Shiner Bavarian Style Amber, Limited Edition "98"

Date:	9/19/2007
Brewery:	Spoetzl Brewery
Beer:	Shiner Bavarian Style Amber, Limited Edition "98"
Origin:	Shiner, TX
Style:	Vienna Lager
Container:	12oz. Brown Glass Bottle, Screw Cap
Purchased:	Tom Thumb, Rowlett, TX
Price:	$ per 6-pack
Alcohol:	4.90% ABV
Brewer's Description:	This limited edition anniversary beer commemorates the 98th year of handcrafted brewing at the Spoetzl brewery in Shiner, Texas. With every sip, this Bavarian amber lager pays tribute to the old-world Bavarian quality demanded by the German. From website: Shiner 98 is a tribute to our German and Czech heritage. This Bavarian-Style Amber is an Old World lager with a distinctive hop floral aroma and a sweet finish. It's created using the Munich Malt process, invoking a rich golden brown color. Then, only the finest German hops are added to give 98 its signature finish. A delicious stop on the way to 100 years at the Little Brewery.*****PROSIT! Kettle hopped with Hallertau tradition & dry hopped with Hallertau hersbrucker 80% pale malt, 20% Munich malt
Appearance:	Medium amber in color. Poured a fine head, but didn't retain it. Head was whitish in color.
Aroma:	Smells a little hoppy. Different from a pale ale.
Taste:	Maybe a little bitter for my taste. Can taste the hops.
Mouth Feel:	Mouth feel is ok. A little too much bite from carbonation.
Drinkability:	Overall, it's just OK and not great. Not as good as Shiner Bock.
Score:	4 / 10

Other links:

• Shiner Bavarian Style Amber, Limited Edition "98" scored 81 on
• Shiner Bavarian Style Amber, Limited Edition "98" scored 2.83 on

Firemans #4 Blonde Ale

I couldn't find many pictures on the net other than on flickr, so here are some links to pics.

• Firemans #4 - by "winter valentine"
• Fireman's 4 Cask conditioned - by "jgk79"

Date:	9/14/2007
Brewery:	Real Ale Brewing Company
Beer:	Firemans #4 Blonde Ale
Origin:	Blanco, TX
Style:	American Blonde Ale
Container:	12oz. Brown Glass Bottle
Purchased:	Kegs & Barrels, Plano, TX
Price:	$0 per 6-Pack
Alcohol:	5.1% ABV
Brewer's Description:	This refreshing blonde ale achieves a perfect balance between the smoothness of the malt, the subtle fruitiness of our house ale yeast, and zesty citrus notes from Crystal hops. Fireman's #4 is a great way to beat the heat - enjoy it on a Texas summer day, or pair it with spicy foods to help put out the fire. ABV: 5.1%, IBU: 21, OG(plato): 12
Appearance:	This beer is clear, golden yellow in color. There are multiple streams of bubbles effervescing. It poured a nice head, but did not retain it for very long.
Aroma:	I can detect definite citrus notes.
Taste:	This tastes a little sweet. I can barely pick up the taste of citrus. They are more pronounced in the aftertaste, but they’re not real obvious.
Mouth Feel:	This has a good amount of carbonation. It finishes smooth.
Drinkability:	I like this beer. It’s good, overall. It’s easy to drink and I could drink it for effect if I chose to. I would buy this one again.
Score:	6 / 10

Other links:

• Firemans #4 Blonde Ale scored 82 on
• Firemans #4 Blonde Ale scored 2.97 on

Fuller's London Porter Ale

Date:	9/13/2007
Brewery:	Griffin Brewery
Beer:	Fuller's London Porter Ale
Origin:	Chiswick, London, England
Style:	English Porter
Container:	11.2oz. Brown Glass Bottle
Purchased:	Kegs & Barrels, Plano, TX
Price:	$0 per Single Bottle
Alcohol:	5.4% ABV
Brewer's Description:	Fuller’s London Porter is an award-winning example of this historic English style; smooth and creamy with delicious chocolate and coffee flavours. The Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, London, has been brewing fine ales since 1654. The Fuller, Smith, & Turner partnership, dating back to 1845, brews an excellent range of award-winning ales, many of which are available in the USA, including London Pride Pale Ale and the world’s original ESB. I hope you will enjoy trying all our fine ales.
Appearance:	Dark brown in color. Head is a tan color. Not long head retention. Too dark to see any bubbles rising.
Aroma:	Has a very rich smell. I can smell the chocolate/coffee that they describe.
Taste:	This seems very rich for beer. It has almost a burned/charred taste. I can associate that taste with malt, I suppose. It’s pretty distinctive. Most of its taste comes as aftertaste. I don’t taste much bitterness or hoppiness. This is the beer that the lady at Kegs & Barrels suggested as a benchmark for malt flavor.
Mouth Feel:	It has a good feel. The carbonation level is good. It’s pretty creamy, but with carbonation release. It’s a little thicker (more viscous) feeling than others beers I’ve tried to date.
Drinkability:	I think this is an aquired taste, but I think I could learn to like it without too much difficulty. I would buy it again if I was in the mood.
Score:	5 / 10

