We're past mid-May heading toward the summer; my throat is parched and i need a few ALES to tantalize my senses. Let us begin:
Coopers Sparkling Ale (Alc.5.8%-Cloudy due to conditioning process in bottle): Color-Golden cloudy Nose-Strong of malt First taste-Full mouth; quick fade Observations-Smooth; pleasant; drinkable Where Brewed-Regency Park, Australia Cost-Gift Fizziness-Ample head; active bubbles Ingredients-Top fermentation; natural bottling conditioning Style-Sparkling Ale Aftertaste-Upbeat Rating-7.25
Saranac Scotch Ale: Color-Amber brown Nose-Medicinal First taste-Strong Observations-Not positive response Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-96 cents per 12 ozs. Fizziness-Frothy head; light carbonation Ingredients-Scottish two row malt; Roasted barley Style-Scotch Ale Aftertaste-Not wonderful Rating-6.25
FINAL THOUGHT-Aussie ale more impressive; Saranac just average!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Raspberry & Spiced Ales
A heavy cold rain has made today miserable and is more reminiscent of March than May. I went shopping with Audrey to Costco and Jetro earlier today. An afternoon ale sipping always makes me forget about the elements. Onwards to the refrigerator. POUR and BEGIN:
Otter Creek Winter Ale (Raspberry Brown): Color-Brown w/orange tinge Nose-Floral First taste-Of raspberry; smooth Observations-Taste saturated Fizziness-Light head; active bubbles Where Brewed? Middlebury, Vt. Cost-$1.16 per 12 ozs. Style-Winter Ale w/fruit Ingredients-Raspberry w/crystal and chocolate malt; light hops Aftertaste-Remember it !!! Rating-7.5
Saranac Winter Wassal: Color-Orange red Nose-Funky First taste-Back throat; interesting Observations-Smooth Fizziness-light head; slight carbonation Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-96 cents per 12 ozs. Style-Winter Ale w/spices Ingredients-English malt and fuggles hops; hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, & allspice Aftertaste-Full mouth Rating-6.75
FINAL THOUGHT-"Costco Update" Brooklyn Lager price increase from $21.49 to $24.99 per case; Yeungling Lager a steal at $15.49 per case!!! Beer prices are rising across the board!!! Stock up if you have room!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
Otter Creek Winter Ale (Raspberry Brown): Color-Brown w/orange tinge Nose-Floral First taste-Of raspberry; smooth Observations-Taste saturated Fizziness-Light head; active bubbles Where Brewed? Middlebury, Vt. Cost-$1.16 per 12 ozs. Style-Winter Ale w/fruit Ingredients-Raspberry w/crystal and chocolate malt; light hops Aftertaste-Remember it !!! Rating-7.5
Saranac Winter Wassal: Color-Orange red Nose-Funky First taste-Back throat; interesting Observations-Smooth Fizziness-light head; slight carbonation Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-96 cents per 12 ozs. Style-Winter Ale w/spices Ingredients-English malt and fuggles hops; hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, & allspice Aftertaste-Full mouth Rating-6.75
FINAL THOUGHT-"Costco Update" Brooklyn Lager price increase from $21.49 to $24.99 per case; Yeungling Lager a steal at $15.49 per case!!! Beer prices are rising across the board!!! Stock up if you have room!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
American Ale Assault
A trip to Breezy Point, Rockaway to pay the remainder to Silver Gull Beach for our summers' activities this morning followed by a mid-afternoon ale quaffing. Today I will sample two domestic ale examples. On we go:
Saranac Scotch Ale: Color-Amber w/ orange tinge Nose-Of alcohol First taste-Metallic Observations-Strong taste stays on tongue Fizziness-Mild head; active carbonation Where Brewed? Utica, NY Style-Scotch Ale Cost-$.96 cents per 12 ozs. Ingredients-Scottish two row malt; roasted barley Aftertaste-Not agreeable Rating-6
Sierra Nevada Early Spring Beer: Color-Orange yellow Nose-Hoppy First taste-Back throat Observations-Pleasant flavor Fizziness-Frothy head; light bubbles Where Brewed? Chico, Cal. Style-ESB Cost-Gift Ingredients-British grown Maris Otter plus English, US hops, unfiltered Aftertaste-Positive finish Rating-7.5
FINAL THOUGHT-Enjoyed ESB much more; Scotch Ale just average!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
Ales With Distinction
We're really springlike with temperatures in the 70's; my whistle needs to be whetted and why not today? Interesting ales from the US will be evaluated today!!! Here we go now!!!
