tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42684508151323053852024-03-06T00:32:55.872-05:00Musings on BeerAn irregular beer blog, by Brian MasiMusings on Beerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05524408100283660113noreply@blogger.comBlogger405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-75351008956909030772013-01-31T13:00:00.000-05:002013-01-31T13:00:04.507-05:00Boston Beer Company - Samuel Adams - Cranberry Lambic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqxmmWSyJ3m5sbbWRCziGYKwD2CoAtjRxIXUnaSALiLBR0G-XJhpcQxnPv2yaZ4m7vIM7zpOyUqoCAKMfUCaTBt3GdMeqkySpU9m8YHuAre1jiZ3M05GhyphenhyphenHeydLU8-Wnlf4VkFyY3RE0O/s1600/IMG_0771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqxmmWSyJ3m5sbbWRCziGYKwD2CoAtjRxIXUnaSALiLBR0G-XJhpcQxnPv2yaZ4m7vIM7zpOyUqoCAKMfUCaTBt3GdMeqkySpU9m8YHuAre1jiZ3M05GhyphenhyphenHeydLU8-Wnlf4VkFyY3RE0O/s640/IMG_0771.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Purchased From:</b> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&expIds=17259,18168,25907,26637,26992,27022,27182&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&cp=30&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=harvest+fine+wines+and+spirits+west+hartford,+ct&fb=1&gl=us&hq=harvest+fine+wines+and+spirits&hnear=West+Hartford,+CT&cid=13868900372214911834">Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits</a><br />
<b>Serving Type: </b>12 oz. bottle, poured into a fluted glass<br />
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After posting reviews for a number of true Belgian Lambic ales I saw fit to post my review of the Samuel Adams Cranberry Lambic. This Boston take on the style features a cloudy browning body with a distinct red tint and minor glow. This very-hazy beer musters a medium, but still smallish head of a lightly pink foam. The head is short-lived and leaves very little lace behind. The nose features cracked grain maltiness with a moderate sweetness and a light astringency. Tart cranberries are present, but light, and the beer leans stronger toward sugars.<br />
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The beer is quite crisp, but doesn't match the Champagne-like mouthfeel of a true Lambic. In fact, this beer seems to have nothing to do with the style at all. Without a process of spontaneous fermentation or at least using a blend that includes some wild yeast strains it is hard to imagine any beer successfully mimicking the style. Cranberry flavor is light, moderately tart, and features some sugariness. The beer is sweet, but not cloying. The underlying malts matched with the beer's sweetness give the impression of a light toast with maple syrup. The finish is mild overall with a lasting toothsome sugar.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> C+</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-20090487318907263032013-01-18T20:16:00.000-05:002013-01-18T20:16:46.113-05:00Brasserie Cantillon - Rosé de Gambrinus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnLi0kxu3P7yEWDq3paOyQ_bYg-_Pd7GV8bL9IzcOOYui0JKQqzS05ap7EHlpMVZrEiJ1zF5cPq3mmsBY42_R5YvxCD_Z_TpFZjRvy7dYPdBIydU6UvdXBcEpyZ2NbJsg13HnVQaPVB0t/s1600/IMG_1868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnLi0kxu3P7yEWDq3paOyQ_bYg-_Pd7GV8bL9IzcOOYui0JKQqzS05ap7EHlpMVZrEiJ1zF5cPq3mmsBY42_R5YvxCD_Z_TpFZjRvy7dYPdBIydU6UvdXBcEpyZ2NbJsg13HnVQaPVB0t/s640/IMG_1868.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Purchased From: </b><a href="http://www.bierkraft.com/" target="_blank">Bierkraft </a><br />
<b>Serving Type:</b> 12 oz. bottle, corked and capped, poured into a plastic cup<br />
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Through a multiyear process of fermentation and blending Cantillon produces fruit beers that boast massive fruit favors, but keep a definitive dry edge. As a result, this Framboise stands out from the pack of other raspberry or fruit beers. The body is a hazy brownish pink with a mild copper glow. The head is a thick light pink foam, creamy and dense. The head retention is excellent in the plastic cup and leaves tons of lace.<br />
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The nose is strong and bitingly tart. The sweet and fruity nose seems to burst with raspberries and offers up a sublime cellary funk. The beer is cheek-pinching and puckers up the face immediately on the first sip. The beer is sweet with huge fruit, but not overly toothsome. The sour Lambic base provides combination of earthiness and light malt, but the grain seems completely overpowered. The textured carbonation is bristling and bright with a Champagne-like consistency.<br />
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The beer is delicious and sweet. It is a fruit beer on the world class level. The finish is just as tart as the foretaste and the sweet fruitiness lingers with a hint of sugar.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> A</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-15861620290011464742013-01-12T13:00:00.000-05:002013-01-12T13:00:04.033-05:00Call Back Review: Brouwerij Lindemans - Faro<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDLMFFF1OZDNtbQkWZQ8WvRJg4HrC_O19B_yi5AddZOc0-akBEojY_ri_jllQkoD5zUwCOpecUH29r8uXFFA4Sl3we_Gek_l-wshlglElkE9RsjEcXimgUWavpTy27Y5St5vROGNxkswX/s1600/iPhoto+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDLMFFF1OZDNtbQkWZQ8WvRJg4HrC_O19B_yi5AddZOc0-akBEojY_ri_jllQkoD5zUwCOpecUH29r8uXFFA4Sl3we_Gek_l-wshlglElkE9RsjEcXimgUWavpTy27Y5St5vROGNxkswX/s320/iPhoto+092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The second call back in my Lambic series is to the Faro Lambic from Lindemans. Faro is perhaps the least common of the general categories of Lambics in the United States. Traditionally Faro was a cheaper beer, traditional Lambic, cut down with another beer, or water, with added sugar for sweetness. Today most Faros are not cut with non-Lambic beer, but still feature the addition of unfermented sugars. Typically lighter in alcohol, these beers match some features of Lambics, but depart slightly.<br />
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In my review, I gave Lindemans Faro a "B," which I am still comfortable with, although, if anything I would consider bringing it down half a point to "B-" because, while enjoyable, it is not a beer that I would readily reach for. I mentioned that the beer features a "classic Lambic funk, but it is attenuated by the addition of Candi Sugar, which adds a prominent sweetness." The beer is perhaps an entry point for new Lambic drinkers, as it introduces the palate to the very diverse world of wild yeast, but it is not a world-class example, so I am a bit hesitant to recommend it fully. Perhaps the fruit Lambics provide another entry place to sour beers, albeit very different given the extreme fruitiness, which masks, at least partially, the underlying Lambic flavors. Click through below to read the full review from February 2012.<br />
