Day 331 - Jackman's

The first 5th, and from a brewery that runs hot and cold in my mind. I'm finding this one a bit middle of the road, though perhaps a bit on the good side. It's a bit hard to tell, as I've just eaten dinner and thus full, which is not a good time to drink beer. At least I stayed away from the porter...

So, nice amber color, and a decent blend of hops and malt. Worth drinking yes, but also easy to give up in favor of something more interesting.

Specs:

Full Name: Jackman's American Pale Ale
Brewed By: Left Hand Brewing Co
From: Longmont CO
ABV: 5.2%

Going to have to go out and replenish the pipeline before the weekend, which means the chance to grab one of those $10/bottle palies I have been drooling over. Hum, maybe not drooling, at least not that I should document at least...

Cheers!

Day 164 - 400 Pound Monkey

Starting to get to a point where I have to revist some breweries for other varieties to keep the pipeline filled. Good thing is, this means I get to track down some palies I haven't tried.

This one is just ok, and won't take home a prize in a beerty pageant. It has the hops character, but not quite full enough for my taste. Of course, the bottle is still already empty.... ;>)


Specs:

Full Name: 400 Pound Monkey
Brewed By: Left Hand Brewing Co
From: Longmont CO
ABV: 6.0%

Full credit for a creative label, and perhaps another beer made for the more moderate drinkers when they don't want their frubee. I'd drink this one again, but wouldn't buy it given a choice. Of course, it is possible that some beers should be kept cold at all times, and sitting on a shelf warm for a while impacts the flavor. Not planning a trip to CO just to experiment though...

Day 107 - Good Juju

Monday, the start of a new week, and day to experiment with beer. Hum, wasn't there a song about hating mondays back in the early 80's.....

Ok ginger beer might rate up there near the top of flavored beers, as this one overall is rather bland and benign. In this case, the ginger does not overpower the beer as it might, and I am left sitting here drinking a strange beer, but not hating it.

Specs:

Full Name: Good Juju
Brewed By: Left Hand Brewing Co
From: Longmont CO
ABV: 4.2%


Yes, yes, I know, I get no sympathy drinking this one, as I am the one that chose to do so. I ask you though, did I really have a choice, or has this become bigger than I am, and assumed it's own control....

You know, upon reflection (and almost completion of consumption), I might actually see this beer going well with a dish heavy on the ginger, as it would provide a good supporting drink to that. Shoot, it may even enhance the food. Maybe someone out there is brave enough to try that out and let us know.

Day 68 - Black Jack Porter

Another from the Ned collection, I think he is trying to convert me.....

I hate to admit it, but it is darn tasty. It has all the heavy roasted malt you would expect and want, but lacks the stickiness which I find limiting.

Specs:

Full Name: Black Jack Porter
Brewed by: Left Hand Brewing Company
From: Longmont CO
ABV: 6.5%


Ok, this one won't replace any of my top 3, but then my fridge wouldn't be unhappy if a few of these found there way in to keep some of the others company until the days I want a little more malt flavor (went well with a beef dinner).

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...... ;>)