SEC fans who challenge my devotion to the Big 10, the only thing I can say is, "I was brought up this way". I have to hate Michigan. As much as I realized my blind bigotry as I got older, the familiar, fast-burning burning desire to plow my car into any bumper that mentioned a wolverine was a sensation that was innate. I couldn't get rid of it, and I won't. But I had to push these feelings back, albeit briefly, to taste this Michigan brewery's attempt to make a great beer for the masses.
I love Porters. The history of how Porters were originated is almost too romantic and manly to be true. As I poured the glass, my fond appreciation for this craftsmanship of beer started to make the foremost thoughts of Michigan in a glass disappear. The pour was familiar, dark black with a creamy head.
When I pushed my nose in the beer I was surprised at the sweet vanilla smell that overwhelmed my senses. It was almost pleasant, but then I remembered that this was a Porter, and Porters are inherently crafted to not smell this sweet.
The taste is what made me realize Atwater's complete disrespect for this historical brew. Sweet vanilla overwhelmed every taste bud. There was barely any bitter, Victorian, dark coffee grounded, historical, manly taste. Vanilla. "How the hell did they get it this sweet?" I thought as I turned the bottle around, eyeing it angrily.
Vanilla extract. Vanilla effing extract. And it had to be put in at the secondary fermentation. Those bastards.
Don't. Ever. Use. Extract. In. The. Secondary. Fermentation.
This, of course, is a personal rule. I don't expect all of you to agree. But to do this on a Porter. It is an outrage. This is a complete disrespect for any of those who have gone before you, Atwater. My rage at you is beyond my Michigan dislike, it is now a rage doubled by your ineptitude at having this wonderful gift and responsibility; Beer making.
The bottle should simply say this; "You like Frappuccinos?!! DRINK ME!!"
___________________________________
I give Atwater Brewery's "Vanilla Java Porter" a deeply offended 20.
Look: n/a
Smell: n/a
Taste: n/a
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
I love Porters. The history of how Porters were originated is almost too romantic and manly to be true. As I poured the glass, my fond appreciation for this craftsmanship of beer started to make the foremost thoughts of Michigan in a glass disappear. The pour was familiar, dark black with a creamy head.
When I pushed my nose in the beer I was surprised at the sweet vanilla smell that overwhelmed my senses. It was almost pleasant, but then I remembered that this was a Porter, and Porters are inherently crafted to not smell this sweet.
The taste is what made me realize Atwater's complete disrespect for this historical brew. Sweet vanilla overwhelmed every taste bud. There was barely any bitter, Victorian, dark coffee grounded, historical, manly taste. Vanilla. "How the hell did they get it this sweet?" I thought as I turned the bottle around, eyeing it angrily.
Vanilla extract. Vanilla effing extract. And it had to be put in at the secondary fermentation. Those bastards.
Don't. Ever. Use. Extract. In. The. Secondary. Fermentation.
This, of course, is a personal rule. I don't expect all of you to agree. But to do this on a Porter. It is an outrage. This is a complete disrespect for any of those who have gone before you, Atwater. My rage at you is beyond my Michigan dislike, it is now a rage doubled by your ineptitude at having this wonderful gift and responsibility; Beer making.
The bottle should simply say this; "You like Frappuccinos?!! DRINK ME!!"
___________________________________
I give Atwater Brewery's "Vanilla Java Porter" a deeply offended 20.
Look: n/a
Smell: n/a
Taste: n/a
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and above 95- divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Beer #13- "Yuengling Traditional Lager"
Pottsville, PA. Who's heard of it? I have. And if you haven't, you don't appreciate beer. Pottsville is the city with the oldest American brewery, Yuengling. The traditional lager is a go to at any bar when the pockets aren't full of cash, the taste buds want something familiar, and you want have at least six... I kid.
But on a serious note, Yuengling is the choice of champs. It should be appreciated before even being opened because five generations have been continuously brewing this beer for 180 years. In America.
This may not mean anything to the rest of the world who were ahead of the game before us- but come on, even I have some American pride.
After a long day in front of the flat-top, ornery customers, 100 degrees of heat outside, only to be met by the fires of hell burning at my forehead in the cheeseburner- Yuengling's lager made me feel at home. I felt comfy pouring this beer I had binged on a few Spring Break's ago into my asshole beer glass.
The familiar brown pour made me smile. The familiar taste of pure American history- of dreams, hopes, sweat and hops forced my tiring day to be reminisced in a fashion that only a completely self-absorbed guy who writes in a blog everyday and likes to feel himself type would do. I felt that I mattered.
That in this thing called life, we are all intricately connected. Every action, whether it is planting a flower, making a kid laugh, strumming the guitar, plating a dish, making a latte, a sandwich, changing a diaper- IT MATTERS. It's part of history. It's part of this framework that keeps us all going.
Yuengling, you stand for consistency. You stand for commitment. Thank you for this.
___________________________________
I give "Yuengling Traditional Lager" a well deserved 85.
Look: Brown
Smell: Light Hops and Malt
Taste: Lightly Malted Love
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
But on a serious note, Yuengling is the choice of champs. It should be appreciated before even being opened because five generations have been continuously brewing this beer for 180 years. In America.
This may not mean anything to the rest of the world who were ahead of the game before us- but come on, even I have some American pride.
After a long day in front of the flat-top, ornery customers, 100 degrees of heat outside, only to be met by the fires of hell burning at my forehead in the cheeseburner- Yuengling's lager made me feel at home. I felt comfy pouring this beer I had binged on a few Spring Break's ago into my asshole beer glass.
The familiar brown pour made me smile. The familiar taste of pure American history- of dreams, hopes, sweat and hops forced my tiring day to be reminisced in a fashion that only a completely self-absorbed guy who writes in a blog everyday and likes to feel himself type would do. I felt that I mattered.
That in this thing called life, we are all intricately connected. Every action, whether it is planting a flower, making a kid laugh, strumming the guitar, plating a dish, making a latte, a sandwich, changing a diaper- IT MATTERS. It's part of history. It's part of this framework that keeps us all going.
Yuengling, you stand for consistency. You stand for commitment. Thank you for this.
___________________________________
I give "Yuengling Traditional Lager" a well deserved 85.