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<b>Review: </b><a href="http://www.musingsonbeer.com/2012/02/brouwerij-lindemans-faro.html" target="_blank">Brouwerij Lindemans - Faro</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-13603586009291011562013-01-11T13:00:00.000-05:002013-01-11T13:00:01.622-05:00Brouwerij Lindemans - Cuvée René<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Purchased From:</b> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&expIds=17259,18168,25907,26637,26992,27022,27182&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&cp=30&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=harvest+fine+wines+and+spirits+west+hartford,+ct&fb=1&gl=us&hq=harvest+fine+wines+and+spirits&hnear=West+Hartford,+CT&cid=13868900372214911834" target="_blank">Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits</a><br />
<b>Serving Type:</b> 750ml bottle, corked, capped, and foiled, poured into a fluted glass<br />
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While Lindemans is most famous in the United States for their fruit Lambics, they also produce Faro, a lower-alcohol Lambic, and their grand cru, Cuvée René Gueuze.<br />
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Cuvée René pours a tall yellowy amber body with free-floating yeast. A careful pour leaves just a fine suspension of particles from this unfiltered beer. The head is a medium-sized yellowed white. The lightly textured foam dissipates slowly, leaved layers of chunky lace behind. The nose is incredibly tart with a dry spiciness and lightly floral hints. Dusty aromatics evoke the age and cellaring of the beer. Sugary sweetness underlies the darker tones and is matched by light sour apple notes.<br />
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Cheek-pinching tartness up front is paired with customary Champagne-like bubbles cascading in layers of strong carbonation. The beer is slightly spicy, but features a smooth malt backbone. Heaps of fruity sweetness evoke mild apricot flavors, a dash of grape juice and the bite of a tart apple cider. Metallic notes on the finish tie together the beer's diverse palate for a sparkling and clean feel.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> A</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-11487454777975911732013-01-07T13:00:00.001-05:002013-01-07T13:00:02.876-05:00Call Back Review: Hanssens Artisanaal - Oude Gueuze<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As part of this developing series on Lambic ales, and later a few additional sours, I thought it would be relevant to call back to a few previous reviews. First on the retrospective list is the Oude Gueuze from Hanssens Artisanaal.</div>
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Hanssens is a veritable 'mom and pop' operation running in Dworp, Belgium blending excellent Lambic ales using vintage equipment on a part-time basis. Their Gueuze, and their other Lambics as well, have a reputation for extreme tartness, and my experience has been no exception. Looking back on my review, where I called the beer "extremely fruity and considerably tart," I think I could possibly switch those adverbs around. While attending Zwanze Day 2012 (a celebration of Lambics featuring Cantillon beers, but others as well) I had the pleasure of drinking Hanssens Gueuze from a cask. The experience was not for the feint of heart, or the unitiatied Lambic drinker. In short, I had never had such an overwhelmingly tart beer.</div>
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I continue to recommend Hanssens Gueuze as an excellent beer at a great, affordable price. Well deserving of my highest "A" rating. While not found everywhere, specialty beer stores often stock it. I would also recommend Hanssesns Experimental Lambics, which feature fruit blends both common and uncommon. These, however, can be much pricier than their Oude Gueuze. Click through below to read the full review from September 2011.</div>
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<b>Review:</b> <a href="http://www.musingsonbeer.com/2011/09/hanssens-artisanaal-oude-gueuze.html" target="_blank">Hanssens Artisanaal - Oude Gueuze</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-85098221977801816452013-01-04T13:00:00.000-05:002013-01-04T13:00:04.525-05:00Brouwerij Boon - Oude Gueuze Boon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Purchased From:</b> Wallingford Wine & Spirits<br />
<b>Serving Type:</b> 375ml bottle, corked and caged, poured into a fluted glass<br />
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The Boon Brewery, based in Lambeek, Belgium produces a number of Lambic beers through spontaneous fermantation. Among their beers is Oude Gueuze Boon, a traditional Gueuze produced using wild yeast and the blending of variously aged Lambics. The beer pours a cloudy straw body with rapidly rising carbonation. The pour produces a large, frothy, off-white head with excellent retention. As the foam fades it leaves swathes of white lace on the glass. Sour funkiness great the nose. The aroma is very tart with sweet grapes and a moderately spicy edge that hints at malted wheat.<br />
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This highly carbonated beer dances on the tongue with effervescent Champagne bubbles. The beer is earthy up front with farmhouse flavors of turf and straw. A big cellary funk puckers the palate as it reaches the back of the tongue. The sweet juice of grapes and golden pears round out the mid-palate. A light metallic edge comes in as the initial wave of funk subsides. The finish is very dry with a sour apple juice flavor that lasts on the aftertaste.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> A-</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-68503239610482714232012-12-31T19:00:00.000-05:002012-12-31T19:00:09.556-05:00Brasserie Cantillon - Gueuze 100% Lambic Bio (2012)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Purchased From:</b> <a href="http://cantillon.be/" target="_blank">Brasserie Cantillon, Brussels, Belgium</a><br />
<b>Serving Type:</b> 750ml bottle, corked and capped, poured into a Champagne flute<br />
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Happy New Year 2013! In celebration I'm posting my review of the true Champagne of Beers, Gueuze, and specifically, the world-class Gueuze from Cantillon.<br />
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The signature beer from Cantillon, their Gueuze, pours a medium-straw body with a honey golden glow. A small stream of bubbles rise gently in the glass for the entire life of the beer. The natural carbonation from bottle refermentation creates a smallish off-white head of foam. After a short period of head retention, a thin layer of foam remains. No substantial lacing forms while drinking this Lambic beer.<br />
