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.
Monday, May 17, 2010
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.
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