Otter Creek Winter Ale: Color-Brown; red highlights Nose-Fragrant First taste-Hint of raspberry Observations-Not robust enough Where Brewed? Middlebury, Vt. Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles 5.8% alc. Cost-$1.16 per ozs. Ingredients-Touch of Raspberry; Crystal & Chocolate Malts Style-Winter Ale Aftertaste-Raspberry holds Rating-7
Saranac Brown Ale: Color-Brown; orange tint Nose-Malty First taste-Light chocolate Observations-Full bodied Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness-Frothy head; mild bubbles Cost-96 cents per 12 ozs. Ingredients-American malt; Pacific Northwest hops; traditional ale yeast; chocolate malt Style-Brown Ale Aftertaste-Nice finish Rating-7.5
FINAL THOUGHT- Saranac more balanced; Raspberry is highlight of other!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
Otter Creek Winter Ale: Color-Brown; red highlights Nose-Fragrant First taste-Hint of raspberry Observations-Not robust enough Where Brewed? Middlebury, Vt. Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles 5.8% alc. Cost-$1.16 per ozs. Ingredients-Touch of Raspberry; Crystal & Chocolate Malts Style-Winter Ale Aftertaste-Raspberry holds Rating-7
Saranac Brown Ale: Color-Brown; orange tint Nose-Malty First taste-Light chocolate Observations-Full bodied Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness-Frothy head; mild bubbles Cost-96 cents per 12 ozs. Ingredients-American malt; Pacific Northwest hops; traditional ale yeast; chocolate malt Style-Brown Ale Aftertaste-Nice finish Rating-7.5
FINAL THOUGHT- Saranac more balanced; Raspberry is highlight of other!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
Lager Launching
A new week in the spring; unsettled cool rainy weather in early May. Do I ever need an excuse for a beer tasting? Two domestic lagers from upstate NY will undergo my scrutiny. Let's get it going!!!
Brooklyn Lager: Color-Dark amber Nose-Of hops First taste-Full mouth Observations-Great taste Fizziness-Frothy head; light bubbles Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-90 cents per 12 ozs. Style-Lager Aftertaste-Stays there well Rating-8
Saratoga Lager: Color-Orangish amber Nose-Clean First taste-Strong Observations-Taste good; not great Fizziness-Frothy head; slight carbonation Where Brewed? Saratoga Springs, NY Cost-$1.00 per 12 ozs. Style-Lager Aftertaste-Can still taste it Rating-6.75
FINAL THOUGHT-Brooklyn consistently good; Saratoga alright!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
Brooklyn Lager: Color-Dark amber Nose-Of hops First taste-Full mouth Observations-Great taste Fizziness-Frothy head; light bubbles Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-90 cents per 12 ozs. Style-Lager Aftertaste-Stays there well Rating-8
Saratoga Lager: Color-Orangish amber Nose-Clean First taste-Strong Observations-Taste good; not great Fizziness-Frothy head; slight carbonation Where Brewed? Saratoga Springs, NY Cost-$1.00 per 12 ozs. Style-Lager Aftertaste-Can still taste it Rating-6.75
FINAL THOUGHT-Brooklyn consistently good; Saratoga alright!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
MS 51 Chorus Beer and Cheese Tasting
Audrey and I attended a fundraiser for the choral dept. held at the Old Stone House at J.J. Byrne Park. The cheese aspect on each individual pairing was done in great detail but I'm going to just describe the 5 beers we tasted.