Look: Brown
Smell: Light Hops and Malt
Taste: Lightly Malted Love
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
*Please understand that ratings on this scale have been influenced by my scholastic history of grading. A grade below 75 is not good, it is less than average. A beer below 60 is bad. Beers in the 90s are in the upper-echelon of beers on this earth, and divinely inspired.*
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Beer #12- "Three Philosophers" Belgian Style Blend from Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, New York
In honor of my raise (15 percent!) I bought myself a nice, chilled, high-gravity beer! You may have heard of it, it is from the Duvel family, and it is quite a fine looking bottle. It is corked and has a splendid design on the front. Apparently 98 percent of the beer is an ale and 2 percent is a cherry lambic.
My initial question: Why the hell would anyone do that?
Anyway, the color was a sort of adulterated deep bronze that formed a quickly dispersing head. And the smell was just full of malt. I then tasted my beer. Because of my impeccable palette, the distinct quality of ingredients were immediately distinguishable. Joking. I mean, to be honest, I really couldn't taste any of the cherry they so proudly advertised. I mostly tasted a mouthful of heavy malt syrup.
This isn't my first rodeo with Belgian Ales, so don't write me off all of you Duvel muthas. But i'm disappointed! And i'm telling on you!
Three Philosophers' aristocratic air, beautiful labeling, and distinct genealogy is basically begging me for an above 90 score. But I won't give it.
The problem with high alcohol beers is that you can taste the high alcohol in them. This is not an ignorant comment. I love alcohol. But alcohol-y tasting beer is just not good. The best high alcohol beers are those that balance their 10 percent alcohol taste with a brilliant blend of hops, barley, water and other tender-lovin-care that only monks can give. Three Philosophers stands as a decent high alcohol beer, unable to to defeat its mighty foe in the last round (or fermentation).
I appreciate the Three Philosophers for its distinct try in the "ale to lambic ratio" section of high alcohol beers, but it just doesn't cut it with me.
___________________________________
I give "Three Philosophers a deeply disappointed 82.
Look: Muddy Brown
Smell: Heavy Malt, A Hint of Sweet Caramel
Taste: Creamy Malt Syrup, a hint of Caramel
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
My initial question: Why the hell would anyone do that?
Anyway, the color was a sort of adulterated deep bronze that formed a quickly dispersing head. And the smell was just full of malt. I then tasted my beer. Because of my impeccable palette, the distinct quality of ingredients were immediately distinguishable. Joking. I mean, to be honest, I really couldn't taste any of the cherry they so proudly advertised. I mostly tasted a mouthful of heavy malt syrup.
This isn't my first rodeo with Belgian Ales, so don't write me off all of you Duvel muthas. But i'm disappointed! And i'm telling on you!
Three Philosophers' aristocratic air, beautiful labeling, and distinct genealogy is basically begging me for an above 90 score. But I won't give it.
The problem with high alcohol beers is that you can taste the high alcohol in them. This is not an ignorant comment. I love alcohol. But alcohol-y tasting beer is just not good. The best high alcohol beers are those that balance their 10 percent alcohol taste with a brilliant blend of hops, barley, water and other tender-lovin-care that only monks can give. Three Philosophers stands as a decent high alcohol beer, unable to to defeat its mighty foe in the last round (or fermentation).
I appreciate the Three Philosophers for its distinct try in the "ale to lambic ratio" section of high alcohol beers, but it just doesn't cut it with me.
___________________________________
I give "Three Philosophers a deeply disappointed 82.
Look: Muddy Brown
Smell: Heavy Malt, A Hint of Sweet Caramel
Taste: Creamy Malt Syrup, a hint of Caramel
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Bargain Beer of the Week! Beer #11- Simpler Times Lager
**$3.99 for a six-pack**
Sometimes days suck. Today was a day like the for me. So, I thought I would cheer myself up, and the rest of the world with one of my favorite beers, and it just so happens to be in the "Bargain Beer of the Week!" category! Wooo!
Simpler Times can be purchased at Trader Joes- I don't think it can be purchased anywhere else. For this lowly price, you are getting one of the best deals in the world. I have reviewed beers so far from the spectrum of about $12.00 a bottle to less than a dollar a beer, yet ounce for ounce, Simpler Times is hard to beat.
I think this beer is best enjoyed from the can, but I chose to taste it like I taste all other beers.
I did the pour. A deep gold liquid swirled around and formed a very light head. The smell was faint- yet sweet-nectary. And then the taste. A light and creaminess made me immediately smile. Oh, the simpler times!
Let's just take a quick look back at some of the stranger things I have noticed in my beers thus far; Meat, copper, bitter coffee, bitter malt.. etc... And Simpler, well, it leaves things simple.
So, in conclusion, here is a poem devoted to the greatness of this Lager.
But Simpler Times, Oh! Simpler Times.
You make me want to spread my rhyme.
How you tease me with your inexpensive look and price,
yet leave me with a desire for thrice.
Your smooth and creamy texture of hops and barley,
left for me to drink and feel so narley.
The happiness of the Simple reaches the heights,
And my belly feels and fills so nice.
And that is what leaves the joy in my head;
And tucks me in nicely, right before bed.
I'll dream of the wort, the hiss of the can's opened cap,
And wake up delighted after my nap.
The End.
_________________________________________
I give Simpler Times a "Delightfully Delish" 88!
Look: Glowing Gold
Smell: Sweet, Subtle
Taste: Creamy, Sweet, and Light
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Sometimes days suck. Today was a day like the for me. So, I thought I would cheer myself up, and the rest of the world with one of my favorite beers, and it just so happens to be in the "Bargain Beer of the Week!" category! Wooo!
Simpler Times can be purchased at Trader Joes- I don't think it can be purchased anywhere else. For this lowly price, you are getting one of the best deals in the world. I have reviewed beers so far from the spectrum of about $12.00 a bottle to less than a dollar a beer, yet ounce for ounce, Simpler Times is hard to beat.
I think this beer is best enjoyed from the can, but I chose to taste it like I taste all other beers.
I did the pour. A deep gold liquid swirled around and formed a very light head. The smell was faint- yet sweet-nectary. And then the taste. A light and creaminess made me immediately smile. Oh, the simpler times!
