Brewery: Perła Browary Lubelskie S.A.
Location: Lublin, Poland
Style: Pilsner
Brewery Website
Rating: B
Today's beer tasting is the Perła Chmielowa (aka Hop Pearl). The Perła Chmielowa is deep gold in color with a touch of amber. It pours with a 2-finger, white foamy head. The nose is on the light side, with notes of wheaty malt, citrus and white wine.
On the palate, the Perła Chmielowa has a wheaty malt character. There are notes of dry white wine along with a faint hop bitterness. The hops bring flavors of pine and herbs. The initial flavor fades quickly leaving a finish with faint hops notes. The Perła Chmielowa has an easy drinking, light-to-medium body that is crisp and slightly fizzy.
The Perła Chmielowa is on the dry side with a fair amount of hops for a light European lager. This is a refreshing (and tasty) change of pace that I recommend to fans of the typical green-bottle fare.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Break out the kielbasa and fire up the grill...
... because it's Polish beer week at Critical Tastings! The summer grilling season is here, and nothing pairs better with Polish sausage than Polish beer. We have 5 days of beer tastings coming up to help you pick which beer to serve at your next cookout. Na zdrowie!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA
Brewery: Weyerbacher
Location: Easton, PA
Style: IPA
Brewery Website
Rating: B-
Today's tasting is a Double IPA from Weyerbacher. Weyerbacher brews this IPA using Simcoe hops, which is a fairly new variety first bred in 2000. Simcoe is most commonly used as a bittering hop, but has the potential for some complex aromatic properties.
The Simcoe Double IPA is a hazy dark amber-brown. The head pours thick with a short cascading effect, leaving a 3-finger thick light tan head. The nose has citrus, sweet cereal, and an aroma reminiscent of a juicy white wine (such as a Riesling).
On the palate, the bitter hops make themselves known right away. There are sweet notes of caramel, along with some wine flavors. There are some floral and herbal hops notes present, but for the most part this beer is dominated by a resinous, oily, bitter hop character. The finish has more lingering hop resin. The Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA has a fairly heavy body, which holds up well to the powerful bitter hop note.
As much as I like bitter, hoppy beer, I think the Double Simcoe overdoes it a bit. The bitterness just seems to overpower a lot of the other flavors here. It's a good IPA for bitter hop fans, but this wouldn't be an everyday beer for me.
Location: Easton, PA
Style: IPA
Brewery Website
Rating: B-
Today's tasting is a Double IPA from Weyerbacher. Weyerbacher brews this IPA using Simcoe hops, which is a fairly new variety first bred in 2000. Simcoe is most commonly used as a bittering hop, but has the potential for some complex aromatic properties.
The Simcoe Double IPA is a hazy dark amber-brown. The head pours thick with a short cascading effect, leaving a 3-finger thick light tan head. The nose has citrus, sweet cereal, and an aroma reminiscent of a juicy white wine (such as a Riesling).
On the palate, the bitter hops make themselves known right away. There are sweet notes of caramel, along with some wine flavors. There are some floral and herbal hops notes present, but for the most part this beer is dominated by a resinous, oily, bitter hop character. The finish has more lingering hop resin. The Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA has a fairly heavy body, which holds up well to the powerful bitter hop note.
As much as I like bitter, hoppy beer, I think the Double Simcoe overdoes it a bit. The bitterness just seems to overpower a lot of the other flavors here. It's a good IPA for bitter hop fans, but this wouldn't be an everyday beer for me.
Smuttynose IPA
Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing Co.
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Style: IPA
Brewery Website
Rating: B+
Up for review today is the Smuttynose IPA. The Smuttynose IPA is golden with a faint reddish tint and a slight haze. The head is bubbly and off-white in color. The nose has pine and fruity hops up front along with wheaty malt notes and some earth.
On the palate, the Smuttynose IPA leads with a bitter hop note. Also notable is a wheaty malt note. The hops component has pine, herbal and grapefruit notes along with a resinous hop character. There is also some woody and earthy flavors. The finish has lingering bitter hops with an espresso-like bite. The Smuttynose IPA has a medium body that is well matched to its flavor profile.