1)Otter Creek Summer Ale (Vermont)w/Old Chatham Camembert: Crisp; bitter; dry; made with noble hops
2)Troeg's Sunshine Pils (Pennsylvania) w/Tumbleweed: Light; dry; crisp; Low bitterness but smooth; No cheap beer finish; noble hops (domestic)
3)Geary's Summer Ale (Maine)w/Colorouge: European style (kolsch) Ale yeast refrigerated 50 degrees; then lagered; Clean; smooth; citrusy; no odd finish; nutty
4)Smooth Hoperator w/Cave Aged Cardona: Americanized doppelbock; spring beer(based on beers used for lent); lagered; grapefruity; piney; noble hops; spicy; grassy background
5)Southern Tier Hoppe (NY) w/Blue Affinee: Imperial series; Extra hopped pale ale (double IPA); Dry bodied; 10% alc. American hops; resiny; grapefruity; bitter; smooth finish
All in all the level of both cheese/beer quality was astounding. The rep. from BeerKraft was knowledgeable, interesting and had a comical edge. My favorites were the last 2; most people there were happy the earlier beers were less hoppy and bitter.
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
1)Otter Creek Summer Ale (Vermont)w/Old Chatham Camembert: Crisp; bitter; dry; made with noble hops
2)Troeg's Sunshine Pils (Pennsylvania) w/Tumbleweed: Light; dry; crisp; Low bitterness but smooth; No cheap beer finish; noble hops (domestic)
3)Geary's Summer Ale (Maine)w/Colorouge: European style (kolsch) Ale yeast refrigerated 50 degrees; then lagered; Clean; smooth; citrusy; no odd finish; nutty
4)Smooth Hoperator w/Cave Aged Cardona: Americanized doppelbock; spring beer(based on beers used for lent); lagered; grapefruity; piney; noble hops; spicy; grassy background
5)Southern Tier Hoppe (NY) w/Blue Affinee: Imperial series; Extra hopped pale ale (double IPA); Dry bodied; 10% alc. American hops; resiny; grapefruity; bitter; smooth finish
All in all the level of both cheese/beer quality was astounding. The rep. from BeerKraft was knowledgeable, interesting and had a comical edge. My favorites were the last 2; most people there were happy the earlier beers were less hoppy and bitter.
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
Lager (Lager types) Tasting
I'm ready again for a mid-afternoon tasting; Let it begin:
Dos Equis (Cerveza): Color-Amber; light orange tint Nose-Clean; pleasant First taste-Back throat Observations-Smooth; slight edge Where Brewed? Monterrey, Mexico Cost-Gift Brewer-Cerveceria Chauhtemoc Moctezuma Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles Aftertaste-Some on palate Rating-6.75
Saratoga Lager: Color-Amber Nose-Strong First taste-Hard taste Observations-Some taste lingers; then fades Where Brewed? Saratoga Springs, NY Cost-$1.00 per 12 ozs. Brewer-Olde Saratoga Brewing Fizziness-Frothy head; mild carbonation Aftertaste-Slight Rating-6.5 FINAL THOUGHT- Verdict to Mexican Entry!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
Twin Lagers From Saratoga Springs, NY
It's been almost a week since my trio of beer tastings last week. I will begin by dedicating this test to folk singer Dan Fogelberg who is dead (but remembered).
Red Tail Lager: Color-Amber Nose-Pleasant First taste-Good flavor Observations-Full mouth Fizziness-Frothy head; active bubbles Brewing Company-Mendocino Brewing Cost-$1.00 per 12 ozs. Origin-SAME BREWERY Style-Lager Saying-The Legend Grows Ingredients-Barley, malt, yeast, hops, water After taste-On palate Rating-7.25
Saratoga Lager: Color-Amber; orange tint Nose-Slight First taste-Sharp taste Observations-Early blast; then recedes Fizziness-Mild head; mild bubbles Brewing-Olde Saratoga Brewing Cost-$1.00 per 12ozs. Origin-SAME BREWERY Style-Lager Saying-In grand tradition of Marzenbiers of Germany Ingredients-German hops; Munich malt After taste-Some Rating-6.50
FINAL THOUGHT-Red Tail more distinctive; Saratoga average!