Let's just take a quick look back at some of the stranger things I have noticed in my beers thus far; Meat, copper, bitter coffee, bitter malt.. etc... And Simpler, well, it leaves things simple.
So, in conclusion, here is a poem devoted to the greatness of this Lager.
But Simpler Times, Oh! Simpler Times.
You make me want to spread my rhyme.
How you tease me with your inexpensive look and price,
yet leave me with a desire for thrice.
Your smooth and creamy texture of hops and barley,
left for me to drink and feel so narley.
The happiness of the Simple reaches the heights,
And my belly feels and fills so nice.
And that is what leaves the joy in my head;
And tucks me in nicely, right before bed.
I'll dream of the wort, the hiss of the can's opened cap,
And wake up delighted after my nap.
The End.
_________________________________________
I give Simpler Times a "Delightfully Delish" 88!
Look: Glowing Gold
Smell: Sweet, Subtle
Taste: Creamy, Sweet, and Light
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Beer #10- Coors Banquet Beer
I had a dream last night. A wonderful dream. In this dream, I was in a log cabin on top of a mountain. It was an unfamiliar place, yet a lot of my family was there. It was a strange group of my family, most of them I was not close to, some have even died, yet there were alive in my dream.
The wonderful part of this dream was that there was a celebration. I don’t know what this celebration was for, but everyone was laughing and eating and there was festive music. Then a man grabbed my shoulder, turned me around and asked if I liked beer. “Of course!” I exclaimed, now noticing that no one was drinking anything around me. He took me back to a room was there was a tap, handed me a mug and I filled me glass. The dark, cold, brown liquid swirled around my glass and I immediately took a drink down.
Amazement. In my dream I had tasted the most wonderful thing in the world. Throughout the rest of my dream I snuck back to get pint after pint, trying to hide what I was doing from those who didn’t like the fact I was drinking. But I loved this beer so much in my dream. It was a little bit of heaven. The last thing I remember is that I asked the man the name of this beer. “The Springs,” he declared. And with one last sip I was awake.
I’ve never had a beer like that on this side of my dreams, and I doubt I ever will experience that feeling, but sometimes, different things can make us appreciate even the most average, everyday beers.
The Banquet. It’s shimmering gold can. The patented Coors name. How can you go wrong? In the true spirit of Memorial Day, I bought some of the Banquet beer. I didn’t pour it into a glass, and I didn’t smell it. But I did appreciate it all day.
The familiar hiss and spray of the can on a hot day is unforgettable. I hunkered lower into the pool and let the cool water fold over my hot shoulders as I inhaled the beer. Creamy, smooth, cold. Ahhhh Banquet.
I tasted clarity. I didn’t taste a lot of funk. Like most commercialized beer this price, you always get a funk. But with Banquet beer, I didn’t. I never will.
The Rockies, Golden- all of Colorado is a wonder to behold, and so is the water from those hills. Banquet, you are a respectful and glorified inspiration to those peaks. Who knows, maybe even the secret of the Banquet is in the springs?
______________________________
I give Coors Banquet Beer a simple, yet bold 84.
Taste: Smooth, Creamy, Pristine
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
The wonderful part of this dream was that there was a celebration. I don’t know what this celebration was for, but everyone was laughing and eating and there was festive music. Then a man grabbed my shoulder, turned me around and asked if I liked beer. “Of course!” I exclaimed, now noticing that no one was drinking anything around me. He took me back to a room was there was a tap, handed me a mug and I filled me glass. The dark, cold, brown liquid swirled around my glass and I immediately took a drink down.
Amazement. In my dream I had tasted the most wonderful thing in the world. Throughout the rest of my dream I snuck back to get pint after pint, trying to hide what I was doing from those who didn’t like the fact I was drinking. But I loved this beer so much in my dream. It was a little bit of heaven. The last thing I remember is that I asked the man the name of this beer. “The Springs,” he declared. And with one last sip I was awake.
I’ve never had a beer like that on this side of my dreams, and I doubt I ever will experience that feeling, but sometimes, different things can make us appreciate even the most average, everyday beers.
The Banquet. It’s shimmering gold can. The patented Coors name. How can you go wrong? In the true spirit of Memorial Day, I bought some of the Banquet beer. I didn’t pour it into a glass, and I didn’t smell it. But I did appreciate it all day.
The familiar hiss and spray of the can on a hot day is unforgettable. I hunkered lower into the pool and let the cool water fold over my hot shoulders as I inhaled the beer. Creamy, smooth, cold. Ahhhh Banquet.
I tasted clarity. I didn’t taste a lot of funk. Like most commercialized beer this price, you always get a funk. But with Banquet beer, I didn’t. I never will.
The Rockies, Golden- all of Colorado is a wonder to behold, and so is the water from those hills. Banquet, you are a respectful and glorified inspiration to those peaks. Who knows, maybe even the secret of the Banquet is in the springs?
______________________________
I give Coors Banquet Beer a simple, yet bold 84.
Taste: Smooth, Creamy, Pristine
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Beer #9- "Old Chub Scottish Style Ale"
Beer in a can. The debate rages on and on. What is the best for the brew? Environment? Look? Public perception? In any account, the can is coming back. And Old Chub doesn't try to look Imperial with it's can. It keeps the small, 12 ounce can and doesn't attempt to look that "Olde English" pint can. It takes the risk.
The beer gave the familiar hiss from the can as I opened it and I watched the dark liquid swirl around to give up a good head. The smell was vanilla with a strong coffee aroma.
I took a nice gulp and was surprised at the heaviness. It was smooth but still had a formidable weight in my mouth. The ale was definitely on the stronger style of ales. It flirted with stout. It flirted with me. I was deliciously delighted.
Old Chub delivered and gave hope to the future of "can" lovers everywhere. Thank you Old Chub.
______________________________
I give Oskar Blues Brewery "Old Chub Scottish Style Ale" a well crafted and courageous 89.
Look: Dark Brown, Brown Head
Smell: Vanilla, Coffee
Taste: Smooth, Sweet, Heavier than expected
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
The beer gave the familiar hiss from the can as I opened it and I watched the dark liquid swirl around to give up a good head. The smell was vanilla with a strong coffee aroma.
