Day 335 - Gouden Carolus

So, last night of 2010, and took a risk on this one. A Belgian brew, which typically aren't my favs, but this one claimed a decent hops hit, so went for it. Plus the bottle was big and classy looking, so fits the night.

This one almost glows it is so yellow/orange in true blonde fashion, and like most BAs, the aroma is kind of fruity/spicy causing some trepidation. It is definitely a big taste, though the hops only play a minor role, perhaps providing the dry finish. It does still tug on the tonsils as it goes down, like all its brethren.

Specs:

Full Name: Gouden Carolus
Brewed By: Brewery Het Anker
From: Mechelen Belgium
ABV: 8%

So, using the blog to get out of having to watch some chick flick with Drew Barrymore, and will try and milk the big bottle as long as possible. Luckily, ellie doesn't read my blog so I won't get busted writing that, t least not until well after the fact... ;>)

HNY to all, hard to believe I'm down to my last 30 days.

Day 334 - Zlaty Bazant

So, no new beer last night, but as a side benefit of seeing some old friends, I got some new ones for the pipeline from the Galambos's, as Adam is transferring to Austria and brought these back from one of his trips.

So, unlike the "green bottle" export stuff, this is real beer. It has that classical pale yellow color, but a good pilsner-esque flavor and none of that dry nastiness. Could drink this one easily, though the ABV would catch up quickly I think. Alas, all the writing is unreadable, so the specs will be short.

Specs:

Full Name: Zlaty Bazant
Brewed By: Unknown Austrian brewer
From: Some place in Austria
ABV: 10% (or at least I assume what that big 10% refers to...)

So, clearly, to really sample a country's beer, one must travel to that country. Perhaps one day, I can do a new blog "the Traveling Beerest" and try local brews. Ah dreams...

Thanks to the Gumbi's!

Day 333 - Nothing new

Had a whole bunch of friends in town for a night, so was out with them and didn't blog. While I did have a beer, it was Sierra Vevada Pale Ale, which I have already blogged about.

So good times with old friends trumps new beer. Good trade...

Day 332 - Winter Welcome Ale

You know, I was concerned that this one might be on the sweet side, as some English ales can be (see the other day...). It is good when your fears are proved to be in haste.

The color of wood coals glowing in the fireplace, a calm, earthy aroma, and a very tasty dry malt flavor that fills the mouth and lingers a bit after swallowing. All in all, in my opinion, what an ale should be.

Specs:

Full Name: Winter Welcome Ale
Brewed By: Samuel Smiths Old Brewery
From: Tadcaster England
ABV: 6%

So, an above average beer on a Tuesday is a real treat. It makes me want to be in England, sitting in some old pub with friends, having a pint or two near the fireplace dark with soot from untold number of fires. While it would feel out of place drinking this sitting on a beach at some Carribean resort watching the sunset, I could probably deal with that discomfort... ;>)

Cheers!

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 330 - Seriously Bad Elf

So, the Lord of the Rings marathon is over, and I'm back to blogging. I was going to have this one last night, but I think it worked out that I saved it for tonight, that way the positiveness of yesterday was saved a sweet demise...

The color of a light whisky, and mild aroma, traps you into a sense of security that is overwhelmed by sweetness. Actually, the barley would have been better served being made into Scotch...

Specs:

Full name: Seriously Bad Elf
Brewed By: Ridgeway Brewing
From: Oxfordshire England
ABV: 9%

Truly an evil elf that made this one, as it is like drinking a Christmas cookie made of malt. The label says it is a rather serious English double ale, but I think it rather lacks any kind of seriousness. Hum, at least they could have roasted the malt a bit, to bitter it up, but no, might as well drink a bottle of Kayro syrup...

Going to have to man up to get this one down, but that is the burden I have chosen.

Cheers!

Day 329 - Christmas - Took night off

Having a lord of the rings movie marathon with daughter Liz. Taking the night off from beer blogging.

Merry Christmas to all!