Pale Ale Parade(Part 1 of 2)

This will be a double pale ale tasting with repeats of previously tasted items. It is part of my process of creating a large enough sample so averages will dictate results.
Saranac Pale Ale: Color-Clear orange amber Nose-Hoppy First taste-Nice flavor burst Fizziness-Frothy head; active steady bubbles. Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-$1.05 Saying-"The Spirit of the Adirondacks" Aftertaste-Lasting Rating-7.75
Smuttynose Shoal's Pale Ale: Color-Cloudy amber orange Nose-Sharp First taste-Strong piercing taste Observations-Overpowering Fizziness-Rim head; few bubbles Where Brewed? Portsmouth, NH Cost-$1.20 Saying-Samuel Haley House on Smuttynose Island Aftertaste-Flattens out Rating-7
After thought-Saranac a Winner!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Ales of Brown

As the Phils-Rays strut through the rain in Philly trying to get Game 5 of the World Series in (it was ultimately suspended), I dedicate this ale tasting to my mother in law Frieda who is recovering from abdominal surgery. The Saranac Brown Ale (recently rated at Mike Kagan's apartment) will take on Smuttynose's version Old Brown Dog Ale.
Smuttynose: Color-Orange tinted brown Nose-Chocolate caramel First taste-Back throat; tangy Observations-Smooth but flattens out Fizziness-Rim head; carbonation Where Brewed? Portsmouth, NH Cost-$1.20(12 pack at my food co-op) Container-12 oz. Bottle Style-Brown Ale Saying-Picture on label of Olive(Smuutynose's brown dog) Aftertaste-Full throttle good Rating-7.5
Saranac Brown Ale: Color-Orange tinted brown Nose-Stronger caramel First taste-Full mouth; lasting Observations-Marvelous(Billy Crystal) Flavor Fizziness-Frothy head; carbonation Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-$1.05(Adirondack Trail Mix 6 pack at Fairway-Red Hook) Container-12 oz. Bottle Style-Brown Ale Saying-"The Spirit of the Adirondacks" Aftertaste-Almost perfection Rating-8.5
Final Thought-Saranac improved a half a point since Kagan (gave it a 9) tasting; Old Brown Dog representative enough!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Seasonal Pumpkin Ale

Audrey is still in Florida with her mom recuperating from shoulder replacement surgery. With Halloween approaching I've already purchased pumpkin seed coffee from Fairway. Tonight I'll compare 2 domestic pumpkin ales and we'll see how the seeds fall.
Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale: Color-Clear dark amber Nose-Fresh First taste-Smooth Observations-Nice taste Fizziness-Average head; active bubbles Where Brewed? Golden, Col.(Molson-Coors) Cost-$1.16 Style-Pumpkin Ale Saying-6 spices & crystal malt Aftertaste-Steady Rating-7.5
Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale: Color-Cloudy amber Nose-Spicy First taste-Medicinal Observations-Smoother on second sip Fizziness-Average head; light carbonation Cost-$1.20 Style-Pumpkin Ale Saying-Cucurbin Pepo (Pumpkin) Aftertaste-Too sharp Rating-7
Final Thought-Blue moon slightly more tasty!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Foreign Pilsner vs. Domestic Lager

Audrey's mom has come through her surgery well thus far and life goes on in NYC. This tasting will pit a Polish pilsner against a Pa. lager from Pottsville.
Kiper (Browar): Color-Slightly cloudy; yellow golden Nose-Clean First taste-Strong; full mouth Observations-Foreign feel; like other Polish beers Fizziness-Rim head; average bubbles Cost-$1.25 Container-13.52 oz. bottle Style-Pilsner Aftertaste-Stays steady Where brewed? Piotrkow Tryb, Poland Rating-7.5
Yeungling: Color-Amber Nose-Fresh First taste-Back throat Observations-Pleasant taste Fizziness-Rim head; few bubbles Cost-$.65 Container-12 oz. bottle Style-Lager Aftertaste-Good Where Brewed? Pottsville, Pa. Rating-7
Final thought-Kiper with imported taste better; More bang for buck in Yeungling (Oldest brewery in USA-1829)
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Pale Ale Encore