I took a nice gulp and was surprised at the heaviness. It was smooth but still had a formidable weight in my mouth. The ale was definitely on the stronger style of ales. It flirted with stout. It flirted with me. I was deliciously delighted.
Old Chub delivered and gave hope to the future of "can" lovers everywhere. Thank you Old Chub.
______________________________
I give Oskar Blues Brewery "Old Chub Scottish Style Ale" a well crafted and courageous 89.
Look: Dark Brown, Brown Head
Smell: Vanilla, Coffee
Taste: Smooth, Sweet, Heavier than expected
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Beer #8- "La Chouffe Belgian Ale"
This is the best beer I have ever tasted. This review will be short, and will not attempt to describe this the way it deserves to be reviewed.
Think about the greatest times of your life. What are your memories connected to? Think about your childhood. What are the things that draw you back to those memories more than anything else? I would venture to say it would be food and drink.
In a recent show about food, my favorite Chef was talking about last meals. He asked many of the chefs he looked up to the simple question, "If you had one last meal, what would it be?" All of their replies were connected to food from their mother, father or grandparents. They talked about the smell, the taste, the simplicity. They wanted simple things. They didn't care about boiling the right kinds of bones for a perfect stock, or picking the best side of beef to sear it perfectly in unsalted butter. It was things like eggs, noodles in red sauce, burgers.
Your life is lived, and what you have left after these moments are memories. All memories are connected. Think of how meaningful and impactful food and beverage has been in your life.
La Chouffe represents a very meaningful moment for me. My year anniversary with my beautiful girlfriend and with the best beer I have ever tasted.
La Chouffe.
A champagne pour. Miniature nectar bubbles of goodness and life. Amber gold fountains of eudaimonia. Crisp, cool, sharp.
Look up La Chouffe. Research it. The goodness of Belgium. Beer at the utmost perfection I have ever tasted.
____________________________
I give La Chouffe Belgian Ale a 97.
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Think about the greatest times of your life. What are your memories connected to? Think about your childhood. What are the things that draw you back to those memories more than anything else? I would venture to say it would be food and drink.
In a recent show about food, my favorite Chef was talking about last meals. He asked many of the chefs he looked up to the simple question, "If you had one last meal, what would it be?" All of their replies were connected to food from their mother, father or grandparents. They talked about the smell, the taste, the simplicity. They wanted simple things. They didn't care about boiling the right kinds of bones for a perfect stock, or picking the best side of beef to sear it perfectly in unsalted butter. It was things like eggs, noodles in red sauce, burgers.
Your life is lived, and what you have left after these moments are memories. All memories are connected. Think of how meaningful and impactful food and beverage has been in your life.
La Chouffe represents a very meaningful moment for me. My year anniversary with my beautiful girlfriend and with the best beer I have ever tasted.
La Chouffe.
A champagne pour. Miniature nectar bubbles of goodness and life. Amber gold fountains of eudaimonia. Crisp, cool, sharp.
Look up La Chouffe. Research it. The goodness of Belgium. Beer at the utmost perfection I have ever tasted.
____________________________
I give La Chouffe Belgian Ale a 97.
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Beer #7- Saranac.
I guess I’ll cut right to the chase. Sometimes things are just poorly made. And the whole Saranac brewery falls into this category.
Oh, the idealistic romanticism of a “brewery in the mountains”. Fresh water! Fresh ingredients! Local brewers, handcrafted for years and years! B-U-L-L- Crap.
My friends and I bought the sampler pack. It had Saranac’s India Pale Ale, Adirondac Lager, Black Forest Bavarian Black Beer (ooooh!!!! What a cool name!!! shite.), Brown Ale, and the illustrious “Black and Tan”.
These beers would be a waste of time to review individually. So, I will review them all at once, with one grade, and with one blog post.
Saranac beers are a shallow bunch, filled with the taste of cut corners and mass produced recipes. You know that guy who talks about things he knows nothing about? And talks often? That is Saranac.
I can tell you what happened at this brewery. Illustrated by a quick sketch that could have happened.
Master Brewer at Saranac: “I think I’m going to just keep this recipe for the India Pale Ale and Lager…”
Boss: “Oh that’s ok. We want our drinkers to get the same thing with every sip”
Master Brewer at Saranac: “Ok. Umm. What about that Black and Tan? And the uhh.. Forest Bavarian one?”
Boss: “I want the wort to be the same for everything!!”
Master Brewer at Saranac: “GREAT!”
The beers did not have a distinctive taste. Each tasted like most of the rest, with subtle differences that didn't matter one iota. I'm sorry I wasted my time on these beers.
_____________________________
I give Saranac's entire product a well deserved 60.
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Oh, the idealistic romanticism of a “brewery in the mountains”. Fresh water! Fresh ingredients! Local brewers, handcrafted for years and years! B-U-L-L- Crap.
My friends and I bought the sampler pack. It had Saranac’s India Pale Ale, Adirondac Lager, Black Forest Bavarian Black Beer (ooooh!!!! What a cool name!!! shite.), Brown Ale, and the illustrious “Black and Tan”.
These beers would be a waste of time to review individually. So, I will review them all at once, with one grade, and with one blog post.
Saranac beers are a shallow bunch, filled with the taste of cut corners and mass produced recipes. You know that guy who talks about things he knows nothing about? And talks often? That is Saranac.
I can tell you what happened at this brewery. Illustrated by a quick sketch that could have happened.
Master Brewer at Saranac: “I think I’m going to just keep this recipe for the India Pale Ale and Lager…”
Boss: “Oh that’s ok. We want our drinkers to get the same thing with every sip”
Master Brewer at Saranac: “Ok. Umm. What about that Black and Tan? And the uhh.. Forest Bavarian one?”
Boss: “I want the wort to be the same for everything!!”
Master Brewer at Saranac: “GREAT!”
The beers did not have a distinctive taste. Each tasted like most of the rest, with subtle differences that didn't matter one iota. I'm sorry I wasted my time on these beers.
_____________________________
I give Saranac's entire product a well deserved 60.