Other links:

• Fuller's London Porter Ale scored 91 on
• Fuller's London Porter Ale scored 4.02 on

Abbot Ale

Date:	9/11/2007
Brewery:	Greene King
Beer:	Abbot Ale
Origin:	Suffolk, England
Style:	English Pale Ale
Container:	1-Pint Can
Purchased:	Kegs & Barrels, Plano, TX
Price:	$8.49 per 4-Pack
Alcohol:	5% ABV
Brewer's Description:	English Pub Ale - Brewed longer for a distinctive full flavor. From website: Greene King's flagship brand Abbot Ale is a favourite with the nation's discerning beer drinker. An iconic beer, Abbot is brewed for longer in a traditional way in order to achieve its world famous distinctive taste. The secret of Abbot Ale lies not only in its ingredients but the way it is treated along every step of its production, from the arrival of the raw ingredients at the brewery to the cask and beyond. The result (a pint of perfect beer) is due to the care, dedication and craftsmanship of everyone who works on Abbot Ale. Quality is the benchmark. Abbot Ale is brewed with pale crystal and amber malts to give an attractive colour and rich malty taste. Challenger hops give it bitterness with a spicy overtone and to really boost the taste and aroma to the maximum it is late-hopped with Fuggles to provide the floral tones and fruity esters. Full flavoured, smooth and mature, Abbot Ale is an exceptional, quality drink. No wonder this beer is the first choice for so many discerning real ale lovers.
Appearance:	Dark amber in color. Didn’t pour much head. Small bubbles randomly rise.
Aroma:	Has a somewhat rich aroma. Smelled a bit nutty.
Taste:	Not too far off from Wexford’s Irish Cream in taste. A bit bitter.
Mouth Feel:	At least it has more carbonation (a little) than Wexford’s. Still not enough.
Drinkability:	Overall, very much like Wexford’s. I don’t like it very much. I won’t get it again. I'll give it a 2, only because it had a tiny bit more carbonation than Wexford's.
Score:	2 / 10

Other links:

• Abbot Ale scored 83 on
• Abbot Ale scored 3.12 on

Anchor Steam

Date:	9/10/2007
Brewery:	Anchor Brewing Co.
Beer:	Anchor Steam Beer
Origin:	San Francisco, CA
Style:	Steam Beer
Container:	12oz. Brown Glass Bottle w/ blue twist-off cap
Purchased:	Kegs & Barrels, Plano, TX
Price:	$8.99 per 6-Pack
Alcohol:	4.9% ABV
Brewer's Description:	Anchor Steam brand beer derives its unusual name from the 19th century when "steam" seems to have been a nickname for beer brewed on the west coast of America under primitive conditions and without ice. The word "steam" may have referred to the pressure of natural carbonation developing in the beers. Today the brewing methods of those days are a mystery, and for many decades anchor alone has used the quaint name "steam' for its unique beer. Anchor Steam brand beer is virtually hand-made with an exceptional respect for the ancient art of brewing. The deep amber color, the thick creamy head, and the rich flavor all testify to our traditional brewing methods. Today Anchor is one of the smallest and most traditional breweries in the world. San Francisco’s famous Anchor Steam brand beer is unique, for our brewing process has evolved over many decades and is like no other in the world.
Appearance:	Deep amber color. Poured a large head but did not reteain it long.
Aroma:	Odd smell. Can smell hops of some sort. Some sort of spiciness.
Taste:	As the long descriptions states, this has a unique flavor. Maybe a little bitter.
Mouth Feel:	Perfect carbonation level. When held in mouth, carbonation builds to a peak before falling off.
Drinkability:	Good, for sure. I’m not sure that I like it better than Anchor Liberty. Would definitely get it again and recommend it.
Score:	6 / 10

Other links:

• Anchor Steam Beer scored 85 on
• Anchor Steam Beer scored 3.33 on

Boulevard Pale Ale

Date:	9/7/2007
Brewery:	Boulevard Brewing Co.
Beer:	Pale Ale
Origin:	Kansas City, MO
Style:	American Pale Ale
Container:	12oz. Brown Glass Bottle, Twist-off Cap
Purchased:
Price:	$0 per 12-pack
Alcohol:	4.9% ABV
Brewer's Description:	-Bottle Conditioned- In the tradition of great ales, we've added a small amount of yeast to the beer just before packaging to produce a secondary fermentation in the bottle. The yeast, which settles naturally to the bottom of the bottle, encourages further maturation and contributes to the beer's complex flavor. Brewed with two row barley malt, pure water, whole hops and yeast.
Appearance:	Medium-amber in color. Poured a good head and retained it well. Very small bubbles evolve while sitting in a glass on the counter.
Aroma:	Not quite as "spicy" as the HopDevil, but can smell what I guess is hops. Nothing too distinct.
Taste:	Very good pale ale. Just the right bitterness. Mild, not too bitter.
Mouth Feel:	Just right carbonation. Smooth.
Drinkability:	Very drinkable. So far, my favorite American Pale Ale.
Score:	7 / 10

Other links:

• Pale Ale scored 83 on
• Pale Ale scored 3.29 on

Victory HopDevil

Date:	9/5/2007
Brewery:	Victory Brewing Co.
Beer:	Hop Devil India Pale Ale
Origin:	Downintown, PA
Style:	IPA
Container:	12oz. Brown Glass Bottle, Normal Cap
Purchased:	Kegs & Barrels, Plano, TX
Price:	$0 per Single bottle
Alcohol:	6.7% ABV
Brewer's Description:	The mythical Hopdevil resides in the lore of farmers. Our HopDevil is the real deal. Bold, spicy and menacingly delicious. He's the product of distinctive American hops and meticulous craftmanship. Arising from the heady wilds of our hop back and gently tamed with time, this devil makes a great companion!
Appearance:	Medium-dark amber in color. Poured a perfect amount of head. Retained head for a little while. No visible bubbles while sitting on counter.
Aroma:	Smells spicy for beer.
Taste:	Somewhat similar to Boulevard Pale Ale. More bitterness than something like a Kolsch, but not overly bitter. I definitely know what to expect from an IPA now.
Mouth Feel:	Some carbonation release, but not a lot. Smooth finish.
Drinkability:	A bit better than the Rahr. On par, or maybe better than Boulevard. This was what the lady at K&B suggested as a benchmark for hops. So I suppose I know what hoppy" means now.
Score:	6 / 10

Other links:

• Hop Devil India Pale Ale scored 89 on
• Hop Devil India Pale Ale scored 3.9 on

Rahr & Sons Stormcloud IPA

Date:	9/3/2007
Brewery:	Rahr & Sons Brewing LP
Beer:	Stormcloud India Pale Ale
Origin:	Ft. Wort, TX
Style:	IPA
Container:	12oz. Brown Glass Bottle, Screw Cap
Purchased:	Kegs & Barrels, Plano, TX
Price:	$0 per 6-pack
Alcohol:	6.00% ABV
Brewer's Description:	During a fierce storm on his voyage across the ocean, William Rahr could be heard yelling from the tall masted ship: "Roll on old sea! And when you are done, when the storm clouds have destroyed themselves, we will still be standing and drinking!" Today, we have created the ultimate ale for a voyage such as this: A German-Style IPA - a traditional India Pale Ale with German Influence. Our German-Style IPA is brewed with a blend of all German malts, hops, and yeast. It has a rich maltiness with both floral and spicy hop characteristics. So get ready and hang on - Stormcloud will see you through your roughest seas and straight on to smooth sailing.
Appearance:	Pale amber in color. Poured a nice head and retained it for a little while. Small, slow bubbles while sitting in a glass on the counter.
Aroma:	Can smell what they might be calling spice. Otherwise, smells like a regular ale.
Taste:	A little bitter, but not too bad. Somewhat similar to Boulevard Pale Ale, but not quite as good. Has a bitter aftertaste.
Mouth Feel:	Just the right amount of carbonation. Nice and smooth.
Drinkability:	Very drinkable IPA. Good when I'm in the mood for pale ale, which isn't always.
Score:	5 / 10

Other links:

• Stormcloud India Pale Ale scored 82 on
• Stormcloud India Pale Ale scored 2.94 on