Day 29 - Backfin

What is a weekend if not a couple of days to spend fixing cars that fail inspections...... That bit of mischief managed today (hopefully...), I couldn't resist the call of one of the pale ales remaining from the Uncle Bill collection.

The color of a fine sunset, and the dry aroma of good finishing hops, and the taste.....well, it lived up to the "pale" part of pale ale. It was quite drinkable, but the jolt of dessert sand in the mouth dryness I was hoping for didn't materialize. There was a tantalizing hint of it, but it seemed to fade over the bottle. If this is an option at a crab feast, and the rest are big domestics, there would be no question which I would chose (and then be tempted to hide some of the others to ensure a continued supply....).



Specs:

Full Name: Backfin Pale Ale
Brewed by: Clay Pipe Brewing
From: Westminster, MD
ABV: 5.5%




So, their website says this is supposed to be smooth, so I would concur that they hit their objective then. They also make an IPA called Hop-Ocalypse, which could be worth trying. In the end, after a tiring day, this actually was a good choice, like picking up the Sports Illustrated to read now instead of a novel....

No old jokes.....

Day 28 - Oranjeboom

One of the many benefits of having great friends, in this case Dave & Mary Prochnow, is that they follow my favorite rule "it is never too late for birthday presents" and are quick to jump on the bandwagon when they see it rolling. Thus, I am another 6 pack of uniques richer, and in their honor, I chose one of their donations for tonight's tasting.

Another first, one out of a can. A lager, and not surprisingly, it is what it says it is. The color is clear pale citrine, and the taste straightforward, with a faint bitter finish that one would expect. Close your eyes, and I could probably line up hundreds of other beers that taste exactly the same and you couldn't tell it apart, but hey, sometimes you want a beer that doesn't distract you, and this one is perfectly fine in that role (and at 16 oz, means fewer trips to the fridge...).


Specs:

Full Name: Oranjeboom Premium Lager
Brewed by: Hofbrauhaus Wolters GmBH (under license from Brouwerij de Oranjeboom, Holland) - very complicated......
From: Braunschweig, Germany
ABV: 5%



This one has a strange lineage, and like many "export" beers, lacks much depth of character. Both the Germans and Dutch brew beers with more pizzaz, which I have to look forward to. So, if you see this in the cooler or in someone's fridge at a party, and you don't want to be seen drinking a domestic, but want the taste of a domestic, grab it. Proc would drink this beer, my bad for not saving it for when he came over. I guess I can pick up one to have on hand, as I like to try and get him out of the "Bud" zone.... :>)

Day 27 - Xingu

Ah, another friday....

This is another from the "Liz" collection, as I exercised amazing constraint in not returning to the pale ales in the pipeline, plus we're off in a bit to a friend's house where Corona will be the option, so wanted to hopefully start different.

Admittedly, I don't recall having a "black beer" before, and it lives up to that name. The color is un-latte'd coffee, deep and dark. Moving past that, the taste is actually rather refreshing, with a faint sweetness and no bitterness at all. Ok, it's not going to win any "Miss Personality" awards, but if you are out for a night dancing, and don't want your favorite moves screwed up by a full stomach caused by a heavy beer, this is a good option. Add the uniqueness factor, and you might get away with strangers thinking you are cool (your friends will know the truth, no beer can help that... ;>) ) I'd be tempted to keep a few of these on hand, for when I want something light and easy to drink, but just different enough.


Specs:

Full Name: Xingo Black Beer
Brewed by: CKBR S.A.
From: Sao Paulo, Brazil
ABV: 4.6%


One of my other goals is to try beers from as many countries as possible, so at least this checks another off that list. I have a german in the queue (another black beer, should be interesting to compare...), and the rest are US, so need to work the import isle more next time.

A good weekend to everyone!

Day 26 - The Love

So, had Liz along with me when I went on a replenish run this evening, and this is a result of her influence. The remainder of the 6 pack clearly bears her mark as well....

Getting past the ultimate fufu name, this is actually an honest, straight-up wheat beer. Cloudy yellow, not a sniff of hoppy bitterness, with a subtle clove sweetness enough to make it abundantly clear that it is a wheat beer, without overdoing it. I drank this while having a chocolate chip cookie, and it worked! I'd be inclined to keep this one on hand for friends that like wheats, and put some orange/lemon slices next to them.