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Beer #6- Steven's Point- "2012 Black Ale"
Armageddon. The end of the world. Rapture. Cataclysm. Catastrophe. All these words tend to strike fear into us. Most of us think the world will end, I will venture to say, and most have different ideas of how it will. I prefer to think of a zombie inhabited end of the world Armageddon where I am keeping zombies at bay with a sawed off shotgun, perfecting head-shots, while my beautiful bride to be is running for safety. But that’s just me. I guess I have some kind of twisted bit inside me, the zombie decapitating part, but maybe some of you can relate.
In any case, 2012 spells doom for our civilization. If you have seen any part of the movie, you understand what this doom is (theatrically and semi-factually). The Mayan calendar, natural catastrophes, earthquakes, volcanoes- they are all there and buzzwords for this end of our heavenly body. And to believe, this Black Ale summons this very idea and attempts to fit that into one glass. What a bunch of Cusack-loving crazies!
I love Black Ales, so I eagerly poured the motor-oil black liquid into my cup and watched it wash around the glass and stain the before clarity of my drinking agent. The dark brown foam bubbled up quickly and made a formidable head- a sort of bulwark against any trespassers. I quickly got around that barricade as I sniffed the dark chocolate, coffee musk with a vanilla bean sweetness, and directed it towards my mouth as it washed over my tongue.
Well crafted. Dynamic and complex. Sweet and bitter- evenly at first, followed by a more robust black coffee taste. It was smooth. Thick, but sticking to its guns as an Ale, not trying to be a stout. Almost refreshing. I drank it again, perplexed that such a dumb name would have such a serious taste. The same things again.
2012, you have delivered. While all thought you were a sham, turned out those Mayans won out. Let's hope that doesn't really happen with the date. Unless its with zombies.
______________________________
I give Steven's Point- "2012 Black Ale" a grandiose 88.
Look: Bold Black, Dark Brown Head
Smell: Vanilla Bean, Coffee, Dark Chocolate
Taste: Creamy, bitter chocolate, coffee
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
In any case, 2012 spells doom for our civilization. If you have seen any part of the movie, you understand what this doom is (theatrically and semi-factually). The Mayan calendar, natural catastrophes, earthquakes, volcanoes- they are all there and buzzwords for this end of our heavenly body. And to believe, this Black Ale summons this very idea and attempts to fit that into one glass. What a bunch of Cusack-loving crazies!
I love Black Ales, so I eagerly poured the motor-oil black liquid into my cup and watched it wash around the glass and stain the before clarity of my drinking agent. The dark brown foam bubbled up quickly and made a formidable head- a sort of bulwark against any trespassers. I quickly got around that barricade as I sniffed the dark chocolate, coffee musk with a vanilla bean sweetness, and directed it towards my mouth as it washed over my tongue.
Well crafted. Dynamic and complex. Sweet and bitter- evenly at first, followed by a more robust black coffee taste. It was smooth. Thick, but sticking to its guns as an Ale, not trying to be a stout. Almost refreshing. I drank it again, perplexed that such a dumb name would have such a serious taste. The same things again.
2012, you have delivered. While all thought you were a sham, turned out those Mayans won out. Let's hope that doesn't really happen with the date. Unless its with zombies.
______________________________
I give Steven's Point- "2012 Black Ale" a grandiose 88.
Look: Bold Black, Dark Brown Head
Smell: Vanilla Bean, Coffee, Dark Chocolate
Taste: Creamy, bitter chocolate, coffee
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Bargain Beer of the Week! Beer #5- Tap Room No. 21 Brewing Co.-" Moe's Backroom Lager"
The Bargain Beer of the Week Review!
(Thank you to my room-mate, Anthony, for this inspiration)
Every week I will be reviewing a bargain beer (a six pack under $7.00). Without further ado, here is this week's Bargain Beer Review.
*Please note that bargain beer ratings will not be influenced by the price, to the best of my ability*
_________________
**$5.99 for a six pack**
Great beers don't always have great labels. But I always find myself being somewhat influenced by the design of the label. To me it communicates the values, goals, and hidden virtues of the Brewmaster. It shows impressions. It shows hopes. It may even show us a bit of the heart and drive that pushed this beer to the shelf. That being said, I love Tap Room's labels. "Celebrating the Repeal of Prohibition 1933" is marked around the neck of the bottle in a early 20th century style font. The pictures are of gentlemen dressed in suits, enjoying a brew with expressionless faces. Classic and classy. I loved it as I wearily took the six pack from the back corner of Kroger to the checkout at 10:30 p.m. after a long day's work.
I filled the glass halfway with the lager (after I got home, of course), watching the thin foam try to make a head but coming up short. I deeply smelled and got what I expected. A slightly fruity-barley-metallic smell. But more fruity smelling metallic than a Bud Light. I tasted. Crisp, cold, slightly sweet, ending lightly bitter, but more robust than most beers I have had that "Light Metallic Hop" smell (or even the amazing *wink, wink* Triple Hop Brewed claims).
{If you don't understand what I am getting at, I am comparing this beer's style to it's market saturated counterparts; Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Coors Light (although Coors rules all). Golden, Colorado I will never forget you.}
This beer was more of a treat than I thought it would be for the price. After a long day, hauling wood outside in 90 degree Tennessee weather, and then working in a hot kitchen for the rest of the day; this beer was well worth the price.
My beer thirst was quenched. Three beers would be easy, enjoyable; and you won't have that full of beer feeling after it. Gosh dang it, for $5.99, you can stroll into any barbecue with this six pack and impress everybody with your "highly palated beer connoisseur taste".
Get this before the Hipsters do, because it might just catch on.
______________________________
I give Tap Room No. 21 Brewing Co.'s "Moe's Backroom Lager" a well deserved 87.
Look: Slight amber-bronze
Smell: Fruity Barley Metallic
Taste: Crisp, cool, smooth and sweet, medium Robust surprise aftershock with a slightly bitter aftertaste that quenches the exhausted palate
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
(Thank you to my room-mate, Anthony, for this inspiration)
Every week I will be reviewing a bargain beer (a six pack under $7.00). Without further ado, here is this week's Bargain Beer Review.
