Highly Hopped Brewings

The wet rainy days of late April have become a nice sunny day; a great time to drink some hoppy brew. I will be tasting 2 domestic examples both previously sampled by me and my fellow enthusiasts. Let's get started:
Magic Hat Roxy Rolles: Color-Dark amber; orange tint Nose-Hoppy First taste-Strong hoppiness Observations-Full mouth Fizziness-Frothy head; active bubbles Where Brewed? South Burlington, Vt. Cost-$1.16 per 12 ozs. Style-Amber ale Aftertaste-I'll remember this!!! Rating-8
Red Hook LongHammer IPA: Color-Golden Nose-Aromatic First taste-Nice tangy taste Observations-Interesting weird feel Fizziness-Light head; some bubbles Where Brewed? Portsmouth, NH Cost-$1.16 per 12 ozs. Style-India Pale Ale Alc#-6.5% Aftertaste-Good finish; strange taste Rating-7.25
FINAL THOUGHT-Roxy Rolles a Hopped Dream; LongHammer good!!!
Signed-Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Lager Lunacy

As Audrey and I watch The Big Lebowski on Fuse, it is an excellent time to throw down a few Lagers and evaluate them. Here we go!!
Red Tail Lager: Color-Amber golden Nose-Fragrant First taste-Distinct Observations-Nice flavor Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles Where Brewed? Saratoga Springs, NY Cost-$1.00 per 12 ozs. Saying-The Legend Grows Aftertaste-Some remains Rating-7
Saranac Adirondack Lager: Color-Amber; orange tint Nose-Floral First taste-Strong Observations-Intense Fizziness-Slight head; active bubbles Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-$1.05 per 12 ozs. Saying-The Spirit of the Adirondacks Aftertaste-Not positive Rating-6.25
FINAL THOUGHT-Red Tail Consistent; Saranac alright!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Musings!!!

As Audrey and I were out yesterday walking along 5th Ave. in B'klyn we passed the Gate. It is a local bar that seems to do various beer events on Wednesday evenings. Generally a beer company will bring some of its' offerings on tap to this facility with representatives to talk about their products. By being spoiled by "free" Guinness events i have steered clear of these pay as you drink sessions. Smuttynose will be there on the 30th of April; i haven't decided yet if the BeerBaron will attend. I know it's during the week; that can be a consideration for working people. Audrey and I will be attending a beer/cheese pairing fundraiser(05/09) for one of the talent depts. at MS 51 for $40 each. Last years was just $30 but costs are always going up; the people at Bierkraft provide the commentary and answer queries? I've also mentioned in other emails a Brooklyn Brewing 5 course beer meal with brewmaster Garrett Oliver in Rego Park, Queens for $ 60 on Tuesday May 13th. Any interest in these things or anything else on your minds?

Sincerely,

Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Post Theater Tasting

Following attending the B'way play November, I am home watching the latest installment of Top Chef-Chicago on TV. This allows me the chance to rate a 24 oz. bottle of a Sierra Nevada brew. Let's get started:
Sierra Nevada HARVEST Fresh Hop Ale: Color-Dark amber Nose-Truly hoppy First taste-Strong taste of hops Observations-Hops full mouth Where Brewed? Chico, California Alc.#-6.7% Fizziness-Frothy thick head; very active bubbles Aftertaste-Taste remains Rating-7.5
FINAL THOUGHT-Not grapefruity as IPA's go, but has HOPPINESS

Reasonable Priced Beer

I haven't done a tasting in over a week; now so I'm primed for suds. I purchased the Steel Reserve in Publix in W.Palm Beach and the Cantina at Eagle Provisions in my neighborhood. Cantina: Color-Amber golden Nose-Funky; foreign First taste-Tangy; taste leaves quickly Observations-Some taste lingers Fizziness-Rim head; lively bubbles Where brewed? San Salvador, El Salvador Cost-50 cents per 12 ozs. Container(Quirk)-Bottle (Quite similar to Corona) Aftertaste-Some; not memorable Rating-5.5
Steel Reserve: Color-Golden yellow Nose-Clean First taste-Strong; full mouth Observations-Pleasant; drinkable Fizziness-Frothy head; very active bubbles Where brewed? Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Originated in Montana) Cost-57 cents per 16 ozs. (8.1%Alc.) Container(Quirk)-16 oz. Silver(like Coors/Coors Light Silver Bullet) Aftertaste-Full mouth; Leaves distinct taste Rating-6.25
FINAL THOUGHT- Steel Reserve claims to be "high gravity"-Guess it means extra gravity makes it more smooth
BeerBaron

