Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts

Flying Dog Dogtoberfest Märzen


Date:9/5/2009
Brewery:Flying Dog Brewery
Beer:Dogtoberfest Märzen
Origin:Frederick, Maryland
Style:Oktoberfest Marzen
Container:12 oz. brown glass bottle with pry-off cap
Purchased:Iliff Crossing Liquors, Aurora, Colorado
Price:$0 per 6-pack
Alcohol:5.3% ABV ABV
Brewer's Description:If you put back as many steins as the Germans do in October, lederhosen and polka dancing would seem like a good idea to you, too. Our DOGtoberfest Märzen has a caramel finish and was crafted by a guy who studied brewing in Deutschland. And yes, he does like to strap on some lederhosen when he's feeling saucy.
Appearance:Poured a good amount of light-tan head composed of very fine bubbles. Retained very well in my plastic Solo cup. While being poured, it was a light brown color.
Aroma:Malty smell, but can't pick out any one specific odor. I don't smell much hopiness.
Taste:More malt than hops, but not overly-sweet. Definitely more aftertaste than in-mouth taste. Not bad, but not my favorite.
Mouth Feel:Feels fine. Carbonation is good.
Drinkability:Pretty easy to drink. This one isn't bad at all, but isn't one of my favorites.
Score:6 / 10

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Leinie's Oktoberfest


Date:9/3/2009
Brewery:Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
Beer:Leinie's Oktoberfest
Origin:Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Style:Märzen
Container:Draught
Purchased:Green Mill Restaurant, Fairmont, Minnesota
Price:$0 per Keg
Alcohol:5.10% ABV ABV
Brewer's Description:We brewed our first Oktoberfest in 2001 to celebrate the fall season in true German fashion. Available August through October each year, our traditional Marzen-style bier is brewed with Munich, Caramel and a blend of Pale malts. Hallertau, Tettnang, Perle, and Cluster hops provide the aroma for this well balanced, smooth, festive lager.
Appearance:Medium brown in color with a caramel colored head.
Aroma:Honestly, I didn't notice. I wasn't really trying to review this one, but I thought I'd write down what I remember.
Taste:Tastes pretty good. Hoppier than something like a Killian's, which is a good thing. Killian's is too sweet for my palate, now. Had pretty good balance of hops and malt.
Mouth Feel:Feel was fine. Rather unremarkable. Might have been served a little too cold. Was drawn into frozen glasses.
Drinkability:Pretty good one, I thought. I wouldn't call it a favorite by any means, but I'd surely get this again. If I could find some in Denver, I might buy some bottles.
Score:7 / 10

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Wynkoop Brewing Company

, , , , , , | Posted by John at 9:00 AM

In a recent visit to the mile-high city, we visited some old friends at the Wynkoop Brewing Company at 18th & Wynkoop in downtown Denver.

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Accompanying my very good BBQ ribs, I sampled their Railyard Ale and B3K Schwarzbier.

From Wynkoop's website:

B3K Schwarzbier
This German-style black lager has a deep color and gently roasted flavors balanced by an understated hoppiness. A thirst-quenching version of dark beer. A 2008 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal Winner in the German Schwarzbier category. ABV 5.3%

Railyard Ale
Our flagship brew is a smooth, amber beer that combines the malty goodness of an Octoberfest lager with the slight fruitiness of an ale. Hearty but refreshing. ABV 5.2%

BBQ Ribs
1 1/4 pounds of smoked and chile beer braised porks ribs glazed with our homemade BBQ sauce served with pub fries and coleslaw. $15.95 Chef's beer selection: Railyard Ale

Both were good, but I preferred the schwarzbier. It had a sweetness to it, oddly like that of a root beer. Not that it was like drinking alcoholic root beer, it just had some similarities in the taste. Quite interesting, and somewhat different from the only other schwarzbier that I've tried, Shiner '99 Bohemian Black Lager. The food and beer were good and a grand time was had by all at the Wynkoop. I'd definitely recommend it if you have a chance to visit.

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New Glarus Crack'd Wheat


Date:8/4/2009
Brewery:New Glarus Brewing Company
Beer:Crack'd Wheat
Origin:New Glarus, Wisconsin
Style:Hefeweizen
Container:12 oz. brown glass bottle with normal cap
Purchased:Keg N Kork, Chetek, Wisconsin
Price:$8.39 per 6-pack of bottles
Alcohol:5.95% ABV ABV
Brewer's Description:This is Dan's bold creation. You hold the international marriage of a sophisticated Bavarian Hefeweiss and an assertive American Pale Ale. Amarillo dry hopping drives Wisconsin Red Wheat. Traditional open top fermentation cultivates our proprietary Bavarian Weiss yeast in our own Wheat Beer Cellars. Absolutely 100% natural bottle conditioned. This is a living beer.

Expect to pour a thick creamy head into your glass. Savor the fierce onslaught of clove, cinnamon, and citrus nose. Our very popular Imperial Weizen ratchets down for the session. Drink to adventure and friends in Wisconsin. We are the state of beer.