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This Gueuze's nose is supremely funky. The leading sour edge features heaps of grapes and tight tartness. Light barnyard aromatics bring in hints of earthiness and turf. A sweetness couples with dusty cellar aromas that show off both the aged Lambic and the young Lambic involved in this artisinal blend. A light metallic sheen hits on the end and a mineral water hardness rounds out the nose.<br />
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Cheek-pinching sourness enteres up front, but it does not overwhelm the palate. As the beer hits the back of the tongue it delivers a funky sour punch. Light grapes and moderate fruitiness are featured prominently on the mid-palate. Dry sweetness with a light sugary edge are pervasive, but the beer's seche character dominates. The tart, highly carbonated beer is reminiscent of a Champagne and delivers a refreshing balance that at once seems to quench thirst, but leaves the mouth dry, inviting another sip. This beer exudes both subtlty and refinement and bold outstanding flavor. A true craft worthy of highest praise.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> A</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-42394757163736757872012-12-28T13:00:00.000-05:002012-12-28T13:00:00.703-05:00Brouwerij The Musketeers - Troubadour Obscura Mild Stout<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEvBpwEIZ4aoC0ZagJjEX7fgzfMJkmroqgFkblr2IvcUpGbi0Drjd3zS9O4g2K7XoIT7ktrwGoaExZGELCLx3eNS-1yaY54CFijdlIjcaY5S5oP8hBL1xl9PZoNJAPXAe9NGT4u3pr9mJ/s1600/IMG_0787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEvBpwEIZ4aoC0ZagJjEX7fgzfMJkmroqgFkblr2IvcUpGbi0Drjd3zS9O4g2K7XoIT7ktrwGoaExZGELCLx3eNS-1yaY54CFijdlIjcaY5S5oP8hBL1xl9PZoNJAPXAe9NGT4u3pr9mJ/s640/IMG_0787.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Purchased From:</b> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&expIds=17259,18168,25907,26637,26992,27022,27182&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&cp=30&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=harvest+fine+wines+and+spirits+west+hartford,+ct&fb=1&gl=us&hq=harvest+fine+wines+and+spirits&hnear=West+Hartford,+CT&cid=13868900372214911834">Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits</a><br />
<b>Serving Type:</b> 12 oz. bottle, poured into a mug<br />
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Obscura, dubbed a mild stout, pours a lightly hazy, but seemingly opaque mahogany body with a lightly milky appearance. Streaks and flakes of yeast dance throughout the glass and speckle the large, creamy, tan head. The retention is excellent and layered swathes of lace adorn the glass. A mild cellary funk greets the nose, but subsides to sweet aromatics. Mild candy, plums, and a surprising fruitiness define the nose. Almost no real smoke or coffee aromas are to be found.<br />
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Sweet winter fruits meet the palate up front and sail in on a smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel, but a crisp carbonation breaks it up. Chocolaty toasted malts come through in the middle. The cocoa seems semi-sweet, not bitter, and there's almost no smokiness at all. The finish is almost winey with a mild Port character, a touch of earthiness, and the faintest hint of smoke in the aftertaste.<br />
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I'm not exactly sure what a 'mild stout' is, and I'm not sure how this beer really fits into the description of a stout, but it is a great beer and well worth trying!<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> A-</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-68811351586570298832012-12-26T14:37:00.000-05:002012-12-26T14:40:26.883-05:00Brouwerij Sint Bernardus Watou - St. Bernardus Christmas Ale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Purchased From: </b><a href="http://bierkraft.com/" target="_blank">Bierkraft</a><br />
<b>Serving Type: </b>750 ml bottle, corked and caged, poured into a wine glass<br />
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Yesterday I posted a Christmas review of Fantôme de Noël for the holiday. I was happy to realize I had the beer to drink because I thought I had lost my review of the St. Bernardus Christmas Ale. Today I found my notes for the review and instead of waiting a year and reusing it in celebreation of Christmas 2013, I'm adding a second bonus Christmas beer.<br />
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This holiday special from Brouwerij Sint Bernardus in Watou Beligum pours a deep chestnut body with a mild amber glow that shines in light. The beer's foam produces a medium-sized light tan head that musters modest retention and leaves thin wisps of lace on the glass. S<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.294118);">weet candy adorns the nose, buttressed by spicy undertones of nutmeg and allspice. The beer seems very sweet with a light hint of astringency.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">There's an interesting component of sweet leatheriness up front. The beer is initially smooth and slick but strong carbonation tumbles in on the mid-palate. Sweet and slightly sugary, the beer features figs and a mild touch of raisin. The dark fruits, light mustiness, and sugar give this Winter beer an edge like a Port wine. </span>Carbonation dances on the tongue and evaporates the candied fruit leaving darker toffee notes and a full bodied creamy mouthfeel. Sweet breadiness and caramelized sugars define the finish that leaves a warming chest heat, perfect for cold Winter relaxing.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict: </b>A</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-36586284695123197932012-12-25T21:56:00.002-05:002012-12-26T14:40:26.880-05:00Brasserie Fantôme - Fantôme de Noël<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax0IGK3CXYv8bfxPVB6oKB7c4rXB6LSnt7WcpPu9Z5pKJu5aZyLj0ggIrpR1LlCNumQ78bpyTMvQSjxZqOjFclH_NGkxPrz44Ar5yTchoWIiaNXJhu2YDrETs1sP2d3lUDt-5R-F72JBh/s1600/IMG_1979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax0IGK3CXYv8bfxPVB6oKB7c4rXB6LSnt7WcpPu9Z5pKJu5aZyLj0ggIrpR1LlCNumQ78bpyTMvQSjxZqOjFclH_NGkxPrz44Ar5yTchoWIiaNXJhu2YDrETs1sP2d3lUDt-5R-F72JBh/s640/IMG_1979.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Purchased From:</b> <a href="http://www.bierkraft.com/" target="_blank">Bierkraft</a><br />
<b>Serving Type:</b> 750ml bottle, corked and capped, poured into a snifter<br />
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To celebrate Christmas and Winter Seasonal beer this year I enjoyed a bottle of Fantôme de Noël from Brasserie Frantôme in Soy, Belgium. Unfortunately I do not know the year on this bottle. It is at least from 2011, brewed ahead of last Christmas, but it could possibly be older. The drink by dates on the label were not notched.<br />