Pale Ale Tasteoff

As Audrey and I watch the latest episode of "Hell's Kitchen", it seems an excellent time to do a pale ale tasting. Both are fine domestic examples and this should be interesting.
Saranac: Color-Amber Nose-Hoppy First taste-Nice; full mouth Observations-Back throat Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness-Frothy; light bubbles Style-Pale ale Cost-$1.05 per 12ozs.(Fairway) Saying-"Classic English Ale" Aftertaste-Good Rating-7.25
Troegs: Color-Dark golden Nose-Ambrosia First taste-Delicious Observations-Excellent taste Where Brewed? Harrisburg, Pa. Fizziness-Frothy; active bubbles Style-Pale ale Cost-$1.40 per 12 ozs.(Food Co-op) Saying-Handcrafted by the Troegs' Brothers Aftertaste-Will always Remember Rating-8
FINAL THOUGHT-Troeg's more impressive than Saranac in Pale Ale class!!!
Mike Komaroff, BeerBaron

Post Anniversary ALE Aware Tasting

The regular crew is again together to sip and rate various India Pale Ales and their "well hopped" brethren. Let us begin:
1)Roxy Rolles (Magic Hat): Grapefruit; crispy; nice backbite; slightly bitter; taste is lasting!!! Gary-7.5 Rita-8.5 Mike-7.5 Avg.7.833
2)Celebration Ale (Sierra Nevada): Very crispy; bitter; dissipates quickly; bitterness remains; hint of grapefruit at first taste!!! Gary-7 Rita-7.75 Mike-7.25 Avg.7.333
LUNCH BREAK
We reconvene in the kitchen:
3)Stone IPA: Nice grapefruit; good flavor; bitter; taste holds up; bitter backbite under tongue;pleasant floral nose!!! Gary-8 Rita-7 Mike-7 Avg.7.333
4)Wolaver IPA: Hard, sharp, too bitter; metallic taste; Not grapefruit bitter; dandelion bitter!!! Gary-5 Rita-5 Mike-5 Avg.-5
5)Brooklyn IPA: Nice nose; Floral; slight grapefruit; bitter burnt molasses good taste; Lingers Gary-7.5 Rita-6.75 Mike-6.75 Avg.-7

European Lager Tasting

Following Audrey's b-day and our anniversary (26) celebration, the coming of spring weather makes me want to wet my whistle. My evaluations of Russian beer has always led below expectations. Today I'll compare another Baltika Brewery product with Zywiec from Poland. Let's get at it!!!
BALTIKA AOH: Nose-Strong of Hops Color-Dark Golden First taste-Quick taste; fast fade Observations-Okay but not distinctive Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles Where Brewed? Baltika, Russia Alc.% by vol.-4.5% Style-Lager Cost-99 cents per 16.9 ozs. Saying-Refreshing malt flavor; Enjoyable hop aroma Aftertaste-Some Rating-5
Zywiec: Nose-Sweet Color-Yellow golden First taste-Full mouth Observations-Nice flavor Fizziness-Slight head; light bubbles Where brewed? Zywiec, Poland Alc. % by vol.-5.6% Style-Lager Cost-$1.19 per 16.9 ozs. Saying-Polish Prized Original Beer Aftertaste-Lasting Rating-7.25
FINAL THOUGHT-Zywiec much better; AOH average.
Signed: Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