BeerBaron
Red Tail Lager: Color-Amber Nose-Pleasant First taste-Good flavor Observations-Full mouth Fizziness-Frothy head; active bubbles Brewing Company-Mendocino Brewing Cost-$1.00 per 12 ozs. Origin-SAME BREWERY Style-Lager Saying-The Legend Grows Ingredients-Barley, malt, yeast, hops, water After taste-On palate Rating-7.25
Saratoga Lager: Color-Amber; orange tint Nose-Slight First taste-Sharp taste Observations-Early blast; then recedes Fizziness-Mild head; mild bubbles Brewing-Olde Saratoga Brewing Cost-$1.00 per 12ozs. Origin-SAME BREWERY Style-Lager Saying-In grand tradition of Marzenbiers of Germany Ingredients-German hops; Munich malt After taste-Some Rating-6.50
FINAL THOUGHT-Red Tail more distinctive; Saratoga average!
BeerBaron
May Day IPA Play
Today is my third straight day of doing taste tastes involving IPA's. It will involve a domestic product from the left coast which performed admirably in my examination. Let's get this show on the road:
Lagunitas India Pale Ale (Unlimited Release): Color-Dark amber; orange tint Nose-Aromatic hoppy First taste-Smooth hoppy Observations-Back throat; Satisfying Where Brewed? Petaluma, Cal. Cost-$3.29 per 1 pint 6 fl. ozs.(22 ozs.) Fizziness-Frothy small head; active bubbles Saying-Doggone Good! Aftertaste-Pleasant Rating-7.75
FINAL THOUGHT-Among mainline group of top of the line IPA's!!!
Signed-Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
Lagunitas India Pale Ale (Unlimited Release): Color-Dark amber; orange tint Nose-Aromatic hoppy First taste-Smooth hoppy Observations-Back throat; Satisfying Where Brewed? Petaluma, Cal. Cost-$3.29 per 1 pint 6 fl. ozs.(22 ozs.) Fizziness-Frothy small head; active bubbles Saying-Doggone Good! Aftertaste-Pleasant Rating-7.75
FINAL THOUGHT-Among mainline group of top of the line IPA's!!!
Signed-Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
IPA Encounter
Spring has sprung and sunny skies are here now but there is still a chill in the air. I'm continuing my ongoing taste tests of various IPA's which have been examined before. Again today we have 2 domestic IPA's from the Northeast. On we go:
Brooklyn IPA: Color-Golden Nose-Clean First taste-Strong Observations-Full mouth; some hoppiness Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles Where Brewed? Utica, NY Style-India Pale Ale Cost-$1.16 per 12 ozs. Alc#-6.8% Aftertaste-Some taste Rating-6.75
Red Hook Long Hammer Ale: Color-Yellow golden Nose-Fragrant First taste-Slightly weird Observations-Taste positive Fizziness-Frothy head; mild carbonation Where Brewed? Portsmouth, NH Style-India Pale Ale Cost-$1.16 per 12 ozs. Alc#-6.5% Aftertaste-Still strange taste left, but very good Rating-7.25
FINAL THOUGHT-Long Hammer by a Nose!!!
Signed Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
Brooklyn IPA: Color-Golden Nose-Clean First taste-Strong Observations-Full mouth; some hoppiness Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles Where Brewed? Utica, NY Style-India Pale Ale Cost-$1.16 per 12 ozs. Alc#-6.8% Aftertaste-Some taste Rating-6.75
Red Hook Long Hammer Ale: Color-Yellow golden Nose-Fragrant First taste-Slightly weird Observations-Taste positive Fizziness-Frothy head; mild carbonation Where Brewed? Portsmouth, NH Style-India Pale Ale Cost-$1.16 per 12 ozs. Alc#-6.5% Aftertaste-Still strange taste left, but very good Rating-7.25
FINAL THOUGHT-Long Hammer by a Nose!!!
Signed Mike Komaroff BeerBaron
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