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Fantôme de Noël pours a medium auburn body with a lightly reddish undertone. The body is very hazy with both fine yeast suspension and large pieces of sediment floating idly. The light tan foamy head is fairly small from a moderately vigorous pour. Mild retention leaves nearly absent lacing. The nose is spicy with a huge candied sugar aroma. Dusty and lightly boozy the beer is reminiscent of the cellar with a dash of apple cider and wafting Belgian yeast.<br />
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Light Belgian ale on the foretaste introduces the distinctive earthiness of the underlying saison. A tiny hint of sourness sneaks in on the mid-palate with a well received Belgian funk. The earthiness becomes an undertone that carries pronounced cinnamon and the resurgence of apple cider. A hint of woodiness leads into the mildly bitter finish that leaves a warming heat on the Chest, perfect for sipping by a Christmas tree on a cold Winter night.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> A-</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-44408245157242262252012-12-20T13:00:00.000-05:002012-12-20T13:00:09.166-05:00Hof ten Dormaal - Amber<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFS3lv2vMMdYG6P2OE-3AKj0SXJw1hlG_ulmeepnLDSrBdSgrjU0vwveAYFgA2ZKlYTqscWHsnkvBTMxtftIH7YjfcYDcjfAfoUyzYW0fjE4OINWYGyusOeUkliLZjh4bKIKBHiLibV6y/s1600/IMG_0757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFS3lv2vMMdYG6P2OE-3AKj0SXJw1hlG_ulmeepnLDSrBdSgrjU0vwveAYFgA2ZKlYTqscWHsnkvBTMxtftIH7YjfcYDcjfAfoUyzYW0fjE4OINWYGyusOeUkliLZjh4bKIKBHiLibV6y/s640/IMG_0757.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Purchased From:</b><br />
<b>Serving Type:</b> 12.7 oz. bottle, corked and caged, poured into a plastic cup<br />
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This amber saison from Hof ten Dormaal has a clouded unfiltered amber hue with a brilliant inner glow. Rapidly rising carbonation fuels the huge yellowed-tan head which features distinctive and chunky peaks and valleys of foam. The beer's head features superb retention and leaves massive swathes of lace behind. The nose is malty with a minor lagery aroma and a sweet honey-like character. The nose is vaguely like a German bock, or perhaps more closely, a mäibock.<br />
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The body features prominently complex earthy tones and a broken down graininess that brings the character of this amber saison more in line with the flavor profile of a Belgium dubbel. Caramel and a dank woodiness hold up the lower end of flavors, which are matched by the sweetness of dark fruits like figs and dates. Spiciness comes in late with a minor dustiness. The beer doesn't seem much like a saison, but it is delicious.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> B+</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-74674407338983951612012-12-17T13:00:00.000-05:002012-12-17T13:00:05.840-05:00Hof ten Dormaal - Blond<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaEVP2Vpx-VOkKfSYKS5fSdZXqkp-PAlup5amurMy8QOO2zyo7LX96IZbGDOom7d3VWzgLCI_LkG-vkWngztzDg7EMvMLzy8JvDP99xGaa3So1w-7LW-VOw430jib9C17p8XKqDINXtTJ/s1600/IMG_0751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaEVP2Vpx-VOkKfSYKS5fSdZXqkp-PAlup5amurMy8QOO2zyo7LX96IZbGDOom7d3VWzgLCI_LkG-vkWngztzDg7EMvMLzy8JvDP99xGaa3So1w-7LW-VOw430jib9C17p8XKqDINXtTJ/s640/IMG_0751.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Serving Type: </b>12.7 oz. bottle, corked and caged, poured into a plastic cup<br />
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This blonde saison ale from Belgium-based Hof ten Dormaal pours a hazy unfiltered yellowy amber body with a straw-colored inner glow. The large head is a thick yellowed foam with sticky consistency that slowly fades leaving stiff standing peaks and deep craters. The had leaves thick chunky lacing. The nose is spicy and almost lightly meaty with moderate earthy barnyard twang. Minor cellar notes and a slight dustiness lead to a vague lagery aroma of clean malts.<br />
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The beer seems incredibly spicy on the front end and almost hints of a smoked or cured meat, with a lean toward prosciutto. Massive malt notes enter in on the mid-palate and line up a profile that is at once sweet and powdery dry. A dash of ginger accents a moderate grassiness on the bank end. The carbonation is pointed from the mid-palate through until the end. The finish is dry, lightly earthy and organic, with a persistent freshness.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict: </b>B+</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-18815936111214877522012-12-10T13:00:00.000-05:002012-12-10T13:00:03.233-05:00Smuttynose Brewing Company - Smuttynose Winter Ale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmvoHTRlDAqCy7EoJoUdrMX3cSob59LXpRliLy_BSBUNx8RbZpwJKrOL-U7Ta4EYLz1Cq18xgGMncWSNHhyphenhyphenfAIk1riCEpAH9Eq0ixoaOuHXNI4QsT4ssXSkLyUjjMKCuVXuKtn2IPoJVN/s1600/IMG_0734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmvoHTRlDAqCy7EoJoUdrMX3cSob59LXpRliLy_BSBUNx8RbZpwJKrOL-U7Ta4EYLz1Cq18xgGMncWSNHhyphenhyphenfAIk1riCEpAH9Eq0ixoaOuHXNI4QsT4ssXSkLyUjjMKCuVXuKtn2IPoJVN/s640/IMG_0734.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Serving Type:</b> 12 oz. bottle, poured into a plastic cup<br />
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This Winter seasonal from New Hampshire-based Smuttynose pours a rich mahogany body with a tawny, warming glow. The moderately-sized tan head is made of a frothy foam and features medium retention and solid lacing. Chocolately aroma matches earthy hops and a very mild smoke. Moderate spiciness rounds out the nose and builds further on the Wintery theme.<br />
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The beer is spicy up front with velvety carbonation. Roasted malts are impressive and despite the carbonation the beer seems silky smooth. Earthy and nicely smoky, the beer is no smoke bomb, but satisfyingly complex. The finish is dry and layered with dark flavors and a lingering smoke and light sweetness.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> B+</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-981737555322546742012-12-03T13:00:00.000-05:002012-12-03T13:00:06.571-05:00Magic Hat Brewing Company - Circus Boy - The Hefeweizen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1d1fOnVNVMy-2cVmhYWaXajgWbflCaA1q3WxEjpTRh-Su3DnAbdhP3nZ2dPenvFZFaIUMJGVVS6zW0VARY5y5aWJFyZYFItGUltMGnsBiLIRNDUQmZHNFESlqD1HAeudrLQJKh91L2_I/s1600/IMG_0730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1d1fOnVNVMy-2cVmhYWaXajgWbflCaA1q3WxEjpTRh-Su3DnAbdhP3nZ2dPenvFZFaIUMJGVVS6zW0VARY5y5aWJFyZYFItGUltMGnsBiLIRNDUQmZHNFESlqD1HAeudrLQJKh91L2_I/s640/IMG_0730.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Serving Type:</b> 12 oz. bottle, poured into a plastic cup<br />