The Smuttynose IPA is a good one for the bitter hops fans. There is a nice diversity to the hops flavor profile along with a solid malt backbone that holds everything in balance. This is quite well rounded for a beer with such a bitter kick.
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Style: IPA
Brewery Website
Rating: B+
Up for review today is the Smuttynose IPA. The Smuttynose IPA is golden with a faint reddish tint and a slight haze. The head is bubbly and off-white in color. The nose has pine and fruity hops up front along with wheaty malt notes and some earth.
On the palate, the Smuttynose IPA leads with a bitter hop note. Also notable is a wheaty malt note. The hops component has pine, herbal and grapefruit notes along with a resinous hop character. There is also some woody and earthy flavors. The finish has lingering bitter hops with an espresso-like bite. The Smuttynose IPA has a medium body that is well matched to its flavor profile.
The Smuttynose IPA is a good one for the bitter hops fans. There is a nice diversity to the hops flavor profile along with a solid malt backbone that holds everything in balance. This is quite well rounded for a beer with such a bitter kick.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Thirsty Dog Hoppus Maximus
Brewery: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.
Location: Akron, OH
Style: Amber
Brewery Website
Rating: B+
Today's beer tasting is the Hoppus Maximus from Thirsty Dog. The Hoppus Maximus is copper colored with a few fine bubbles that rise in the glass. The head is rather short, off-white in color, and bubbly. The nose seemed a bit on the faint side, with citrus and herbal hops notes as well as an earthy grain malt note.
On the palate, the Hoppus Maximus has a bitter hop bite along with some wheaty malt notes up front. There are supporting notes of salt, earth and mineral water, but the bitter hops really run the show here along with a touch of pine. The finish has the bitter hops continue on along with a pretzel-like malt note. The Hoppus Maximus is medium-bodied with some tannin-like astringency.
The Hoppus Maximus is another solid showing from Thirsty Dog. This a highly-hopped amber, and at only 5% ABV is a worthy session beer for hopheads, especially if you like a bitter beer that bites back. Well worth checking out if this is your kind of beer.
Location: Akron, OH
Style: Amber
Brewery Website
Rating: B+
Today's beer tasting is the Hoppus Maximus from Thirsty Dog. The Hoppus Maximus is copper colored with a few fine bubbles that rise in the glass. The head is rather short, off-white in color, and bubbly. The nose seemed a bit on the faint side, with citrus and herbal hops notes as well as an earthy grain malt note.
On the palate, the Hoppus Maximus has a bitter hop bite along with some wheaty malt notes up front. There are supporting notes of salt, earth and mineral water, but the bitter hops really run the show here along with a touch of pine. The finish has the bitter hops continue on along with a pretzel-like malt note. The Hoppus Maximus is medium-bodied with some tannin-like astringency.
The Hoppus Maximus is another solid showing from Thirsty Dog. This a highly-hopped amber, and at only 5% ABV is a worthy session beer for hopheads, especially if you like a bitter beer that bites back. Well worth checking out if this is your kind of beer.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian Style India Pale Ale
Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery
Location: Frederick, MD
Style: IPA
Brewery Website
Rating: A-
The Cascade hop variety was developed in Oregon in 1972 by the USDA breeding program. It is one of the quintessential American hop varieties. Along with the Columbus and Centennial varieties (commonly referred to as the "Three C's"), Cascade hops are known for their distinct citrus aroma. The Cascade hop in particular is noted for a very distinct grapefruit aroma.
Why do I mention the Cascade hop here? Because the Flying Dog Raging Bitch is loaded with them. It's interesting that Flying Dog uses a hop that is so distinctly American in a beer that they label a Belgian Style IPA.
The Flying Dog Raging Bitch IPA is reddish-amber color with a touch of gold. It pours a 2-finger thick, light gold, foamy head that leaves a trail of lace down the glass. The nose is dominated by hops. There are notes of pine and lemon and a huge Cascade aroma of fresh grapefruit.