Style: Wheat
Flavor: Clove, cinnamon, and citrus
Alcohol: 5.95% by volume
Available in 6 packs, Cases, 1/2 Barrels, and 1/4 Barrels

Appearance:Poured a huge head and retained it for several minutes. I think this one had the longest head retention I've seen. Head eroded into a mound in the center of the glass, sloping downwards from the middle towards the walls. Color is light copper. It's unfiltered and is quite cloudy.
Aroma:Smells more like a pale ale than a traditional Hefeweiss. I can definitely smell hops like those in a pale ale.
Taste:Taste is a pretty good mix between the two styles. It's unlike anything else I've tried, so far. If I had to pick something else I've tried that might be in the ballpark, I'd say a Boulevard Lunar Ale, but there are significant differences there.
Mouth Feel:Feel is fine. The frothy head wasn't an indication of low carbonation as I thought it might have been, per the widget can trials I've had.
Drinkability:This one got better as I got through it. It was a little harsh at first, but became more and more appealing. I think I'd rather try some other brews from New Glarus instead of getting more of this one.
Score:5 / 10

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Point Special Lager


Date:8/4/2009
Brewery:Stevens Point Brewery
Beer:Point Special Lager
Origin:Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Style:American Adjunct Lager
Container:12 oz. brown glass bottles w/ screw-off caps
Purchased:Keg N Kork, Chetek, Wisconsin
Price:$5.99 per 6-pack of bottles
Alcohol:4.66% ABV ABV
Brewer's Description:The brewery’s flagship brew since 1857, Point Special is a well-balanced, full-bodied classic American-Style lager. This award-winning pilsner is highly praised for its pleasant hop aroma and smooth, hearty flavor.
Appearance:Drank from a brown bottle, so I couldn't tell.
Aroma:Smells like a typical American lager. Think Budweiser.
Taste:Tastes better than most macro-brew lagers. It's very well balanced. Can taste hops more than in something like a Bud/Miller/Coors, but it's still pretty lightly hopped.
Mouth Feel:Feel is fine, but rather unremarkable. Carbonation level is good.
Drinkability:This is a very good one. Wish I could get it at home. I may have to go get some more before we go home. Very easy to drink, and very refreshing. Highly recommended.
Score:8 / 10

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Leinenkugel's Original


Date:8/3/2009
Brewery:Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
Beer:Leinenkugel's Original
Origin:Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Style:American Adjunct Lager
Container:12 oz. can
Purchased:Keg & Cork, Chetek, Wisconsin
Price:$0 per 12-pack of cans
Alcohol: ABV
Brewer's Description:Jacob Leinenkugel's father brought this beer recipe from Germany when he migrated to the United States in the 1840s. We still brew this Great American Beer Festival winner of three medals - two Bronze in 1988 for the American Premium Pilsner and American Style Premium Lager categories, Gold in 1987 for the American Light Lager category - using a blend of three Pale malts and Chuster hops to give it the crisp, distinctive, smooth taste of a true German-style lager. That's the reason, after 140 years of brewing in Chippewa Falls, it's still so popular today!
Appearance:Tough to tell, since I drank it out of a can, but from pictures I found on flickr, it looks light golden in color.
Aroma:Smells about like a Budweiser or something similar. Maybe a little more hops. Not the same as a Point Special Lager, but not too far off.
Taste:Tastes hoppier than a Bud Light. Hops are more prevelant in this one than in most of the large-scale American lagers. I'd say this one is better than most of those, but it's still not great. The Point Special Lager I had on the same day was much better. I think it's just a better balance than this Lienie's.
Mouth Feel:Feel is fine and unremarkable.
Drinkability:This one is pretty good for what it is. For the price, it's tough to beat. At least in my experience, that's true.
Score:6 / 10

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Anchor Porter


Date:11/18/2007
Brewery:Anchor Brewing Co.
Beer:Anchor Porter
Origin:San Francisco, California
Style:American Porter
Container:12 oz. Brown Glass Bottle
Purchased:Kegs & Barrels, Plano, Texas
Price:$8.99 per 6-pack
Alcohol:5.60% ABV ABV
Brewer's Description:San Francisco's famous Anchor Porter brand is made in one of the smallest and most traditional breweries in the world by the brewers of Anchor Steam beer. Our old-fashioned porter is virtually handmade, with an exceptional respect for the ancient art of brewing. We use 100% malted barley, generous amounts of fresh, whole hops, entirely natural carbonation and a simple, natural brewing process which is like no other in the world. The deep black color, the thick, creamy head and the intensely rich flavor of Anchor Porter, made in San Francisco since 1974, have earned this delicious and unique brew a worldwide reputation for outstanding quality. It is aesthetically pleasing and wholly superior in every respect.
Appearance:Very dark brown in color. Head is dark tan. Poured a nice head. Retention was short. Too dark to see any bubbles.
Aroma:Heavy malt smell - very coffee-like.
Taste:The heavy malt smell carries over to the taste. Can definitely taste a coffee likeness.
Mouth Feel:It has a good feel and carbonation level. It’s thicker (more viscous) than something like an Anchor Liberty or Steam.
Drinkability:This one is pretty decent, but I prefer an Anchor Bock or London Porter.
Score:6 / 10