Specs:

Full Name: The Love Wheat Beer
Brewed by: Starr Hill Brewery LLC
From: Crozet VA (originally started in Charlottesville...)
ABV: 4.6%


I have a feeling that my younger brother might give me some grief over this one on a couple of levels, but hey, I'm making the path here (ignoring the fact that Liz picked it out...) and for me it's all about testing, and yes, retesting, limits. I actually am on a quest now to find a great boutique beer, as there is a certain crotchity old frat brother who seems to think that there is no such thing. Gotta love the challenge!!

Day 25 - Kalamazoo Stout

Another busy day topped with a late demo of CrossPoint to some prospects, means no trip to Total Wine and that I'm still limited to what I had on hand. Sure, I could have gone with another pale ale, but being a wild and crazy guy, I chose the only other option ......

A shot glass of this was like a little black hole, no light in or out, but then this isn't about looks so bottoms up and down it went. Big flavor, not too sweet though hints of licorice, which is not high on my list of favorite tastes, but a clean finish and in the end but pretty dang tasty.


Specs


Full Name: Bell's Kalamazoo Stout
Brewed by: Bells Brewery Inc
From: Comstock MI
ABV: 6%



This was my dessert tonight, complimenting a late dinner of hickory-smoked chicken and salad. Now I'm totally stuffed, so yep, it met expectations. I'm thinking that every well stocked beer fridge should have a stout for such occasions. Should it be this one, that's a bit premature to say maybe, but if it is, and I have the room, I'd grab it.

Day 24 - Pick Axe Pale Ale

Well, I didn't get out to the store, so had to stay American at least one more night. I went back to the Uncle Bill collection, and eanie-meanie-minie-moed this one.

Sometimes life gives you lemons, and some people put them in their beer, but if you did that with this one, it would be pure sacrilege. A great marigold color, then a full on hops hit start to finish. Yummo. I am trying not to let my prejudices show, but dang it, I just like my beer this way. I wonder if there are 340 different pale ales... ;>)


Specs:

Full Name : Pick Axe Pale Ale
Brewed by: Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub
From: Idaho Springs, CO
ABV: 6.2%


Hum, the bottle says to share one with a friend. Well, I guess if it were a really, really good friend, and they brought the 6 pack, I could see sharing 1...

Day 23 - Troegenator

I didn't get to the store today, and Liz offered to go pick out tonight's blog beer from the remaining options. Clearly, she picked this one for the name/label....

The color was lighter than I expected for a doublebock beer, a deep coppery gold rather than dark brown. This then translated into a lighter body than anticipated, which while not bad per se, again isn't exactly knocking my socks off. At least it doesn't taste like it was strained through my socks..... Does it have the requisite roasted malt caramel sweetness coupled with a dash of hoppy bitterness - yep. Does either one grab your taste buds and leave them crying for more/mercy at the same time - nope.

Specs:

Full Name: Troegenator Doublebock Beer

Brewed by: Troegs Brewing Co

From: Harrisburg, PA

ABV: 8.2%

Yet another award winning beer that I can't in good faith rate higher than a single. However, the attentive reader will quickly acertain why this might actually be worth the investment of calories/cash to have every now and again - a relatively high ABV. If that is a key criteria for you, and you want a change of pace, I say go for it.

Day 22 - Polestar Pilsner

Another weekend comes to a close, and another beer chosen for the name/label.

Sadly, it doesn't quite live up to its claim as the "Best Lager in America" as published in Mens Journal, Oct '09. I almost thought I was pouring water it was so pale yellow, and the taste just isn't remarkable. It's only real redeeming feature is a dominant hops character, but even that is a layup, not a slam dunk..... (football over, college hoops rules!!)

It is very easy to drink, and probably no one would complain at a party if you served this, but if it were me, after one I'd be unobtrusively rooting around the cooler/frig to see what else was available. Ok, yes, it's not bad enough to make me switch to wine, but would definitely lose to a decent single malt or bourbon. Hum, note to self, maybe for 50th should present myself with a "whiskey of the week".