*Please note that bargain beer ratings will not be influenced by the price, to the best of my ability*
_________________
**$5.99 for a six pack**
Great beers don't always have great labels. But I always find myself being somewhat influenced by the design of the label. To me it communicates the values, goals, and hidden virtues of the Brewmaster. It shows impressions. It shows hopes. It may even show us a bit of the heart and drive that pushed this beer to the shelf. That being said, I love Tap Room's labels. "Celebrating the Repeal of Prohibition 1933" is marked around the neck of the bottle in a early 20th century style font. The pictures are of gentlemen dressed in suits, enjoying a brew with expressionless faces. Classic and classy. I loved it as I wearily took the six pack from the back corner of Kroger to the checkout at 10:30 p.m. after a long day's work.
I filled the glass halfway with the lager (after I got home, of course), watching the thin foam try to make a head but coming up short. I deeply smelled and got what I expected. A slightly fruity-barley-metallic smell. But more fruity smelling metallic than a Bud Light. I tasted. Crisp, cold, slightly sweet, ending lightly bitter, but more robust than most beers I have had that "Light Metallic Hop" smell (or even the amazing *wink, wink* Triple Hop Brewed claims).
{If you don't understand what I am getting at, I am comparing this beer's style to it's market saturated counterparts; Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Coors Light (although Coors rules all). Golden, Colorado I will never forget you.}
This beer was more of a treat than I thought it would be for the price. After a long day, hauling wood outside in 90 degree Tennessee weather, and then working in a hot kitchen for the rest of the day; this beer was well worth the price.
My beer thirst was quenched. Three beers would be easy, enjoyable; and you won't have that full of beer feeling after it. Gosh dang it, for $5.99, you can stroll into any barbecue with this six pack and impress everybody with your "highly palated beer connoisseur taste".
Get this before the Hipsters do, because it might just catch on.
______________________________
I give Tap Room No. 21 Brewing Co.'s "Moe's Backroom Lager" a well deserved 87.
Look: Slight amber-bronze
Smell: Fruity Barley Metallic
Taste: Crisp, cool, smooth and sweet, medium Robust surprise aftershock with a slightly bitter aftertaste that quenches the exhausted palate
__________________________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Beer #4- Wexford Irish Style Cream Ale
I’ve never been to Ireland, but it has always been one of those places I have always wanted to go. I do remember swimming in the Irish Sea in the winter, but I must say I’ve never made it to the actual country. However, I did stay in Wales for a month when I was 14, and I was shown a very different lifestyle. This Tennessee boy realized everywhere wasn’t like Pleasant View.
I played soccer in high school and I was average. At least I thought I was until one day out in the schoolyard soccer field in Llannsannan, Wales. I got completely “schooled” by boys half my age. It was funny at first, then it got frustrating, then it was just humiliating. I remember this next part vividly. I slid tackled a boy half my size, shuffled the ball across the pitch, dribbled the ball about 10 yards clumsily past another defender. I was just past midfield, and for some reason, I shot it.
I killed the ball. Maybe it was my rage at being shown up by boys half my age, but in any count, I launched the ball perfectly. The ball bounced off my foot, propelled by some celestial force, I realized, as my American grin got bigger and bigger and I watched the ball sink in the top right corner of the net. I raised my hands in utter ecstasy as I elated in my amazing goal- even the Welsh kids thought so. “Fuckin-ell, the American can shoot.” I’ll never forget that comment from a Welsh kid beside me. What a day. And what a beautiful place.
The Wexford Style Cream Ale transports me back to this place. It reminds me of the neighborhood pub where I ordered my first beer, Guinness.
{NOTE: This beer is not Guinness. It is crafted differently, I know. But, the cream style of its brew brought back memories. Just wanted to make that clear.}
The muddy color of the initial pour transformed before my eyes into a wonderful creation of amber-gold glory. This feature of Cream Ales never ceases to amaze me. I eagerly held the glass up to my face, the foam bubbling right below my nose and inhaled the vanilla foam. I was met with an unsurprising creamy sweetness and quick flash of barley malt right before it died in my mouth.
I drank again, hoping for a change, hoping for this beer to live up to my love of Cream style Ales, but the taste disappeared almost immediately after the gulp. Oh, Wexford! You could have been so good. You could have.
_________________________________________
I give Wexford a disappointed 84.
Look: Amber
Smell: Vanilla and Malt
Taste: Greeted with Sweet Vanilla Cream, ended abruptly with malted death.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
I played soccer in high school and I was average. At least I thought I was until one day out in the schoolyard soccer field in Llannsannan, Wales. I got completely “schooled” by boys half my age. It was funny at first, then it got frustrating, then it was just humiliating. I remember this next part vividly. I slid tackled a boy half my size, shuffled the ball across the pitch, dribbled the ball about 10 yards clumsily past another defender. I was just past midfield, and for some reason, I shot it.
I killed the ball. Maybe it was my rage at being shown up by boys half my age, but in any count, I launched the ball perfectly. The ball bounced off my foot, propelled by some celestial force, I realized, as my American grin got bigger and bigger and I watched the ball sink in the top right corner of the net. I raised my hands in utter ecstasy as I elated in my amazing goal- even the Welsh kids thought so. “Fuckin-ell, the American can shoot.” I’ll never forget that comment from a Welsh kid beside me. What a day. And what a beautiful place.
The Wexford Style Cream Ale transports me back to this place. It reminds me of the neighborhood pub where I ordered my first beer, Guinness.
{NOTE: This beer is not Guinness. It is crafted differently, I know. But, the cream style of its brew brought back memories. Just wanted to make that clear.}
The muddy color of the initial pour transformed before my eyes into a wonderful creation of amber-gold glory. This feature of Cream Ales never ceases to amaze me. I eagerly held the glass up to my face, the foam bubbling right below my nose and inhaled the vanilla foam. I was met with an unsurprising creamy sweetness and quick flash of barley malt right before it died in my mouth.
I drank again, hoping for a change, hoping for this beer to live up to my love of Cream style Ales, but the taste disappeared almost immediately after the gulp. Oh, Wexford! You could have been so good. You could have.
_________________________________________
I give Wexford a disappointed 84.