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Shiner 97 Bohemian Black Lager


Date:11/16/2007
Brewery:Spoetzl Brewery
Beer:Shiner Bohemian Black Lager - Shiner 97
Origin:Shiner, TX
Style:Schwarzbier
Container:12 oz. brown glass bottle, screw cap
Purchased:Kegs & Barrels, Plano, TX
Price:$6.99 per 6-pack
Alcohol:4.9% ABV ABV
Brewer's Description:Don't be afraid of the dark. Here in Shiner, Texas (Pop. 2,070), we've been handcrafting beer since 1909. The passion of our original brewmaster, Kosmos Spoetzl, continues to inspire our efforts today. First brewed to commemorate our 97th anniversary, this Bohemian black lager remains true to the old-world heritage of the German and Czech immigrants who settled Shiner. Imported Czech Saaz and Styrian hops, and select roasted malts make this "Schwarzbier" our darkest brew yet. PROSIT!

This rare and delicious style of beer is referred to in Germany as a "Schwarzbier", or black beer. This handcrafted Bohemian black beauty is brewed with select roasted malts and imported hops.

Appearance:Very dark brown in color. Can barely see a light through it when held up to a light source. Poured moderate head but did not retain it very long. Too dark to see bubbles. Similar in appearance to a porter or an Anchor Bock.
Aroma:Can smell some spice. Not much else, but I am getting a cold so my nose isn't at its best.
Taste:Has both a sweet and spice note. More taste after its swallowed.
Mouth Feel:Has a good feel. Not as thick/viscous as a porter. Carbonation level is good.
Drinkability:This is a good beer. I like it more now than when I tried my first bottle of it. It grows on you.
Score:6 / 10

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Victory Prima Pils


Date:10/31/2007
Brewery:Victory Brewing Co.
Beer:Prima Pils
Origin:Downingtown, PA
Style:Pilsner
Container:12 oz. brown glass bottle
Purchased:Kegs & Barrels, Plano, TX
Price:$ per 6-pack
Alcohol:5.3% ABV ABV
Brewer's Description:Prima! An exclamation of joy. A recognition of accomplishment. Though it's spoken in German, it's felt in all languages. It's what escaped from our lips as we sampled the first brew of this mighty pilsner beer. Though we'd been through a few in our years with other breweries, finally, with whole flower european hops and fine German malts we had achieved what we'd sought for so long. Prima… An exclamation of victory! Prost!

"A refined pilsner beer for natural enjoyment."

Appearance:Light, golden yellow. Poured a nice head, but retained only a short time. Random bubbles rise slowly.
Aroma:Smells pretty good. Like a typical light-colored beer. Maybe a little yeast smell. A little like bread, but not nearly as pronounced as in a Pyramid Curve Ball Kolsch.
Taste:A little bitter for me. That's kind of what I thought of the Urquell that I had, which may have been skunked. This does not taste skunky at all. It's getting better as I drink it.
Mouth Feel:Has a good feel. Nice carbonation level that's just a bit higher than perfect.
Drinkability:Not bad, but not my favorite. I guess I like them sweeter than this.
Score:5 / 10

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Anchor Bock Beer


Date:9/16/2007
Brewery:Anchor Brewing Co.
Beer:Anchor Bock Beer
Origin:San Francisco, CA
Style:Bock
Container:12oz. Brown glass bottle
Purchased:Kegs & Barrels, Plano, TX
Price:$8.99 per 6-pack
Alcohol:5.50% ABV
Brewer's Description:

Anchor Bock Beer, released in celebration of the coming of spring, is an ancient and mysterious part of the brewing tradition. Over time, the term "bock" has come to mean a beer darker and stronger than the brewery's "regular" brew. We hope you will find Anchor Bock to be a rich and flavorful addition to our other offerings.

San Francisco's Anchor Bock Beer is virtually handmade by the brewers of Anchor Steam® Beer, in one of the most traditional small breweries in the world. It is brewed from a complex blend of the finest barley malts, wheat malts, and fresh, whole hops.

Appearance:Dark brown. A little lighter than the London Porter, but not by much. Poured a large head. Retained for a short time. No visible bubbles rising. Head was tan-colored.
Aroma:Smells rich, like the porter did. Pick up a bit of coffee scent.
Taste:Similar in taste to porter as well. Rich taste for beer. Probably a little milder than porter.
Mouth Feel:Nice amount of carbonation. Not quite as thick as the porter.
Drinkability:This is pretty good. I like the fact that it's milder than porter, but still quite similar. This is probably a good beer to drink to get into dark brews if you're not used to them.
Score:7 / 10

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