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This wheat ale from Magic Hat pours a hazy, unfiltered yellowy-orange body. A thin white head of slick foam adorns the top of the beer. The nose is extremely feint and almost lagery. Wheat malts are not overly apparent and only a hint of minor banana phenols can be detected.<br />
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The beer is very lagery up front with a crisp, biting carbonation. Wheat malts come through fairly spicy on the mid-palate and drop definite banana flavors. The beer is very sweet with almost no hops perceptible. Spice seems to add the only contrast to the highly sweet malt base. The finish is feint with a light grassiness, mild spice, and a lingering sweetness.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> C+</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-78012697596379811052012-11-27T13:00:00.000-05:002012-11-27T13:00:06.003-05:00Braueri Beck & Co. (AB InBev) - Beck's<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd81ZXjSH_TBV_V6fECtVSUeW4qhWgAPoB251net0ejesRzZewtTqqFArIyY5e1wQffqDOYX89fUZac_B0oPF4wvmtJj_uvLZwXDQmBoFPrS-84NDj-nk-WxYHERCMyN0QPRk4qq62t2sH/s1600/IMG_0724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd81ZXjSH_TBV_V6fECtVSUeW4qhWgAPoB251net0ejesRzZewtTqqFArIyY5e1wQffqDOYX89fUZac_B0oPF4wvmtJj_uvLZwXDQmBoFPrS-84NDj-nk-WxYHERCMyN0QPRk4qq62t2sH/s640/IMG_0724.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Serving Type:</b> 12 oz. bottle, poured into a plastic cup<br />
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This well-known German pale lager pours a medium pale straw body, crystal clear with a fast-rising carbonation. The light and fluffy white head builds quickly to a medium size and features modest retention, but leaves thick swathes of lace as it fades. The nose is stinky with the signature Euro lager aroma. Skunky hops give a vague Pilsner-like profile. Light maltiness rounds out the base.<br />
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The beer is very crisp and gives a light and airy body. Malts are very sweet and almost honey-like. A minor sour graininess comes through on the mid-palate and are matched by a light dusting of dandelion-like bitter hops, which bring forth the Pilsner profile of Noble hops. The flavor fades fast, but leaves a minor skunk on the finish and a moderate crisp bite.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict: </b>C</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-86283301077516555332012-11-23T13:00:00.000-05:002012-11-23T13:00:05.853-05:00Innis & Gunn - Winter Beer 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrADau3AJbzNtaKj4931QS7KliU3AJANLm4dgR56eX47gLbfOxzBK_VWrXeyVmxDz6p69jm4HKvVPXs33cX3cpZyMciz7dvX1-uEbOaOS3itzH6TkBX_CfuSXW5FIYmMQh2jZlF-MT8Rc5/s1600/IMG_0759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrADau3AJbzNtaKj4931QS7KliU3AJANLm4dgR56eX47gLbfOxzBK_VWrXeyVmxDz6p69jm4HKvVPXs33cX3cpZyMciz7dvX1-uEbOaOS3itzH6TkBX_CfuSXW5FIYmMQh2jZlF-MT8Rc5/s640/IMG_0759.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Purchased From:</b> Received as a gift, thanks!<br />
<b>Serving Type: </b>330ml bottle, poured into a branded glass<br />
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The Winter Beer 2011 pours a chestnut body with a lightly tawny complexion. Amber and yellow glow through at the base of the glass and a large tan head of frothy foam fills the opening. The nose is spicy with prominent vanilla, mild cinnamon and fragrant oakiness. Sweet toasted malts and heaps of caramel fill out the grain profile.<br />
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Satiny carbonation hits immediately on the front end and slides smoothly into layers of caramel sweetness. Dark earthy tons aid the emphasis of Winter spices. A hint of vanilla adds some additional sweets and a light milkiness plays well off the caramel grains. Oak flavor develops quickly and is intense from the mid-palate through the finish. A slick, oily wood leads the beer out and leaves the palate with a light seche aftertaste.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict: </b>B</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-30531990175236782352012-11-20T11:16:00.000-05:002012-11-20T11:16:46.651-05:00Innis & Gunn - Rum Cask Oak Aged Beer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPi5WXagZ0Z3HBCJ8AzNdUTov0AAh6JWcuZglZ3W3B5GMtcjQc0SIFNMDYyQb-l-PuRNkMqzjj2vPPfXJWzmTkh84k8qW49a8V-6D8OpkY00jv1PRMT1NbHDZTsZ5ErfQ8WECPGmEVxqI/s1600/IMG_0720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPi5WXagZ0Z3HBCJ8AzNdUTov0AAh6JWcuZglZ3W3B5GMtcjQc0SIFNMDYyQb-l-PuRNkMqzjj2vPPfXJWzmTkh84k8qW49a8V-6D8OpkY00jv1PRMT1NbHDZTsZ5ErfQ8WECPGmEVxqI/s640/IMG_0720.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Purchased From:</b> Received as a gift, thanks!<br />
<b>Serving Type: </b>330ml bottle, poured into a branded glass<br />
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One of the last times I left off on posting I was right in the middle of reviewing a sample pack of beers from Innis & Gunn. Now that I'm trying to get some posting going again, it is time to pick up with the Rum Cask aged offering. The beer pours a lightly rubied mahogany with a striking clarity and glow. The head is a medium-large off-white foam with a lightly tanned tinge. The foam is light and airy and musters a moderate retention and lacing.<br />
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Rum is obvious on the nose with tons of vanilla and oak influence also present. Very minor licorice sneaks in at the edges and adds a light punch to a healthy malt aroma with light sugar and a modest alcoholic infusion. The sweet maltiness of a Scottish ale is apparent, but like the standard cask aged Innis & Gunn, barrel flavor dominates the palate. Sweet woody oak and dry vanilla flavors are clearly imparted from the barrel and dark rum influence brings layers of spiciness and a light fruit flavor.<br />
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The mouthfeel is slick with a tinge of carbonation on the finish. Huge rum notes carry through to the aftertaste and a hint of heat fills the back of the palate and the chest. Overall a tasty and enjoyable beer, which brings dominant barrel flavor to a solid malty beer.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict: B</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-54209050239039099282012-09-30T17:24:00.000-04:002012-09-30T17:24:12.375-04:00Brouwerij De Sint-Sixtusabdij van Westvleteren - XII<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBkyJoT_QzpsuOsMdL0kCtx0sLIQQFtVDNtZhgCnsI_yH35Zxwo7-pQbW3Qi_-gHqvZiMBuv4Fosww3P3k1NR5lt9j8YV0thGHILQUbgIRhx1jBeX7AK0Kf9greGSb5frp2PlrnqfmsPj/s1600/IMG_1842a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBkyJoT_QzpsuOsMdL0kCtx0sLIQQFtVDNtZhgCnsI_yH35Zxwo7-pQbW3Qi_-gHqvZiMBuv4Fosww3P3k1NR5lt9j8YV0thGHILQUbgIRhx1jBeX7AK0Kf9greGSb5frp2PlrnqfmsPj/s640/IMG_1842a.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