Specs:

Full name:Polestar Pilsner

Brewed by: Left Hand Brewing Co

From: Longmont CO

ABV: 5%

All the beers I have left are US brewed (7-8). I think I'm going to have to go back out of the country for a few days for some perspective, which means another trip to the store. Ah, the heavy burden of being ISO great beer...... ;>)

Day 21 - 8 Ball Stout

It took me three weeks, but here's the first stout. The almost black color had my hopes up, and the first swish past the tongue had the characteristic strong roasted malt taste without being too sweet, but to be honest, it kind of dissappears after that. It's drinkable, but lacks the depth I was kind of hoping for. To me, a good stout almost has to be drunk with a spoon, and this one tends to the lighter side.


I have to believe that is intended, to have the flavor without the heaviness, but hey, I'm not drinking a stout to be refreshed, I'm looking for something that acts as an appetizer. I mean, it has oatmeal in it for a reason.... Per the website, it has won some awards in the past, but in my opinion, it's another beer for those who want the look, without the substance. I have another US brand, so will drink that and compare sometime in the near future.

Specs:

Full Name: 8 Ball Stout
Brewed by: Lost Coast Brewery
From: Eurika, CA
ABV: 5.5%



I got a suggestion to add the alcohol content, so did so here, and will try and go back and fill in the others. It isn't always on the bottle........

Day 20 - Regia Extra

Sometimes, it is all about looking for a bold, new taste to challenge the tastebuds, and there are days like today where it it is all about quantity.....

I found this one last weekend at the local asian food market while Ellie was waiting to check out, and felt the karma as soon as I hefted the bottle - and saw the price was the same as regular size. This is 32 oz of nothing but pure golden yellow, basic lager. Not big on surprises, nor taste for that matter, but hey, let me spell it out - thirty two ounces - for what I had been paying for some 12s...... If I was having a party and could buy this by the keg, I'd be all over it, and for that matter, just for the fun factor of a fridge full of 32 oz bottles, this would be a great party beer as far as bang for the buck. Nothing would be more manly than standing there holding one of these babies in your hand...... (that is a quarter taped to the front, for perspective)



Specs:

Full name: Regia Extra

Brewed by: Cerveceria La Constancia, SA

From: San Salvador, El Salvador

ABV: 5.3%


My normal MO when writing this blog is to drink the beer whilst writing it, to get the full impact and inspiration. I usually have finished the beer by the end. Admittedly, this proved a bit of a challenge given the circumstances, but I try and rise to each occasion (for isn't that what it is all about) and couldn't let a little thing like 32 oz get in the way of tradition.....

BTW, if you read this, and haven't already, please sign up as a follower! I appreciate comments and any recommendations, and plan to stop at the store tomorrow and replenish the pipeline. Coming soon will be some porters and stouts, so that my younger brother will stop the girl cracks.....

Day 19 - East India Pale Ale

Yes, I know, another pale ale, but there is a good reason. This one was consumed at a bar, while I was trying to unsuccessfully meet some people. The other options were the Wichwood already on the list, Heineken, Amstel Light, some other light beer, and a non-alcoholic brew (like the last was even an option.....).

For a pale ale, this one had a very dark tannic color, and yes, the requisite hoppy dryness to sate my thirst and dull the annoyance of not connecting with the folks I was trying to. Not a truly level emotional field to judge it given the circumstances, but it was quite good, and I would absolutely have it again, and then again, and then again, just to really be fair..... ;>)


Full name: East India Pale Ale
Brewed by: Brooklyn Brewery
From: Brooklyn NY
ABV: 6.8%


BTW, the bartender approved of my present to myself, and being from the west coast, also knew of the Apricot Ale I had last night. Not surprisingly, he said that it was a favorite of his sister...

Day 18 - Audacious Apricot Ale

Well, the name really says it all. After a number of relatively safe brew styles, in which I would include the doublebock even though it isn't exactly mainstream, I decided to pull out the most left field beer I had in my pipeline, and this was it.

So, apricot flavored wheat ale, who knew. Not so surprising, it has a distinct sweet overtone, but I must admit, once you get past that (and it's taken over half the bottle before my taste buds stopped whining...), it really does finish clean, and it lacks that heavy spicy sweetness common in wheat beers. I'm thinking if you take out the fruit, this could be a darn good drink. I have to believe that this brewery makes other beers, and will look for the brand.

Specs:

Name: Audacious Apricot Ale
By: Pyramid Breweries
From: Seattle WA, Portland OR, Berkley CA (multi locales it apears)

ABV: 5.1%

Per the bottle label, they "create an adventure worth sharing with friends". Hum, not sure I'm secure enough in my manliness to pull out apricot-flavored wheat ale at a football game party, but you know, it never hurts to show a sensitive side now and again, so keeping a bottle of this on hand for those occassions should be acceptable.