IPA Type Tasteoff

With Audrey's birthday (57) coming tomorrow and our anniversary (26) being on Thursday, I probably won't do any more tastings until the weekend. Here it is today with hoppiness being a factor in evaluating ales.
Brooklyn IPA: Color-Golden Amber Nose-Hoppy First taste-Strong/harsh Observations-Taste remains Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness-Mild head; carbonation Cost-$1.16 per 12 ozs. Type-India Pale Ale Saying-English malt and hops Aftertaste-Fading Rating-6.75
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale: Color-Reddish amber Nose-Stronger; of hops First taste-Smoother; of hops Observations-Full mouth; balanced Where Brewed?Chico, Cal. Fizziness-Frothy head; active bubbles Cost-$1.29 per 12 ozs. Type-Winter seasonal ale Saying-Special Brewer's Traditional Ale Aftertaste-Very much there Rating-8
FINAL THOUGHT-Both products 6.8% alc.; Sierra Celebration better!!!
Signed: Mike Komaroff Beer Baron

Hoppy Amber Ales

My recent love has become India Pale Ales and other strongly hopped brews. Today I will compare two domestic hoppy amber ales. Let the intensity level determine the winner!!!
Magic Hat Roxy Rolles: Color-Dark amber; orange tint Nose-Of hops First taste-Strong hoppy taste full mouth Observation-Intensity lasts Fizziness-Slight head; carbonation Where Brewed? South Burlington, Vt. Type-Amber Ale Cost-$1.16 per 12 ozs. Saying-Into the Secret Brew-Share in the Company of Good Spirits Aftertaste-Hoppiness keeps coming Rating-7.75
Troeg's Hop Back Amber Ale: Color-Dark amber; red hue Nose-Of hops First taste-Strong hoppy taste Observations-Upper palate; new fade Fizziness-Frothy head;Carbonation Where Brewed? Harrisburg, Pa. Type-Amber Ale Cost-$1.40 per 12 ozs. Saying-Hand Crafted by the Troeg's Brothers Rating-7.5
Final Thought-Almost "carbon like" copies; Magic Hat product more intense.
Signed-Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Very Cheap Brewings

With my taxes all sent in and accepted the pressure of Tax Day has been removed. My specialty has always been trying to locate "decent" beers at amazingly "cheap" prices. Or do we get what we pay for? This tasting will try to prove the either/or theorem correct or incorrect?
Old Harbour Select: Color-Cloudy yellow Nose-No discernible smell First taste-Slight taste; fades Observations-Not pleasurable Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness-Mild head; active bubbles Type-Pilsner lager Cost-50 cents per 12 ozs. Saying-MJM Brewing Co. Aftertaste-Slight Rating-4
Pabst Blue Ribbon: Color-Clear yellow Nose-Clean First taste-Smoother; taste fades Observations-Taste not lasting Where Brewed? Milwaukee, Wis. Fizziness-Rim head; few steady bubbles Type-Lager Cost-61 1/2 cents per 12 ozs. Saying-Selected America's best 1893 Aftertaste-Slight Rating-4.5
Steel Reserve: Color-Golden Nose-Funky First Taste-Strong Observations-Taste remains; can detect high alcohol level Where brewed? Milwaukee, Wis. Fizziness-Spongy head; active bubbles Type-High Gravity Lager Cost-62 1/2 cents per 16 ozs. Saying-Slow brewed Aftertaste-Remains full mouth Rating-5.75
FINAL THOUGHTS-First 2 entries not good; Steel Reserve surprises
Signed-Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Dark Ales Still Alright!!!

Spring sprung today with temps. in the middle 70's in the Big Apple. Parched throats yearn for some of those darker colored bolder ales to do their thing. Tonight, an ethnic newcomer home based in SF, California but brewed in upstate NY will take on Guinness' ale of renown. On we go!!!
He'Brew "Messian Bold" Ale: Color-Dark Brown Nose-Fruity First taste-Full mouth;intense Observations-Complex taste; lingers Fizziness-Medium head; active carbonation Where Brewed? Schmaltz Brewing in Saratoga Springs, NY Cost-Gift Type-Dark Brown Ale Saying-He'Brew The Chosen Beer Aftertaste-Some; positive staying power Rating-7.5
Smithwick's: Color-Amber; orange tint Nose-Caramel First taste-Bitterness Observations-Does not hold balance Fizziness-Frothy head; light carbonation Where Brewed? Guinness Brewing of Dublin, Ireland Cost-$1.33 per 12 ozs. Type-Irish Ale Saying- Brewery in Operation Since 1710 Aftertaste-Slight; not lasting Rating-6.25
AFTER THOUGHT-He'Brew surprises; Smithwick's better on tap!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