<b>Purchased From:</b> <a href="http://www.biertempel.be/" target="_blank">De Biertempel, Brussels, Belgium</a><br />
<b>Serving Type:</b> 330ml bottle, poured into a snifter<br />
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This famous and exceedingly rare (in the United States, at least) was a treat and something I sought out on a recent trip to Belgium. The brewery recently released a collectors pack featuring a few bottles and a glass in the United States and sold like hot cakes. Unfortunately, none of those packs were even available in Connecticut, as the importer apparently doesn't find the state worthwhile for such beer. Westvleteren is one of seven Trappist brewers (Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Achel, and La Trappe being the other names familiar to beer drinkers), but is among the rarest with second lowest production (lowest being held by Achel -- according to numbers <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trappist_beer" target="_blank">published here</a>).<br />
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The Westvleteren XII is perhaps the most iconic entry by the brewery and stands tall at 10.2% ABV as a Belgian Quadruple. It pours a hazy, if not murky, chestnut brown from its signature bottle featuring the moniker "Trappistenbier" on a band around the shallow sloping neck. The beer's head ia a healthy light brown foam and musters a fair retention considering the strength of the beer. It does, however, leave a thin layer on top of the beer for the entire drinking session.<br />
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The nose is extremely bready, but somewhat understated initially. Light pumpernickel features atop an alcoholic sweetness. The toasted malts subside on the backend to dark sugars and caramel notes that reveal winter fruits like dried figs and a hint of nuttiness. A dash of spice leads up to the lightly medicinal finish of the aroma.<br />
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The beer is strong and boozy. Light carbonation builds waves of velvety texture in the mouth and breaks up the sweet alcohol with an airy evaporation on the tongue. Brown sugar with a dank cellariness defines the beer with a syrupy classic Belgian edge. Deep sweets from dark fruits pair with a light fruit meatiness. Hints of plum and currant combine with the light sweet edge of raisins and produce a hint of Port.<br />
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The grainy pumpernickel bread is prominent near the finish and features the lightest hints of caraway seed and even a dusting of flour. The finish is clean with a pronounced, yet refined alcohol that heats the chest. The fruity sweets fully subside and welcome in a powdery dryness and leaves the beer's spicy hints behind.<br />
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Often trumpeted, perhaps fueled, at least in part, by its rareness, as the world's best beer this is an absolute must try. Unfortunately very difficult to find, this beer is worth waiting for or seeking out and a requisite part of any trip that brings a dedicated beer drinker to Belgium.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> A</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-61645173272725131552012-09-17T13:55:00.000-04:002012-09-17T13:56:50.030-04:00Heineken Blows Doors Off With New Packaging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qTclRm4XOBNzA3te_t0O_p1pD7ktoH-PLD3ouAUEtp271Xd_iekczdNt9hb_fWBX4f0y9gLJ0FNZEkBrkr2uAcwLgRJfUjxjZElydGskR1R92y-Wg_hg8aW98h8riGtNl0N4fr8avRd_/s1600/heineken-lager-100.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qTclRm4XOBNzA3te_t0O_p1pD7ktoH-PLD3ouAUEtp271Xd_iekczdNt9hb_fWBX4f0y9gLJ0FNZEkBrkr2uAcwLgRJfUjxjZElydGskR1R92y-Wg_hg8aW98h8riGtNl0N4fr8avRd_/s320/heineken-lager-100.png" width="84" /></a></div>
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Be prepared to be wowed by the latest "innovation" in beer packaging design. Perhaps nonplussed by the waning popularity of their "ultra premium" import lager, Heineken <a href="http://beerpulse.com/2012/09/heineken-making-switch-to-longneck-bottle/" target="_blank">announced today</a> that they will be rolling out a newly designed bottle. If you're excited, make sure to keep an eye out in New York state later this month and nationwide starting in March of 2013.</div>
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The new bottle design joins the long-neck crowd, eschewing their classic 'stubby' look. But, the real innovation comes with the inclusion of "...an embossed thumb groove that improves grip and encourages people to hold the bottle at a lower point, keeping the beer colder." Which is not only not a change worth a press release but also a ludicrous claim. </div>
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In what way will holding the bottle lower keep the beer colder? If the drinker holds the bottle at the bottom the hand will be covering the point where there is beer the longest. Perhaps the press release is simply a bit vague on this point and the drinker is intended the use some sort of awkward claw hand position to hold the base of the bottle using the thumb and four fingers arranged vertically, or maybe the groove will be positioned on the neck.</div>
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Yet another entry in the 'diversify by design' not substance series that plagues the macro beer market.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-90806533716594021172012-06-20T21:55:00.000-04:002012-06-20T22:10:52.541-04:00Stone Brewing Company - Bottleworks 13th Anniversary Ale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpy7mJ8J6_7J4sCyOkXen1DOoI5R5ANQ3s6I7pyvPUo_TnFlKdqrpmXO5-GH53a1CtLaEq-u1IyETNp5BUhHt-gzcgfwyw6e4kibeqzhq9oUBh3kBNaJjMXPLAjRcj8qgBW9KKBATpn1l/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpy7mJ8J6_7J4sCyOkXen1DOoI5R5ANQ3s6I7pyvPUo_TnFlKdqrpmXO5-GH53a1CtLaEq-u1IyETNp5BUhHt-gzcgfwyw6e4kibeqzhq9oUBh3kBNaJjMXPLAjRcj8qgBW9KKBATpn1l/s640/IMG_1384.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Purchased From:</b> <a href="http://www.bierkraft.com/">Bierkraft</a></div>
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<b>Serving Type:</b> 750mL bottle, poured into a stemmed water glass</div>