Look: Amber
Smell: Vanilla and Malt
Taste: Greeted with Sweet Vanilla Cream, ended abruptly with malted death.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Beer #3- Slavutich Premium
Oh, the days when things were simple. I remember going to the ballpark with my dad, watching the guys in person that I watched in the World Series, wore the hats and shirts for. We were so close to the field, too, and it was a scrimmage game so the mood was laid back. I wanted to get closer. I walked all the way down to the railing by the dugout, hung my head over, and looked in awe at the dugout. I saw the faces that I had only seen on my baseball cards and on T.V. - right there. Legends. Superheroes. I even got a few autographs, and my favorite baseball player called me buddy. He touched my right hand, I still remember that vividly.
The beauty of simplicity. Of course, now, I can hardly watch baseball. The later years showed my team losing twice in the World Series. These defeats left me bruised and ridiculed by my classmates who all loved the opposite team. The beauty of simplicity started to fade. I started to demand more, I wanted more rules, faster paced action, and demanding showmanship- I started to love football.
I haven’t really watched baseball since 1997, and I try, every year. But that simplicity changed. And while I long to love that simplicity that I used to love in baseball, I find this beauty elsewhere. One of these places I find this simplicity and beauty is beer.
Slavutich Premium is brewed in the Ukraine. I couldn’t read the larger font on the bottle, and in the little English that was on the bottle, I was able to look more into it online. It’s brewed by the infamous Carlsberg (known to most folks from the UK, or stupid Liverpool Football Club fans), and this particular brew is a show of simplicity and perfection.
The beer looked simple and cold as I poured it into my glass. No special color, no special smell. Basic hop notes with a bit of light barley, and a perfect carbonation; all ready for me to drink. The mythology of foreign beers, particularly those labels who aren’t crafted for the American connoisseur, tickled my snobbish fancy as I gulped, albeit professionally, my first sip down.
Love. Perfection. Surprise. I pictured the folks in the pubs around the Ukraine, drinking this everyday on tap, not even knowing what they had, and found myself becoming jealous. I fought immediately putting this beer in my top 20 favorite beers after the first sip. I finished the beer. I pictured this act was an active participation in the noble craft of olde- brewing.
Simplicity is shown in many places. But in our culture, without the flashy lights or loud noises, it is hard to notice. It’s time to slow down. It’s time to sit back with the ones you love and just sit. Enjoy a beer.
Enjoy Slavutich Premium. The simple lager made with the perfection of the ancient.
___________________________________________
I give Slavutich Premium a most deservedly scored 93.
Look: Original bronze
Smell: Lightly hoppy, discretely sweet with a bitter malt underlay
Taste: Crisp and lightly hopped. The dance of artistic perfection on my tongue.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
The beauty of simplicity. Of course, now, I can hardly watch baseball. The later years showed my team losing twice in the World Series. These defeats left me bruised and ridiculed by my classmates who all loved the opposite team. The beauty of simplicity started to fade. I started to demand more, I wanted more rules, faster paced action, and demanding showmanship- I started to love football.
I haven’t really watched baseball since 1997, and I try, every year. But that simplicity changed. And while I long to love that simplicity that I used to love in baseball, I find this beauty elsewhere. One of these places I find this simplicity and beauty is beer.
Slavutich Premium is brewed in the Ukraine. I couldn’t read the larger font on the bottle, and in the little English that was on the bottle, I was able to look more into it online. It’s brewed by the infamous Carlsberg (known to most folks from the UK, or stupid Liverpool Football Club fans), and this particular brew is a show of simplicity and perfection.
The beer looked simple and cold as I poured it into my glass. No special color, no special smell. Basic hop notes with a bit of light barley, and a perfect carbonation; all ready for me to drink. The mythology of foreign beers, particularly those labels who aren’t crafted for the American connoisseur, tickled my snobbish fancy as I gulped, albeit professionally, my first sip down.
Love. Perfection. Surprise. I pictured the folks in the pubs around the Ukraine, drinking this everyday on tap, not even knowing what they had, and found myself becoming jealous. I fought immediately putting this beer in my top 20 favorite beers after the first sip. I finished the beer. I pictured this act was an active participation in the noble craft of olde- brewing.
Simplicity is shown in many places. But in our culture, without the flashy lights or loud noises, it is hard to notice. It’s time to slow down. It’s time to sit back with the ones you love and just sit. Enjoy a beer.
Enjoy Slavutich Premium. The simple lager made with the perfection of the ancient.
___________________________________________
I give Slavutich Premium a most deservedly scored 93.
Look: Original bronze
Smell: Lightly hoppy, discretely sweet with a bitter malt underlay
Taste: Crisp and lightly hopped. The dance of artistic perfection on my tongue.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Beer #2- Samuel Adams Seasonal "Summer Ale"
They say a good hat is hard to find. And that is true. My favorite hat was a Tennessee Titans hat I wore from their Superbowl trip (we won't venture there) to about 2007. I wore that thing everywhere and I wore it out. It withstood endless fishing trips, Mississippi Delta heat, destinations halfway across the world- and it eventually wore out. And then off to find that next hat, albeit reluctantly, but I still had to look.
And I feel that is how most people view beer. We all may remember our first beer experience, relegated to the disgusting sip of an uncle's lukewarm Natural Ice at a family reunion, quickly spat out onto the pavement vowing never to touch that froth ever again. And some have had better first experiences- but most tend to stick to the first beer they tried and never venture off. A sad prospect of fellow beer drinkers everywhere.
And that is what you could do with Sam Adams Seasonal Summer Ale.
It’s simple, straightforward and almost refreshing. Yes, it has everything a summer brew hopes for- the orange citrus notes, the cloudy goldenrod nectar floating around in the goblet, and the unapologetic easy drinking sweetness. And, of course, the Samuel Adams brand across the front.
The ease of the foam and that uber-carbonated tickle of your throat makes your palate welcome this simple conglomeration of nature’s finest harvest- BUT- it falls short. You could stick with this beer all summer long and be happy. But you would be missing out.
Just like with that new hat, no matter how long you wear it, how long you tell yourself it is “the hat”- it just never wears like the first.
___________________________________________
I give Samuel Adams “Summer Ale” a disappointed 81.