On the palate, the Raging Bitch has fruity, grapefruit hops up front over a background of sweet cereal malt. The hops bitterness starts on the mild side and then builds to a moderate level. The finish has bitter grapefruit over slightly sweet cereal malt notes. The Raging Bitch has a crisp, medium body that holds up well to the assertive hops fruitiness of this IPA.
The Raging Bitch is an interesting IPA. Its flavor is dominated by the fruity Cascade hops, with bitter and malty notes as bit players in complimentary roles. The grapefruit notes in both aroma and flavor are truly distinct here. If you enjoy grapefruit and/or Cascade hops (as I do), then you will love this beer.
Location: Frederick, MD
Style: IPA
Brewery Website
Rating: A-
The Cascade hop variety was developed in Oregon in 1972 by the USDA breeding program. It is one of the quintessential American hop varieties. Along with the Columbus and Centennial varieties (commonly referred to as the "Three C's"), Cascade hops are known for their distinct citrus aroma. The Cascade hop in particular is noted for a very distinct grapefruit aroma.
Why do I mention the Cascade hop here? Because the Flying Dog Raging Bitch is loaded with them. It's interesting that Flying Dog uses a hop that is so distinctly American in a beer that they label a Belgian Style IPA.
The Flying Dog Raging Bitch IPA is reddish-amber color with a touch of gold. It pours a 2-finger thick, light gold, foamy head that leaves a trail of lace down the glass. The nose is dominated by hops. There are notes of pine and lemon and a huge Cascade aroma of fresh grapefruit.
On the palate, the Raging Bitch has fruity, grapefruit hops up front over a background of sweet cereal malt. The hops bitterness starts on the mild side and then builds to a moderate level. The finish has bitter grapefruit over slightly sweet cereal malt notes. The Raging Bitch has a crisp, medium body that holds up well to the assertive hops fruitiness of this IPA.
The Raging Bitch is an interesting IPA. Its flavor is dominated by the fruity Cascade hops, with bitter and malty notes as bit players in complimentary roles. The grapefruit notes in both aroma and flavor are truly distinct here. If you enjoy grapefruit and/or Cascade hops (as I do), then you will love this beer.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Unibroue Quelque Chose
Brewery: Unibroue
Location: Chambly, Quebec
Style: Fruit Ale
Vintage: 2006
Brewery Website
Rating: A+
The phrase "quelque chose" is french for "something", and this beer sure is something. As loyal readers are aware, Unibroue is a brewery from Quebec that makes some top-of-the-line Belgian-style beers. The Quelque Chose is closest to a Belgian Kriek-style ale, and it is about as good as it gets for fruit ales. I had the pleasure of trying a bottle from the 2006 vintage last night (best before date is 7-17-2011). Here are my tasting notes.
The Quelque Chose has the color of dark Grade-B maple syrup with a strong reddish tint. There is little head to speak of, just a few foam remnants floating on top of the glass. The nose has sweet cherries, toasted port wine, honey and vanilla.
On the palate there is a tangy sweet and sour note up front. There is a toasted winy note similar to vintage port or sherry. The sweet notes are led by honey, caramel and vanilla. The cherry flavor is stong without being overpowering, and is reminiscent of ripe Bing cherries. There is a faint bitter undertone that rounds out the flavor profile. The finish has sour cherries over toasted malt and vanilla. The Quelque Chose had a medium-to-heavy body with a slight fizzy carbonation and some tannins.
The Quelque Chose is the best fruit ale I've ever had. While this isn't a typical light, juicy fruit ale for a session on a hot summer afternoon, this is a delicious beer that is worth savoring. This beer deserves to be on your "must-buy" list. In fact, I highly suggest adding 3 or 4 of these to your must-buy list since this ages quite so well. I know I plan to cellar several of these in the very near future.
Location: Chambly, Quebec
Style: Fruit Ale
Vintage: 2006
Brewery Website
Rating: A+
The phrase "quelque chose" is french for "something", and this beer sure is something. As loyal readers are aware, Unibroue is a brewery from Quebec that makes some top-of-the-line Belgian-style beers. The Quelque Chose is closest to a Belgian Kriek-style ale, and it is about as good as it gets for fruit ales. I had the pleasure of trying a bottle from the 2006 vintage last night (best before date is 7-17-2011). Here are my tasting notes.