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Bottleworks, a well-known Seattle-based beer seller, turned to Stone Brewing Company this year to create a beer to commemorate their 13th year in business. The beer was release today, June 20, 2012. Apparently Bottleworks has been creating anniversary ales with a number of collaborators over the years, but, this year they decided to work with craft-brewing titan Stone. Everything about this ale is 13-centric, but, despite their intentions, the ABV only came out to about 11% (the word is that too much specialty malt held back the fermentable sugar).</div>
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This epic collaboration features 13 grains: Pale 2-Row, White Wheat, Aromatic, Weyerman Chocolate Rye, Light Munich, Brown Crisp, Crisp Light Crystal, Crisp Amber, Caramunich, Baird's Chocolate Malt, Lightly Peated, Simpsons Dark Crystal, and Oats as well as 13 hops: Bravo, Target, Columbus, Cascade, Delta, Warrior, Magnum, Apollo, Calypso, Perle, Galena, Chinook, and Mt. Hood. </div>
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This beer, billed as an American Strong Ale, plays out much like an Imperial Porter or and Imperial Stout. The body is deep, almost completely opaque in a wide glass, with a mahogany brown body with auburn and ruby inner glow. Only the base of the glass reveals the beer's true hue when held to light. Gently rising streams of minuscule carbonation bubbles fuel a large, fluffy, and creamy head of dense light brown foam. The head retention is fantastic and it leaves a thick ring of lace around the top of the glass and dissipates with elegant patterns as the beer disappears. </div>
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The nose is big and sweet with an impressive malt showing. Caramelized specialty grains bring a variety of profiles, most noticeably a molasses sweetness with deep coffee notes. A hoppy edge tightens this beer and its impressive grain bill. Hops pinch at the nose slightly with a mildly resinous pine and sweet sappy cones of fresh hop essence.</div>
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The beer is crisp up front and quickly yields to a huge roasty character. Blackened, coffee-like grains produce a smokey essence that is perhaps the most prominent characteristic of this strongly dark ale, which sports most of the trappings of an export stout. The most darkly roasted malts easily overpower the lighter nuances of the White Wheat grain and Pale Two-Row malts. However, the scattering of rye malt here lends a spicy edge the coffee-like tones and the oats in this beer lend their distinctive smooth slickness, despite the opening and finishing crispness.</div>
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Smooth smokiness on the finish beckons another sip along with the dry hoppy finish. Light mineral water characteristics play in at the end and lead effortlessly to the long-lasting dank hoppiness of the aftertaste. </div>
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This beer is excellent, highly drinkable, and very, very good, but the 13 by 13 grain and hop bill seems stuntish when taken in context of the impressive and overbearing stout profile of this beer. To miss the spicy nuances of the beer, the resinous, floral, and earthy hop profiles would be remiss, but, the overpowering roasted coffee profile is the true identity of the beer.</div>
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If it's still around, find it, but if you miss it, don't feel slighted if you can pick up the absolutely-world-class Imperial Russian Stout by Stone.</div>
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> A</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-55820548430338018982012-04-26T09:40:00.001-04:002012-09-17T13:56:32.661-04:00MillerCoors Debuts New Packaging Gimmick<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you want a full article, rather than reactionary ramblings, check out this "<a href="http://beerpulse.com/2012/04/miller-lite-punch-top-can-debuts-this-week/">Miller Lite Punch Top Can debuts this week</a>" over at BeerPulse.<br />
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As much as Budweiser makes me grown by churning out poor variations on their most popular product <a href="http://www.musingsonbeer.com/2010/09/bud-light.html">Bud Light</a>, I've got to give them some credit. At least they're coming up with new products. Then again, that's the more sinister approach. By pumping out new products, they demand more shelf space in package, grocery, and convenience stores and have the chance of catching the eye of a beer shopper that is looking to "expand his/her horizons" and "try something new." But, alas, this is not about Budweiser coming up with new products, this is about MillerCoors spending "creative energy" churning out packaging redesigns.</div>
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At least this one is practical, if you're goal is to improve the flow of beer to facilitate chugging. The last improvement from MillerCoors to a <a href="http://www.musingsonbeer.com/2010/09/miller-lite.html">Miller Lite</a> product was the "Vortex Bottle" that purported to do the same thing, but was a ludicrously made-up mechanism. Here, the punch tab in the top of the can, actually will improve air flow. It's like the marketing folks have been taking cues from frat guys and binge drinkers and have attempted to implement in-can shot-gunning. I think by next year they'll have put another punch out in the side of the can.</div>
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What kills me is that this is clearly part of a larger pattern by MillerCoors. Rather than reworking the beer or improving the product they simply create a new, pointless, marketing feature. It's product differentiation without any substance. For Miller it was the Vortex Bottle, now the Punch Top Can. For Coors it's been an even more hilarious/pitiful series for the <a href="http://www.musingsonbeer.com/2010/09/coors.html">Coors</a> <span id="goog_1991024237"></span><a href="http://www.musingsonbeer.com/2010/09/coors-light.html">Light</a> <span id="goog_1991024238"></span>line. The <a href="http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-mountains-blue-bottoms-up">Cold-Activated labels</a>, then <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/business/media/27adnewsletter1.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all">Cold-Activated cans</a>, then, the epitome of idiocy, the <a href="http://beerpulse.com/2010/05/coors-light-rolls-out-super-awesome-cold-activation-window-packaging/">Cold Activation Window</a>! "Another engineering marvel from Coors, we've cut a hole in our packaging!" All, just in case you're not able to accurately gauge that you've chilled your beer enough. Or, is it to help ensure that you never drink the beer at a temperature that most beer (read: not Coors and its cohort) is intended to be consumed. Because, after all, if you actually experienced the flavors of these beers and dared to compare, you'd perhaps find that there really is something better out there.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-7616437902935527202012-03-05T08:46:00.002-05:002012-03-05T08:46:26.612-05:00Posting Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just wanted to post a short update about the posting here. As has happened a few times over the last six months I've been very busy with work and life. As a result, my backlog of posts has run out and I haven't been able to keep to the regular updates. Unfortunately, this happened right in the middle of what was going to be a three-part series on Innus & Gunn oak aged beers.<br />