Audrey's moms operation is today and thusfar all has gone well. I am introducing a Smuttynose Brewing ale to 2 others which have been evaluated in the past.
Pass Time Pale Ale: Color-Cloudy golden Nose-Funky First taste-Not positive Observations-Flattens out Fizziness-Rim head; average bubbles Where brewed-Boulder, Col. Cost-$.79 Container-12 oz.bottle Style-Pale ale Saying-Colorado's first micro Aftertaste-Not memorable Rating-6
Porkslap (Farmhouse) Pale Ale: Color-Cloudy golden Nose-Of cloves; spices First taste-Unusual Observations-Different strange taste Where brewed? Garrattsville, NY Cost-$1.11 Container- 12 oz. can Style-Pale ale Saying-2 Pigs on can-"All Malt" Aftertaste-Weird Rating-6.75
Shoal's Pale Ale: Color-Clear amber red Nose-Earthy First taste-Full mouth Observations-Strong; full bodied Fizziness-Consistent head; hardly any bubbles Where brewed? Portsmouth, NH Cost-$1.31 Style-Pale ale Saying-Reminiscent of Smuttynose Island Aftertaste-Smooth Rating-7.50
Final Thought-Shoal's (Smuttynose Brewery) the class of this threesome!!! Addendum-Pass Time's ratings have been dropping; I suspect the shelf life might be the issue.
Signed:Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

All Style Beer Tasting

Fall is in the air as Audrey and I head to Kennedy airport to see my sister Linda en route to Istanbul, Turkey. Audrey will leave for her mom in Florida later in the day. Mike Kagan's apartment will provide the base for our first beer tasting ever that evaluates 5 separate types.
1. Nashoba Bolt 117 Premium Lager (Bolton, Mass.): Cloudy golden; fruity; frothy head; average carbonation; full mouth; full bodied; reminiscent of Midwest lagers; slight aftertaste; everlasting foam Baron-7.5 Mike-8 Avg.-7.75
2. Knight's Head Pale Ale (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.): Floral; fruity; hoppy dryness on second taste; smooth; drinkable; rim head Baron-7 Mike-7.5 Avg.-7.25
3. Saranac Brown Ale (Utica, NY): Rim head; chocolate brown; fruity; caramel; smooth; well balanced; good carbonation; goes down easy; chocolate caramel nose Baron-8 Mike-9 Avg.-8.5
4. South Hampton Secret Ale (brewed in Saratoga Springs, NY): Rim head; dark copper; not distinctive taste in first sip; like flat Coco-cola; light bubbles; not much nose (slight floral); some dry hoppy; but not substantial Baron-6 Mike-3 Avg.-4.5
5. Blue Moon Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale (Golden,Colorado): Copper color; fresh crispy smell; lightly fruity; spicy Baron-7.5 Mike-8.5 Avg.-8
6. Northern Reserve Golden Lager (Cold Spring,Mn.): Refreshing; Midwestern taste; slightly of hops; yellow golden color; GUZZLE, don't SIP!!! Baron-5 Mike-5 Avg.-5
Signed-Mike Komaroff (BeerBaron) & Mike Kagan

Dark Beers

Yesterday Audrey and I went to our new Trader Joe's in downtown Brooklyn. Unlike the store at Union Sq. in Manhattan, this one does not sell wine or champagne. Yet it does have beer and its own brands as well. I purchased a 6-pak of the dark and it will be involved in this tasting.
Saranac Black Forest: Color-Reddish dark brown Nose-Fresh; clean First taste-Back throat Observations-Nice balance Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness-Mild head; active bubbles Cost-$1.05 Style-Bavarian Aftertaste-Full mouth Rating-7.25
Trader Joe's Dark: Color-Dark amber Nose-Syrupy First taste-Full mouth Observations-Porter type taste; then fades Where brewed? Tecate, BC, Mexico Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles Cost-$1.08 Style-Dark premium lager Aftertaste-Taste is leaving Rating-6.5
Final Thought-Black Forest is better!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