The Quelque Chose has the color of dark Grade-B maple syrup with a strong reddish tint. There is little head to speak of, just a few foam remnants floating on top of the glass. The nose has sweet cherries, toasted port wine, honey and vanilla.
On the palate there is a tangy sweet and sour note up front. There is a toasted winy note similar to vintage port or sherry. The sweet notes are led by honey, caramel and vanilla. The cherry flavor is stong without being overpowering, and is reminiscent of ripe Bing cherries. There is a faint bitter undertone that rounds out the flavor profile. The finish has sour cherries over toasted malt and vanilla. The Quelque Chose had a medium-to-heavy body with a slight fizzy carbonation and some tannins.
The Quelque Chose is the best fruit ale I've ever had. While this isn't a typical light, juicy fruit ale for a session on a hot summer afternoon, this is a delicious beer that is worth savoring. This beer deserves to be on your "must-buy" list. In fact, I highly suggest adding 3 or 4 of these to your must-buy list since this ages quite so well. I know I plan to cellar several of these in the very near future.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Saranac Pale Ale
Brewery: Matt Brewing Company
Location: Utica, NY
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: A-
Up for review today is Saranac's Pale Ale. The Saranac Pale Ale is a deep copper color with a light tan, bubbly head. The nose has a malt note that is very charicteristic of a British-style Pale Ale. There are also both herbal and fruity hops aromas.
On the palate the Saranac Pale Ale has a bready malt note. There is a moderate acidity that highlights cherry and plum fruit notes from the hops. There is also a mild bitter hops note on the tail end. Mineral and nutty flavors are also present. The finish has wheat bread along with a tart fruit acidity. The Saranac Pale Ale has a smooth, medium body with a touch of juiciness.
The Saranac Pale Ale is a tasty British-style pale ale that is smooth drinking with a nice hint of acidity. To me, this tastes like a fuller-flavored take on the Bass Ale style. This is really worth a try if you're a Bass/Belhaven fan.
Location: Utica, NY
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: A-
Up for review today is Saranac's Pale Ale. The Saranac Pale Ale is a deep copper color with a light tan, bubbly head. The nose has a malt note that is very charicteristic of a British-style Pale Ale. There are also both herbal and fruity hops aromas.
On the palate the Saranac Pale Ale has a bready malt note. There is a moderate acidity that highlights cherry and plum fruit notes from the hops. There is also a mild bitter hops note on the tail end. Mineral and nutty flavors are also present. The finish has wheat bread along with a tart fruit acidity. The Saranac Pale Ale has a smooth, medium body with a touch of juiciness.
The Saranac Pale Ale is a tasty British-style pale ale that is smooth drinking with a nice hint of acidity. To me, this tastes like a fuller-flavored take on the Bass Ale style. This is really worth a try if you're a Bass/Belhaven fan.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Blue Hills Xtra Pale Ale
Brewery: Blue Hills Brewery
Location: Canton, MA
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: B
I happened upon the Blue Hills Xtra Pale Ale when I stopped by Not Your Average Joe's in Randolph, MA for lunch recently. I was pleased to find a few local beers on the menu. My Xtra Pale Ale was served in a pint glass with a short white head. It is golden yellow in color. The nose has a light wheat aroma with some citrus.
The Blue Hills Xtra Pale Ale has a crisp wheaty malt flavor with a short kick of hop bitterness. There are notes of pine and lemonade. There is a bit of sweetness with blueberry and blackberry notes. The finish has wheaty malt with a bit of a hoppy bite. The Blue Hills Xtra Pale Ale has a fairly light body with a refreshing light fizz.
The Blue Hills Xtra Pale Ale is definitely geared towards fans of lighter beers. It still has some nice flavor and is well suited to a night-long brewpub session at only 5.25% ABV. This is a nice quaffable light ale that is a good match for a hot summer day.