More Dark Beers

Here we are in early April with daytime temps. starting to reach their typical averages; before we know it summer will be here and the sands of Rockaway await me!!! My throat needs some quenching; bring on a Central American entry against a domestic king of the beer stable.
Moza (Cerveza Oscura): Color-Dark brown Nose-Funky; of ginger First taste-Quick taste; fast fade Observations-Can't hold taste in Fizziness-Light head to rim; Lack of bubbles Where Brewed? Guatamala 5% alc. Cost-Gift Type-Bock Aftertaste-Not much if any Rating-4.5
Saranac Chocolate Lager: Color-Brown; reddish hue Nose-Chocolate First taste-Nice smooth first feel Observations-Full taste; quite good Fizziness-Light head; some carbonation Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-96 cents per 12 ozs. Type-Dark lager Aftertaste-Great remembrance Rating-7.5
FINAL THOUGHT-Moza purchased over Thanksgiving '07 near end of duration; Saranac very good
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Brooklyn Pilsner

It's the early afternoon on Monday and I'm having my lunch. My beverage of choice is beer, so I might as well rate it as I drink it.
Brooklyn Pilsner: Color-Golden yellow Nose-Flowery fragrant First taste-Full mouth Observations-Pleasant taste Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness-Light frothy head; active bubbles Container-12oz. bottle Type-Domestic Pilsner Cost-Gift Aftertaste-On Palate Rating-7
FINAL THOUGHT- A very good example of an American brewed Pilsner
BeerBaron

Tax Time Beer Tasting

It's almost the tax deadline in the good 'ol USA; could there be a better time to quaff and evaluate two lager beers? One has a reputation from the early brewing days in the Midwest; the other is a recent brew from a micro brewer. Will the old school hold up against the upstart? Pabst Blue Ribbon: Color-Yellow gold Nose-Clean First taste-Tangy Observations-Very light; not much there Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles Where Brewed? Milwaukee, Wisconsin Saying-Selected As America's Best in 1895 Container-12 oz. bottle Type-Lager Cost-61.5 cents Aftertaste-None Rating-5
Red Tail Lager: Color-Amber Nose-Of oranges First taste-Full flavored Observations-Lasting taste Fizziness-Medium head; light carbonation Where Brewed? Saratoga Springs, NY Saying-The Legend Grows Container-12 oz. bottle Type-Lager Cost-$1 each Aftertaste-Lingers (Quite good) Rating-7.25
FINAL THOUGHT-Present Pabst Very Average; Red Tail Surprises!!! Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Saranac Darks

There is still a chill in the air here in the Big Apple even as we usher in April tomorrow. Tonight, I will taste two products from the Saranac line of fine "beers". Here goes:
Saranac Chocolate Amber Lager: Color-Brown; orange tint Nose-Of chocolate First taste-Smooth; full mouth Observations-Taste at first; fades Fizziness-Thick foamy(frothy) Where brewed? Utica, NY Container-12oz. bottle Type-Dark lager Ingredients-Roasted malt Aftertaste-Some; goes away Rating-6.5
Saranac Oatmeal Stout: Color-Black; yellow hue Nose-Clean First taste-Strong on palate Observations-Taste is lasting Fizziness-1/4 inch foam head Where brewed? Utica, NY Container-12 oz. bottle Type-Stout Ingredients-Midwestern brown oats; Seven hand selected hops Aftertaste-Rambunctious!!! Rating-7.5
FINAL THOUGHTS-Stout a Pleaser~~~Mike Komaroff (BeerBaron)