Look: Cloudy Goldenrod
Smell: Simple Navel Orange
Taste: Sweet and almost refreshing, Simple but not refined.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
And I feel that is how most people view beer. We all may remember our first beer experience, relegated to the disgusting sip of an uncle's lukewarm Natural Ice at a family reunion, quickly spat out onto the pavement vowing never to touch that froth ever again. And some have had better first experiences- but most tend to stick to the first beer they tried and never venture off. A sad prospect of fellow beer drinkers everywhere.
And that is what you could do with Sam Adams Seasonal Summer Ale.
It’s simple, straightforward and almost refreshing. Yes, it has everything a summer brew hopes for- the orange citrus notes, the cloudy goldenrod nectar floating around in the goblet, and the unapologetic easy drinking sweetness. And, of course, the Samuel Adams brand across the front.
The ease of the foam and that uber-carbonated tickle of your throat makes your palate welcome this simple conglomeration of nature’s finest harvest- BUT- it falls short. You could stick with this beer all summer long and be happy. But you would be missing out.
Just like with that new hat, no matter how long you wear it, how long you tell yourself it is “the hat”- it just never wears like the first.
___________________________________________
I give Samuel Adams “Summer Ale” a disappointed 81.
Look: Cloudy Goldenrod
Smell: Simple Navel Orange
Taste: Sweet and almost refreshing, Simple but not refined.
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Beer #1- Magic Hat's Summer Seasonal "Wacko"
Well, I did it. I finally bought those snobby beer glasses- the ones that look like short, squished, wine glasses. And what an investment. I would pay 10 times the amount for them just because of the drinking experience I get every time I lift the glass right below my nose.
I type this as I look into the glass against my lamp-light as the cup holds a blood-orange liquid. I muster a surprised, high-pitch “hrm!” as I lift it to my nose. I was expecting huge citrus notes as I took that first breath, only to be surprised yet again by my senses.
Meat.
That is the first thing I smelled. Meat...
Now, I will not say I am an expert on beer or spirits by any means, but I have tasted many beers. I have had every beer in the Nashville region, and then some. I have looked, smelled, and tasted over 500 beers in our F.B.L.A. group (Federation of Beer Lovers Association) and countless others I haven’t remembered or just plain ignored as I binged during my darker days. But, one thing to note here- I have never smelled meat.
I then tasted it. Meat. No, I shrugged this ignorant thought away and blew my nose. I just remembered about an hour earlier I was cutting into 40 lbs of top round at the restaurant, prepping for the weekend. “The damp, bloody, copper smell is probably just permanently in my nostrils,” I thought as I sat down with a fresh sniffer to experience “Wacko” again. Meat. It was still there. And it was damn good.
The fizz was light and whitish red like a Lambic. I usually hate Lambics. I was beginning to talk out loud to myself in frustration that I couldn’t pin this beer, and kept pouring. Why do I like this so much? It had subtle notes of rare meat, blood-orange grapefruit and bitter-sweet lemon zest. The aftertaste was a dull, refreshing mix of copper and tart strawberry that pranced along my tongue, cheeks, and throat.
I couldn’t stop drinking it. It became a challenge- it was a beer I couldn’t dismiss. I drank more to understand the source, becoming more frustrated at the sight, smell and taste only to find myself profoundly stumped. “This beer is just…. Crazy...” I thought to myself as I poured more into my glass. It didn't take long for the one word review of this beer to hit me, and it had been there all along, before I even opened it.
"Wacko it is."
____________________
Magic Hat's Summer Seasonal "Wacko" gets a well deserved "84" from me.
Look: Ruby Blood-Red with a light, Lambic-style head
Smell: Copper, Grapefruit, Lemon Zest Notes
Taste: Light and refreshing, crisp yet complex
_____________________
Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
I type this as I look into the glass against my lamp-light as the cup holds a blood-orange liquid. I muster a surprised, high-pitch “hrm!” as I lift it to my nose. I was expecting huge citrus notes as I took that first breath, only to be surprised yet again by my senses.
Meat.
That is the first thing I smelled. Meat...
Now, I will not say I am an expert on beer or spirits by any means, but I have tasted many beers. I have had every beer in the Nashville region, and then some. I have looked, smelled, and tasted over 500 beers in our F.B.L.A. group (Federation of Beer Lovers Association) and countless others I haven’t remembered or just plain ignored as I binged during my darker days. But, one thing to note here- I have never smelled meat.
I then tasted it. Meat. No, I shrugged this ignorant thought away and blew my nose. I just remembered about an hour earlier I was cutting into 40 lbs of top round at the restaurant, prepping for the weekend. “The damp, bloody, copper smell is probably just permanently in my nostrils,” I thought as I sat down with a fresh sniffer to experience “Wacko” again. Meat. It was still there. And it was damn good.
The fizz was light and whitish red like a Lambic. I usually hate Lambics. I was beginning to talk out loud to myself in frustration that I couldn’t pin this beer, and kept pouring. Why do I like this so much? It had subtle notes of rare meat, blood-orange grapefruit and bitter-sweet lemon zest. The aftertaste was a dull, refreshing mix of copper and tart strawberry that pranced along my tongue, cheeks, and throat.
I couldn’t stop drinking it. It became a challenge- it was a beer I couldn’t dismiss. I drank more to understand the source, becoming more frustrated at the sight, smell and taste only to find myself profoundly stumped. “This beer is just…. Crazy...” I thought to myself as I poured more into my glass. It didn't take long for the one word review of this beer to hit me, and it had been there all along, before I even opened it.
"Wacko it is."
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Magic Hat's Summer Seasonal "Wacko" gets a well deserved "84" from me.
Look: Ruby Blood-Red with a light, Lambic-style head
Smell: Copper, Grapefruit, Lemon Zest Notes
Taste: Light and refreshing, crisp yet complex
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Brett's ratings are out of 100.
As with all connoisseurs, personal taste affects all ratings. The best ratings tend to lean towards his two different biases; 1) Well-crafted heavy Stouts and 2) Lagers made with a simple perfection.
Please understand that just because Brett gives a beer a high rating doesn't mean you may think it is good. Only understand that if he gives it a high rating it is because most people who have a good taste in beer would do the same.
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