Location: Canton, MA
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: B
I happened upon the Blue Hills Xtra Pale Ale when I stopped by Not Your Average Joe's in Randolph, MA for lunch recently. I was pleased to find a few local beers on the menu. My Xtra Pale Ale was served in a pint glass with a short white head. It is golden yellow in color. The nose has a light wheat aroma with some citrus.
The Blue Hills Xtra Pale Ale has a crisp wheaty malt flavor with a short kick of hop bitterness. There are notes of pine and lemonade. There is a bit of sweetness with blueberry and blackberry notes. The finish has wheaty malt with a bit of a hoppy bite. The Blue Hills Xtra Pale Ale has a fairly light body with a refreshing light fizz.
The Blue Hills Xtra Pale Ale is definitely geared towards fans of lighter beers. It still has some nice flavor and is well suited to a night-long brewpub session at only 5.25% ABV. This is a nice quaffable light ale that is a good match for a hot summer day.
Samuel Adams Pale Ale
Brewery: The Boston Beer Company
Location: Boston, MA
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: B-
Up for review today is the Samuel Adams Pale Ale. The Sam Adams Pale Ale is deep gold in color. The head is short, white and bubbly. The head disappears rather quickly after pouring. The nose has aromas of toast and well-done pizza crust, along with some "Eurolager" notes.
On the palate the Sam Adams Pale Ale has bready malt up front, followed by a mild bitter hop kick on the back end. There is a touch of acidity as well as some earthiness, all over a lagery malt backbone. The finish is rather short with a bready malt note. The Samuel Adams Pale Ale has a fairly light, crisp body.
All in all, the Sam Adams Pale Ale has a little too light a flavor for my tastes. This beer tastes more like an upgraded version of the typical "mass-market" pilsner/lagers out there. Not a bad beer for a hot summer afternoon, but not in the same league as some of the better pale ales coming out of the New England area right now, such as the pale ales from Smuttynose and Long Trail.
Location: Boston, MA
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: B-
Up for review today is the Samuel Adams Pale Ale. The Sam Adams Pale Ale is deep gold in color. The head is short, white and bubbly. The head disappears rather quickly after pouring. The nose has aromas of toast and well-done pizza crust, along with some "Eurolager" notes.
On the palate the Sam Adams Pale Ale has bready malt up front, followed by a mild bitter hop kick on the back end. There is a touch of acidity as well as some earthiness, all over a lagery malt backbone. The finish is rather short with a bready malt note. The Samuel Adams Pale Ale has a fairly light, crisp body.
All in all, the Sam Adams Pale Ale has a little too light a flavor for my tastes. This beer tastes more like an upgraded version of the typical "mass-market" pilsner/lagers out there. Not a bad beer for a hot summer afternoon, but not in the same league as some of the better pale ales coming out of the New England area right now, such as the pale ales from Smuttynose and Long Trail.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale
Brewery: Stone Brewing Co.
Location: Escondido, CA
Style: Strong Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: A
Up next for review is the Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale from Stone. This is a version of their renowned Arrogant Bastard Ale that has been aged with oak chips. Oak-aged beer isn't exactly a common practice, and by using oak chips the goal is obviously to maximize oak-to-beer contact and thus oak flavor in the final product. Let's see how well this works...
The Oaked Arrogant Bastard is deep red in color with a hint of brown as well as a slight haziness. A firm pour results in a 2-finger thick, reddish-tan head head with big bubbles. There is a thick, sticky lace left behind as the head recedes. The nose picks up fresh-cut timber, citrus hops and a touch of liquid smoke.
On the palate there is an earthy malt that is balanced by a bitter hop bite. There is a piny hops note that pairs very nicely with the prominent oaky wood flavor. There is some citrus that peeks through on the hops side as well. The finish has lingering bitterness with a nice sawdust counterpoint. The Oaked Arrogant Bastard has a medium-to-full body that holds up to the big flavor here.
The Oaked Arrogant Bastard has a great flavor profile that I really enjoy. The wood flavor is prominent without being overpowering, and the Arrogant Bastard is a big enough beer to hold up to it. To me, the flavor and aroma remind me of hiking through timber country of the Great North Woods. I will definitely be bringing a sixer of this up with me during hunting season this year. The oak brings a nice earthiness that really meshes well with the hops and malt profiles of this beer. Highly recommended.
