Wynkoop Brewing Company

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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George Killian's Irish Red

Date:	10/10/2007
Brewery:	Coors Brewing Company
Beer:	George Killian's Irish Red
Origin:	Golden, CO
Style:	Euro Dark Lager
Container:	12oz. Brown glass bottle, twist-off cap
Purchased:	Tom Thumb, Rowlett, TX
Price:	$0 per 6-pack
Alcohol:	4.90% ABV
Brewer's Description:	In the tradition of George Killian Lett, Enniscorthy, Ireland. Manufactured under license from Brasseries Pelforth, S.A. The first Killian's recipe dates back to 1864 when George Killian's great-grandfather brewed the amber liquid in Enniscorthy, Ireland. From Website: Killian's Irish Red is a traditional lager with an authentic Irish heritage, based on the Killian family's recipe created for the Killian's brewery in Enniscorthy, Ireland in 1864. Coors acquired the rights to brew and market the product in America and Killian's was introduced to the U.S. in 1981. Killian's Irish Red derives its distinctive red-amber color and taste from a special caramel malt that has been roasted at a high temperature longer and more slowly than most malts. There are no coloring agents or artificial additives used in brewing Killian's. The brew is known for its rich amber color and thick, creamy head. Killian's is available nationally in bottles, cans and kegs. A 12-ounce serving of Killian's has 163 calories and 4.9 percent alcohol by volume.
Appearance:	Medium-dark amber in color. Small, random bubbles rise. Poured a nice head but did not retain it for long at all.
Aroma:	I think I can smell some hops. Other than that, nothing very specific.
Taste:	There is a nutty taste. It's very detectable in the aftertaste. Seems pretty sweet. Not very bitter.
Mouth Feel:	Pretty good feel. Carbonation level is good - maybe a touch high.
Drinkability:	Pretty drinkable, although not as good as I remember. That's probably due to all of my new exposure to good beer. There are other ambers I would order if available. Left me craving something salty afterwards.
Score:	5 / 10

Other links:

• George Killian's Irish Red scored a C+ on
• George Killian's Irish Red scored 2.71 on

Sunshine Wheat

Date:	8/23/2007
Brewery:	New Belgium Brewing
Beer:	Sunshine Wheat
Origin:	Ft. Collins, CO
Style:	Wheat
Container:	12oz. Brown glass bottle, normal cap
Purchased:	SuperTarget, Rowlett, TX
Price:	$0 per 6-pack
Alcohol:	4.8% ABV
Brewer's Description:	Sunshine wheat beer is brewed for year-round enjoyment, using equal portions of wheat and barley malts. It is spiced with coriander and orange peel in the Belgian wheat beer tradition. Sunshine wheat is silky gold in color with a spicy aroma and a subtle citrus character.
Appearance:	Golden yellow, not cloudy, one quick bubble trail with a few slower random bubbles. No real head retention.
Aroma:	Smells somewhat sweet and somewhat "biscuity." Can barely pick up a hint of citrus.
Taste:	Doesn't taste real sweet, but as far as beer goes, I can understand how it could be viewed that way. Aftertaste yields a hint of citrus.
Mouth Feel:	Not real smooth. Maybe a bit over-carbonated. Can definitely feel a bite from carbonation when held in mouth.
Drinkability:	Pretty easy to drink. Not my favorite wheat beer, but not the worst. I think I've had enough, though. Probably won't get it again. A little sour for my taste.
Score:	3 / 10

Other links:

• Sunshine Wheat scored 81 on
• Sunshine Wheat scored 3.14 on