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I hope to get a few more posts queued up so the beer continues to flow. I've also had a few beer recommendations sent in by readers that I hope have posted up here soon as well.<br />
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So, keep an eye out and check back in a week or so.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-39522430534719966802012-02-20T13:00:00.000-05:002012-02-20T13:00:05.521-05:00Innis & Gunn - Oak Aged Beer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Qodt3TQBEaTEwsFPxpguh93KNnIkHDwSF-q6pzx8hQmr93qWwpUVdddFoLgSqG630oJXlCadW9qy3S6oz4c_qbDvCS2MC4g77u-MNfdbS8yc_aGMSzfaES-lkk5qOpoSmyBnh0UyilLK/s1600/IMG_0704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Qodt3TQBEaTEwsFPxpguh93KNnIkHDwSF-q6pzx8hQmr93qWwpUVdddFoLgSqG630oJXlCadW9qy3S6oz4c_qbDvCS2MC4g77u-MNfdbS8yc_aGMSzfaES-lkk5qOpoSmyBnh0UyilLK/s640/IMG_0704.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Purchased From:</b> Received as a gift, thanks!<br />
<b>Serving Type: </b>330ml bottle, poured into a branded glass<br />
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Innis & Gunn is a Scottish brewer that produces a line of barrel aged beers that show off not only their Scottish heritage, but pack huge characteristics of their aging vessels. This, the Original, is aged in oak barrels and pours a crystal-clear orangy amber body with a nearly-white head. The foam is light and airy, mustering moderate retention and light wispy lacing. The nose is potent with vanilla notes. Oak influence is huge and inluences the malt base adding hints of candy and a minor ice cream appeal.<br />
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Vanilla and oak dominate the palate. Malts are strong and singular, but are overtaken by the tremendous barrel age character. The impact of the aging vessel absolutely defines the beer, pushing out almost every other flavor. The beer is aged only 77 days in oak, so it is surprising that the impact is so dramatic.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> B-</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-80264554457536710552012-02-19T13:00:00.000-05:002012-02-19T13:00:05.691-05:00Oskar Blue Brewery - Mama's Little Yella Pils<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcB0mht62_Hqmgke2HKeQMAJflFqdwK_BE-fFWARXoHAetiwJfjjv-7DnC5c2KNeMO2Dd4vlkAVGYrzXwweUnQj4CJUFPNnvxv44GBkyLj368MWTgxW8Ek3ZFapXdjZy9gI4ExCxvNt4IV/s1600/IMG_0691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcB0mht62_Hqmgke2HKeQMAJflFqdwK_BE-fFWARXoHAetiwJfjjv-7DnC5c2KNeMO2Dd4vlkAVGYrzXwweUnQj4CJUFPNnvxv44GBkyLj368MWTgxW8Ek3ZFapXdjZy9gI4ExCxvNt4IV/s640/IMG_0691.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Purchased From:</b> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&expIds=17259,18168,25907,26637,26992,27022,27182&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&cp=30&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=harvest+fine+wines+and+spirits+west+hartford,+ct&fb=1&gl=us&hq=harvest+fine+wines+and+spirits&hnear=West+Hartford,+CT&cid=13868900372214911834">Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits</a><br />
<b>Serving Type: </b>12 oz. can, poured into a fluted glass<br />
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This Pilsner-style brew from Colorado-based Oskar Blues pours a glowing-golden medium straw body, clear with a chilled-haze. The head is a large, soft, airy foam in off-white. The nose is feint overall with a slight sour graininess and mild apple juice notes. The aroma is semi-sweet with a dusting of hops.<br />
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A mild carbonation produces a muted crispness on the tongue. Apple juice comes through with a hint of under-ripened pear. The beer is very lagery with an emphasis on light malt body. A very light hopping provides a hint of drynesson top of a vague honey sweetness. No Noble hop influence in this lager steers it away from its Pilsner designation. A finish is semi-tight with carbonation, a sweet malt profile and understated hops.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> B-</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268450815132305385.post-26424738873181336272012-02-18T13:00:00.000-05:002013-12-02T15:04:11.998-05:00The Great New London Brewing Co. - Safe Harbor American Blonde Ale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlFVynZfqDZwt733mrTU-y0ncdP9ECqjv8TvDt9R7nfDIqOJhdmrfeXDuCu2G9SbIR8Xf5nKUsx5LoNmYl6zmenB3YCmBLglXJagut3dhnuYpkWc_QMuTuT2n2bgQY1NmjgDhel2B8vRi/s1600/IMG_0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlFVynZfqDZwt733mrTU-y0ncdP9ECqjv8TvDt9R7nfDIqOJhdmrfeXDuCu2G9SbIR8Xf5nKUsx5LoNmYl6zmenB3YCmBLglXJagut3dhnuYpkWc_QMuTuT2n2bgQY1NmjgDhel2B8vRi/s640/IMG_0681.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b>Purchased From:</b> Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits<br />
<b>Serving Type:</b> 12 oz. bottle, poured into a Mark Twain pint glass<br />
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This American Blonde Ale by The Great New London Brewing Company is contract brewed by Cottrell in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Anyone familiar with Cottrell will have an idea of what to expect. The beer pours a very hazy orange-amber with a light yellow glow. The head is large and slightly yellowed with a fluffy foam consistency. The beer's head retention is excellent and leaves delicate lacing on the glass. A strong hoppy nose places this beer's emphasis clearly on citrus with potent orange oil aromas. A sweet, but light, malt base holds up the beer underneath the hoppy aromatics.<br />
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Grainy light malts greet on the foretaste with a coarse, cracked grain texture. Velvet, rolling carbonation creates a refreshing mouthfeel to usher in dry hops. Despite a light bitterness in the hop character, huge orange notes pervade. A spray of orange oil plays up the bitterness while a dash of orange juice keeps the citrus componenet sweet. Mild blossom honey contributes further to the beer's nectarous quality. A dry crispness defines the finish.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict:</b> A-</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716206988849901479noreply@blogger.com