Re-Test Saratoga Springs, NY

Great sunny weather has again lured me to the Rockaways and our beachclub. Today is time for a do over of an earlier tasting done earlier in '08. It will pit two lagers brewed in the same town probably in the same brewery space.
Red Tail Lager: Color-Orange Nose-Fresh First taste-Strong; back throat Observations-Even taste Cost-$1.00 Fizziness-Rim head; few bubbles Saying-"The Legend Grows" Brewer-Mendocino Aftertaste-Settle in with it Rating-7.25
Saratoga Lager: Color-Burnt orange Nose-Fresh First taste-More harsh Observations-Aggressive taste Cost-$1.00 Fizziness-Rim head; more bubbles Saying-"Marzenbier" Brewer-Olde Saratoga Aftertaste-Too much blast Rating-6.5
Final Thought-Red Tail better!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Rocky Mountain Hoppy

I have a challenge on my hands at Silver Gull Beach Club as I will consume 22 ozs.of a 6.8% alcohol IPA. Might as well get started:
Mojo IPA: Color-Cloudy orange Nose-Hoppy First taste-Intense hops Observations-Hoppiness on and on Fizziness-Rim head; slight carbonation Where Brewed? Boulder, Col. Factoid-Reminiscent of Lagunitas IPA Ingredients-Amarillo hops, water Aftertaste-Appealing Rating-7.5
Saying-"A bewitching ale that summons hop attacks."
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

IPA Alchemy

Powerful thunderstorms hit the NYC metro area yesterday causing hail and lowering the temps. to fall levels. We decided not to go to the beachclub and did laundry instead. Audrey is also recovering from a broken toe so did not want to exercise in the pool. We're watching the Olympic coverage on NBC as I begin another ALE event. Let's begin the rating game:
Saranac IPA: Color-Golden amber Nose-Of hops First taste-Full mouth Observations-Good taste; flattens out Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness-Foamy head; active bubbles Cost-$1.05 Ingredients-Cascade hops, water Aftertaste-Is there but not distinctive Rating-7.25
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale: Color-Cloudy dark amber Nose-More hoppy First taste-Smooth hops burst Observations-Maintains balance Where Brewed? Chico, Cal. Fizziness-Very foamy; slight carbonation Cost-$1.29 Alc#-6.8% Ingredients-Not True IPA, but plenty hoppy Aftertaste-Can't wait for '08 entry Rating-7.75
FINAL THOUGHT-Celebration Ale consistent winner!!! Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Flavored Beer(Lime)

Here I am back at the beachclub on another promising summer day with no humidity and beautiful cloud formations. I prepare to taste Budweisers' entry product into the flavored(Corona) like market. The bottle of the Bud Light Lime has labeling like the Mexican beer which is known for sections of lemons or limes being inserted into it while drinking. Here goes:
BUD LIGHT LIME: Color-Yellow golden Nose-Slight lime First taste-Light lime; flattens out Observations-No continuing taste Fizziness-Light head; Active big bubbles Where Brewed? St. Louis, Mo.(headquarters) Fruit essence-Lime Alc.#-4.2% Aftertaste-Forget this stuff Rating-(Audrey)3 Mike-3.5 Avg.-3.25
This beer tasting is dedicated to the memory of comedian Bernie Mac!!!
Mike & Audrey Komaroff

Pale Ale Tasting

IPA's have been highlighted of late; I will take on two of IPA's less hoppy cousins this morning. Pass Time Pale Ale: Color-Dark golden Nose-Of hops First Taste-Full mouth Observations-Taste doesn't last Fizziness-Foamy head; Active bubbles Cost-79 cents Where Brewed? Boulder, Col. Style-Pale Ale Saying-Colorado's First Microbrewery Container-12 oz. bottle Aftertaste-Some; not memorable Rating-7.25
Saranac Pale Ale: Color-Reddish golden Nose-Slight Sweetness First taste-Strong malty Observations-Nice taste Fizziness-Foamy head; Active bubbles Cost-$1.05 Where brewed? Utica, NY Style-Pale Ale Saying-From the Adirondacks Container-12 oz. bottle Aftertaste-Good finish Rating-7.75
FINAL THOUGHT-Saranac in a close one!!! Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Pre-August Ale Tasting (IPA's)

Here we are on Johnson Ave. in Riverdale (the Bronx) for an IPA tasting with the regular suspects present. Let's get this party started:
1)Weyerbacher (Easton,Pa.) Hops Infusion IPA-Grapefruity; nice backbite; hint of lemon peel taste at end; dissipates; Bitter aftertaste; 6.2% alc. Gary-8 Mike-8 Rita-8 Avg.-8
2)Weyerbacher(Easton,Pa.) Double Simcoe IPA-Inense; piercing; bitter beyond grapefruit; full mouth; warmth in throat & tongue; like quinine flavor; very bitter aftertaste; grapefruit peel; 9% alc. Gary-8.5 Mike-7.75 Rita-7 Avg.-7.75
Intermission for lunch
3)Sierra Nevada(Chico, Cal.) Celebration Ale- Nutty(hazelnut); grapefruity; cinnamon at end; nice aftertaste; bitter backbite; 6.8% alc. Gary-6.5 Mike-7.5 Rita-7.5 Avg.-7.166
4)Saranac(Utica, NY) IPA-crispy at first; dissipates; weak; watery; negative taste Gary-6 Mike-6 Rita-5 Avg.-5.666
5)Red Hook(Portsmouth, NH) Longhammer IPA-Mild grapefruit; hint of wheat beer taste; slight metallic; 6.5% alc. Gary-6 Mike-7 Rita-6 Avg.-6.333
6)Stone(Escondido, Cal.)IPA-Crispy; tasty; mild grapefruit; judt really "liked" it; lingers but not overpowering; right balance; 6.9% alc. Gary-7.75 Mike-8 Rita-8.5 Avg.-8.083
Final Thought- This is the first time ever that the last entrant tasted finished first!!! Stone IPA came through in "grand style"
Signed-Gary J. Sweeney, Mike Komaroff, Rita Renella