An old friend and fraternity brother commented that most boutique brews were unknown because they sucked (Andy always gets to the point quickly and succinctly.. ), and that I should keep a list of those that fit that description during the year. Honestly, I just flat out like beer, and appreciate variety, so I hope that as long as I stay away from mass produced domestics, especially if they contain vanilla, that list shouldn't be long.

Donations solely intended to test this theory will get the donor blog-flogged......;>)

Day 17 - Rye Pale Ale

Another from the "Uncle Bill" collection, who being a Maryland grad, must have gravitated to this one for the label, though admittedly, a pic of a banjo-plucking turtle in a straw hat would have caught my eye as well.

Still, the bottle/label doth not a beer make, and so, with no way to avoid its date with fate, and to fullfill it destiny, it comes to the point when cap is removed, a shot poured for posterity, and the first swig experienced.




Oh baby......

Per the label, this one took home the gold medal in 2002 at the Great American Beer Festival in the pale ale category, which means I've lost 8 years plus of being able to savor its silky dryness. Ah well, doesn't do to look backwards, and I should be happy that we now can have a future together..... ;>)


Full Name: Rye Pale Ale
Brewed by: Terrapin Beer Company
From: Athens, GA
ABV: 5.5%


If you come and visit, and ask me if I have any of this in the fridge, I might be inclined to bend the truth, depending on whether I think you worthy or not, though to be honest, sometimes it isn't about quantity, but quality, and hoarding this for mass consumption just seems wrong.

Day 16 - VooDoo Vator

What is better than a beer after another long, but at least successful day of getting the center muffler section replaced on my car (did I mention it was in the snow/sleet/rain and required drilling out the welded studs on the rear section so that I could put screws in...)?

Answer: a beer donated to the cause - this time by the Pavers, whose have both good taste in beverages and a daughter Abby with the patience to put up with our Liz for extended periods of time... ;>) Here's to good friends!

A new style to sample tonight, in the Dopplebock genre, this one looks like Coke when you pour it, and the sweet malt flavor is quite bold, yet it ends dry, which is how all good beers get you to keep drinking. This is definitely not a wall-flower brew... Were it not for the fact that I believe that good beer should be drunk, this one would probably be a fine addition to your favorite stew or chili.




Full Name: VooDoo Vator "Dopplebock High-Gravity Lager"
Brewed by: Atwater Block Brewery
Location: Detroit, Michigan


Hum, curious a beer in the "used motor oil" family comes from Detroit....

Final comments. What I like most about this (besides the cool name/label) is that it balances full flavor without being too heavy. I don't typically drink many of this style, and will have to put a few more past the tonsils before really rating it, but it hit the spot tonight!


Thank you Paver Family!!!!!

Day 15 - Steelhead Extra Pale Ale

Today being Valentines Day, what better way to celebrate my true love than to drink a beer named after a fish. (ssshhh, no one tell Ellie I said that.... :>) )

I guess that "extra pale" means it is just a handful of extra hops past a lager, as this one is rather mild and golden yellow, with only a dash of the dry finish one would expect. Another very easy to drink brew, good for any season, but it doesn't take any risks. Sure, if someone gave me a 6 pack I'd drink it, but not feel particularly sad when it was gone. A good choice for someone who wants to look like they run the fringe of beer drinking, without really straying too far from mainstream flavor.

Full Name: Steelhead Extra Pale Ale
Brewed by: Mad River Brewing Company
From: Blue Lake, CA

Thanks to Uncle Bill for this one. He did a very good job of picking beers that I have never had before, and I look forward to the others!

Day 14 - Tooheys New

Just when you think things are somewhat settled again, an 11:30pm call last night from a panicked Elizabeth because it sounded like my car was going to explode, meant that what was supposed to be a calm restful saturday, turned into a "find out the exhaust system is broken, spend all day trying to get off rusted bolts lying on my back on cold pavement, and still not be finished yet" kind of day. sigh, no rest for the weary.....

So, I was in need a a bit of a treat, and thus pulled out this beer. I was excited to find it, as I hadn't had this in almost 30 years. Yes, yes, why another plain beer right after another lager you ask. Since that is a rhetorical question, I'll ignore it.