Location: Escondido, CA
Style: Strong Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: A
Up next for review is the Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale from Stone. This is a version of their renowned Arrogant Bastard Ale that has been aged with oak chips. Oak-aged beer isn't exactly a common practice, and by using oak chips the goal is obviously to maximize oak-to-beer contact and thus oak flavor in the final product. Let's see how well this works...
The Oaked Arrogant Bastard is deep red in color with a hint of brown as well as a slight haziness. A firm pour results in a 2-finger thick, reddish-tan head head with big bubbles. There is a thick, sticky lace left behind as the head recedes. The nose picks up fresh-cut timber, citrus hops and a touch of liquid smoke.
On the palate there is an earthy malt that is balanced by a bitter hop bite. There is a piny hops note that pairs very nicely with the prominent oaky wood flavor. There is some citrus that peeks through on the hops side as well. The finish has lingering bitterness with a nice sawdust counterpoint. The Oaked Arrogant Bastard has a medium-to-full body that holds up to the big flavor here.
The Oaked Arrogant Bastard has a great flavor profile that I really enjoy. The wood flavor is prominent without being overpowering, and the Arrogant Bastard is a big enough beer to hold up to it. To me, the flavor and aroma remind me of hiking through timber country of the Great North Woods. I will definitely be bringing a sixer of this up with me during hunting season this year. The oak brings a nice earthiness that really meshes well with the hops and malt profiles of this beer. Highly recommended.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Beer Works Bunker Hill Bluebeery Ale
Brewery: Beer Works
Location: Boston, MA
Style: Fruit Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: B+
Beer Works is a small chain of brewpubs in the Boston area. They have recently begun bottling some of their more popular beers. After a disappointing Red Sox game, I popped into their Fenway location and nabbed a sixer of their Bluebeery Ale. This is normally served at the brewpub with a handful of mini blueberries thrown in the glass. While they weren't the mini variety, I did have some blueberries hanging around, so in the glass they went.
The Bunker Hill Bluebeery Ale is golden yellow in color with a short, white foamy head. The nose has the aroma of fresh blueberries along with wheat and bready notes. On the palate, a wheaty, biscuit malt note predominates. A fresh blueberry flavor plays a strong supporting role to the malt. The finish has wheat bread with more blueberry supporting notes. The Bluebeery Ale has a light-to-medium body that is crisp with a bit of juicy acidity.
The Beer Works Bunker Hill Bluebeery Ale is a smooth, easy-drinking, malt-forward beer. The blueberries here play their part well without detracting from the malt. Unlike other fruit beers (and blueberry ales in particular), this isn't syrupy nor is it like drinking a soda. The Beer Works Bluebeery Ale is a blueberry ale that beer lovers can get into.
Location: Boston, MA
Style: Fruit Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: B+
Beer Works is a small chain of brewpubs in the Boston area. They have recently begun bottling some of their more popular beers. After a disappointing Red Sox game, I popped into their Fenway location and nabbed a sixer of their Bluebeery Ale. This is normally served at the brewpub with a handful of mini blueberries thrown in the glass. While they weren't the mini variety, I did have some blueberries hanging around, so in the glass they went.
The Bunker Hill Bluebeery Ale is golden yellow in color with a short, white foamy head. The nose has the aroma of fresh blueberries along with wheat and bready notes. On the palate, a wheaty, biscuit malt note predominates. A fresh blueberry flavor plays a strong supporting role to the malt. The finish has wheat bread with more blueberry supporting notes. The Bluebeery Ale has a light-to-medium body that is crisp with a bit of juicy acidity.
The Beer Works Bunker Hill Bluebeery Ale is a smooth, easy-drinking, malt-forward beer. The blueberries here play their part well without detracting from the malt. Unlike other fruit beers (and blueberry ales in particular), this isn't syrupy nor is it like drinking a soda. The Beer Works Bluebeery Ale is a blueberry ale that beer lovers can get into.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)