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.
Monday, May 31, 2010
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."
____________________
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.
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