This is just another great comfort brew. Super smooth, maybe a smidge on the sweeter side, but an acceptable personality quirk. True, it probably is at its best in the heat of summer, but truly anytime you want to have a couple, you won't go wrong here. A solid 2-3 6 packs. The color is liquid sunshine.

Facts:

Full Name: Tooheys New
Brewed by: Tooheys Pty Ltd (since 1869)
Location: Lidcombe, Australia

Day 13 - Mythos

Tonight, it wasn't so much about the beer, but the company. Ellie and I went out with my Aunt Caroline (my dad's sister) and Uncle Bill to a Greek restaurant, and had a very nice, relaxed time. Of course, I had a Greek beer to keep the streak going. This is a fairly standard lager, which means it was easy to drink and doesn't pretend to be anything else other than an alcoholic beverage made from barley, malt, hops, yeast and water. Oh, and it didn't compete or conflict with the very tasty lamb in lemon sauce that I ordered. yum.......

A funny story, but I was the last to arrive at the restaurant, with everyone coming from work etc, and Uncle Bill was telling me that he had hand picked a 6 pack of unusual beers for my birthday present (even before he knew I was doing this!). Unwrapping it at the table it contained a mix of Michelob Ultra, Budweiser and Sam Adams. As it turns out, Aunty C had grabbed and wrapped the wrong 6 pack from their fridge, with her comment being "beer is beer". Yes, I know, sacrilege, but actually, that is ok, someone has to drink the mass brewed stuff and leave the good brews for me.. ;>)

I'll have to wait another day to see the intended, but am definitely looking forward to it, thanks Uncle Bill!

Full Name: Mythos Hellenic Lager Beer
Brewed by: Mythos Brewing Company
From: Sindos, Greece

Day 12 - Eye of the Hawk

For our drinking pleasure this evening (and by "our", I mean mine of course...), I'm working on a pleasant little ale from NY.

With a pleasingly clear, dark amber color and a mildly complex taste blending a malty sweet start into a dry, hoppy finish, this one is akin to comfort food. It doesn't "wow" you, but somehow just feels right. Upon reflection, that is what an ale means to me. You don't drink it to be refreshed, you don't drink it for a meal (like a porter or stout...), you don't drink it to get hammered (like any generic domestic on sale atttracts frat boys), you just drink it because it relaxes you. I'll have to get a few more ales past the tonsils to really fully rate this, but I'd definitely act nonchalantly whilst drinking as many as these as are available if someone offered....





Name: Eye of the Hawk, Select Ale

Brewed by: Mendocino Brewing Co

From: Sarasota Springs NY

Since: 1983



Off to dinner, and later, the 2010 Sports illustrated Swim Suit edition arrived today, full of great articles..... ;>)

Day 11 - Slim Chance

A funny thing happened on the way to my computer to write the blog tonight. The beer started out as Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale by Michelob, but, and ok, my bad for not reading the fine print on the label first, it contained vanilla. Ugh, who puts vanilla in beer??? Life is too short, not to mention, there are way more than 365 different beers in the world, so why waste a good opportunity on blech.

Thus, had to go to plan B. This was one I had picked up for the label, not realizing that it was a light beer (hum, a pattern of not reading labels seems to be the recurring theme). Then I thought, why waste one of the others I have left to wash the vanilla out of my mouth, when a light beer is around to do the trick, and hey, isn't this really about keeping an open mind?

So here I am, saving a few calories, and in all fairness, thinking to myself that it isn't half bad. A faint hint of hops followed by smooth taste. In the end, the vanilla taste is gone, and my horizons expanded (and waistline not so much...). If there comes a time when I am inclined to drink light beer, this would be worth putting on the list.

Name: Slim Chance

Brewed by: Redhook Ale Brewery

From: Portsmouth, NH

Day 10 - Smuttynose IPA

Day 10, a minor milestone, so went with something different. Admittedly, I added this to my pipeline because of the name and funny pic of two old guys sitting in lawn chairs, but the initial shot (yes, I pour the first one into a shot glass to check the color etc, got to be professional here..) reminds me that yep, I do prefer hops in my beer.

This one gets it right, in classic IPA fashion. It brings to mind the dry taste of a good grapefruit without the sweet citrus flavor. Each mouthful is punctuated with an almost unconscious, eyes closed "ah" after it, which is a sign my tastebuds likey. I would rate this close to a case, but then, kind of like eating lobster, I wouldn't sit there and drink 6 of them, because well, after the first couple it is almost gluttony and that is really a waste of true deliciousnesss....

Specs:

Name: Smuttynose IPA

Brewed by: Smuttynose Brewing Co

Locale: Portsmouth NH

I'm down to 5 uniques left in the fridge, but that should get me though the pending snow storm (yes, another....) and to the weekend.

BTW, the Allagash White was on strong recommendation from a very good friend, Rob Brownell, who while maybe not sharing quite the same taste in beer that I do, has always been there to share his dry, satirical views on life. If there is any humor in these posts, it is probably his influence/fault... ;>)

Day Nine - Rebel Beer

Tonight I figured, enough of the heavier brews, I am plain worn out from shoveling snow and pushing cars that were stuck, and in no mood for anything more complex than a simple beer. Well, nothing quite so mundane as that sounds, since this beer has been brewed since 1333....

The cap removed, a small pour into a shot glass to see the clear yellow color, and down the hatch it went - dry, decent flavor and didn't stick around to make me come up with any superfluous adjectives to describe it. Perfect...

A good beer for the more affluent cooler at the summer softball game, good with Md crabs or fried chicken, or probably anytime you need refreshment without the other stuff. I'd rate this at least a 6-pack on a rotating basis, but not quite a must keep on hand. There are just to many other fine beers out there, and a year goes by so fast.... ;>)

Specs:

Name: Rebel Beer

Brewed at: Mestansky pivovar Havlickuv Brod

From: Czech Republic

Actually, some very dusty, cob-webbed brain cell seems to recall having this beer before, but its co-cells that were supposed to recall the when and where seem to have either been overwritten with new data, or are on sabatical....

Day 8 - Allagash White

Another long, hard day of shoveling snow and helping push cars that got stuck means I definitely deserve to relax and enjoy the Super Bowl, though the planned party at our friends the Prochnows isn't going to fly (mainly because I can't and my car won't make it out the neighborhood....)

Tonight's beer is an American effort at a belgian wheat. Yes, ok, I know, a spiced wheat beer isn't real macho, but sometimes, you just have to expand your horizons, and this one actually works on a cold night. It has the classic "sunlight streaming through flour dust hanging in the air" color, and good flavor without overpoweringly complex flavors, which is all I want from a wheat beer. I probably couldn't sit and drink a six pack, but then, I might keep one on hand for good friends who I know really like this style, while I switch to something else for a second or third during the game.....


Name: Allagash White

Brewer: Allagash Brewing Company

Location: Portland, Maine



Overall, a good beer, especially if you prefer this genre.

Ok, enough, the Super Bowl has started!

Day 7 - Small Craft Warning

Given the amount of heavy snow lifting I did today, I let myself start a bit early... ;>)

Tonight I went with one of the new additions, a US pilsner. For me, the colder it is outside, the more taste I want in my beer, and lagers tend to be more on the refreshment and ease of drinkability side, rather than heavy flavor (IMHO). This beer starts with a promising hops hit, but it kind of finishes weak, leaving my taste buds pouting. Interestingly, I keep taking another drink, like I think maybe this time it will be really good, but it isn't, but then I take another sip anyway, and now it is gone. Hum, perhaps that is the intent, make them drink more.....tricksy brewer!


So, if this is there to drink, and you are on the water and thus in the spirit of the name, then by all means drink it. It has a clear, burnt yellow color (remembered to pour a little into a clear glass first to check...), but then, it comes in a brown bottle, and probably isn't poured into a glass often, so it just doesn't matter. The ladies out there may appreciate the artsy label...

The Specs:

Full Name: Heavy Seas - Small Craft Warning

Brewed by: Clipper City Brewing Company

From: Baltimore MD

Rating: One bottle (worth trying it, and some may really like it, as in the end, it is easy to drink).

Day 6 - Smithwick's Irish Ale

Given the snow is falling heavily, and we're having beef fajitas for dinner, I went with an ale over the remaining two lagers in the mix (to be consumed/named later...).

A long pull on this ale, and your mouth gets a good dose of earthy, roasted malt, though not near what you get in a stout or porter. So, if you tend to shy away from that "used motor oil" look and taste, but still want to appear manly, this might be your beer. The brand is even owned by Guinness, so the optics support that as well.

Admittedly, this isn't my favorite stye of brew, but I do like the occasional on the proper night such as this, thus for now, I'll rate it between a single and a 6 pack, at least until I have more to compare it to. I think there are more than one option from this brewery, so may try another down the road.

The specs are:

Name: Smithwick's Irish Ale

Brewed by: E. Smithwick's and Sons (owned by Guiness)

From: St Francis Abbey, Kilkenny, Ireland

Abbey has been brewing since 1710

A quick note: I did return to the store this afternoon to add some more to my pipeline, and I had failed to notice the other day a whole different isle full of American singles, to balance the imports. Oh man, this is great!!!! They're chilling now, and I am set for more than a week if I'm stuck at home. Hum, not sure what I'd do if the power goes out, have to walk to Starbuck's to do my blog I guess.....

Day 5 - Singha Lager

One of the great things about this is that I make the rules! I have been drinking Singha for almost 20 years, but always only at the local Thai restaurant. I can walk into the place to pick up a carry out order, and the bar guy knows to put one of these in front of me while I wait (and I never order ahead of time.... ;>) ). So, seeing it as a single at the store was too much to resist. Here are the specs:

Name: Singha Lager

Bewed By: Singha Corporation

Locale: Bangkok, Thailand

Brewed Since: 1933

Needless to say, I really like this beer, and when I close my eyes while drinking it, the sounds and smells of the restaurant tickle my inner self. It's just a clean, crisp lager, sure to satisfy many tastebuds. I'm not quite at the place where if I could only pick one beer to have on a desert island, it would be this one, but it would make the short list. I'd definitely buy a case, if I didn't enjoy the ritual of getting them at Thai Luang.

We are expecting a major snowfall starting tomorrow (up to 2 feet). I have maybe 5 different types of beer left in the fridge, so am not concerned......

Cheers!

Day 4: Noel des Geants

This one was a last minute pick, as it was on the sale rack as I was heading to check out, and the label caught my eye.




Name: Noel des Geants
Brewed by: Brasserie des Legendes
Location: Medieval Castle of Irchonwelz, Ath, Belgium



A somewhat typical belgian ale, cloudy yellow, the sweetness of the malt dominating, imparting a subtle clove-esque taste, with no trace of hops. It's pretty decent if you like that style, but is a bit fu-fu for my general taste. If you have a fire in the fireplace and snacking on brie while wearing a bulky wool sweater, this ale would not be gauche......

Buy a bottle if you like belgian ale, but I'm not going beyond that.


That said, I didn't have a problem making it to the bottom of the bottle. ;>)

Day 3 - Lion Lager

In full disclosure, I have had this beer before, only twice, and recently... it doesn't count as a repeat, since I make the rules!




Name: Lion Lager

Brewed by: Lion Brewery, Biyagama, Sri Lanka

Brewed since : 1881 (they definitely got it right!)


It is a really tasty lager, full of flavor without overpowering, so even the most squeamish beer drinkers who usually stick to mainstream stuff might actually like it. I could drink it anytime, anywhere, and would almost consider a trip to the brewery just to sample the non-export stuff.

At less than $2 a bottle, it isn't cheap, but then, isn't the most expensive either. I'd buy a case, but would be tempted to only share it with those I know appreciate good beer.

Sniff, sniff - my bottle is empty....



until tomorrow!

Day 2 - Hobgoblin Dark English Ale

Day 2 finds me sampling :

Hobgoblin Dark English Ale

By Wychwood Brewery, Oxfordshire England

A very smooth dark ale, easy on the palate with just the right (in my opinion)amount of that dark roasted barley taste. No aftertaste to speak, and to be honest, I don't get any fruit or wood overtones here, which is good, since it is beer and not some pinky-in-the-air wine.....

It was suggested that I rate each beer, so I came up with the following scale:

Pffft - Not worth the glass it is bottled in

Cheap - Only buy it because it is cheap, but only give to "friends"

Single - Worth the try to say you have

6 pack - Worth buying a six pack for yourself and good friends

Case - Worth buying a case for yourself and good friends

TDF - To die for, buying the brewery

Last night was probably a single, I'd put this one between a 6 pack and a case.

This is fun... ;>)