European Style Lagers

St. Pauli Girl Lager: Color-Bright golden Nose-Of grain First taste-Smooth; good taste Observations-Well balanced Fizziness-Light head; active bubbles Cost-$1.00 Style-German lager Where Brewed? Bremen, Germany Ingredients-Subject to Reinsgebot Aftertaste-Memorable Rating-7.5
Trader Joe's Bohemian Lager: Color-Off yellow cloudy Nose-None First taste-Strong; flattens out Observations-Fast fade Fizziness-Rim head; few bubbles Cost-$1.00 Style-Bohemian lager Where brewed? San Jose, Cal. Ingredients-Imported pilsner malted barley; aroma hops Aftertaste-Earthy Rating-6
Final Thought-German import still very good; domestic lager not impressive!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

INDIA PALE ALE Re-explored

The usual group has been assembled in Greenwood Heights; that includes the Aleman, the BeerBaron and the Icegirl.
Victory Hop Devil: Alc.#6.7% Aftertaste bitter grapefruit; Full at outset; then becomes more bitter; dried fruit nose; sweet backbite; smooth finish; lasting taste; not crispy; warmth in throat Gary-7.25 Mike-7.5 Rita-7 Avg.-7.25
LaGunitas IPA: Grapefruity; bitter tasting; more crispy; fast fade; sour pineapple Gary-6.5 Mike-7.75 Rita-7.5 Avg.-7.25
Weyerbacher Simcoe IPA: Alc.#9% Hint of maple syrup; real hoppy outburst at onset; taste stays; bitter backbite; earthy; can taste alcohol Gary-7 Mike-7.5 Rita-7 Avg.-7.166
Snapperhead IPA: Blah to watery finish; Slightly crispy; watery on tongue; light; nice(in subtle way); Guzzle don't savor!!! Gary-5 Mike-6 Rita-4.5 Avg.-5.166
Signed: Gary J. Sweeney, Mike Komaroff, & Rita Renella

Black & Tan Toasting

Black & Tan is a combination of stout/porter with lager or premium lager. At a Guinness event at Sony Studio's last year we combined Guinness w/Harp creating fanfare. Here we have 2 domestic brewers examples of this style.
Saranac: Color-Brown w/ yellow tinge Nose-Fresh; of caramel First taste-Full mouth; then fades Observations-Smooths out Fizziness-Frothy; active bubbles Cost-$1.05 Where Brewed? Utica, NY Saying-Brewed in the Adirondack Foothills Ingredients-Stout & Lager Aftertaste-Good; consistent Rating-7.25
Yeungling: Color-Brown w/ reddish orange hue Nose-Medicinal First taste-Striking; slightly levels out Observations-Taste is lasting Fizziness-Frothy head; few bubbles Cost-$.86.5 cents Where Brewed? Pottsville, Pa. Saying-America's Oldest Brewery-Since 1829 Ingredients-Porter & Premium Aftertaste-Not memorable; too sharp Rating-6.25
Final Thought-Saranac B&T smoother and more tasty; Yeungling B&T excellent on tap!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Outside the Pale (Ale)

Audrey's back to school tomorrow following our Jewish New Year's respite. Pale ales have been in my radar of late. Two domestic examples are ready for tonight's tasting; hopefully they will do well.
Magic Hat #9: Color-Yellowish gold clear Nose-Hoppy First taste-Nice taste Observations-Smooth; full mouth Fizziness-Medium foam; active bubbles Cost-$1.31 Where Brewed? So. Burlington, Vt Saying-Not quite pale ale; Alc. 4.6% Aftertaste-Balanced; steady Rating-7.5
Porkslap Pale (Farmhouse Ale): Color-Cloudy amber Nose-Earthy(funky) First taste-A bit medicinal Observations-Taste overpowering Fizziness-Light fizz; few bubbles Cost-$1.11 Where brewed? Garrattsville, NY Saying-2 Pigs on Can;(ALL MALT) Aftertaste-All encompassing; not pleasant Rating-6.75
Final Thought-Magic Hat always produces great products; this one does not disappoint.
Mike Komaoff BeerBaron

Saranac Ales

It's the weekend and as good a time as any to taste some fine Saranac ales.
Saranac Belgian Ale: Color-Amber clear Nose-Fresh First taste-Nice taste Observations-Flavor remains Fizziness-Rim head; few active bubbles Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-$1.05 Aftertaste-Remember it Rating-7
Winter Wassel: Color-Dark amber clear Nose-Non-descript First taste-Back throat Observations-To palate Fizziness-Mild head; few active bubbles Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-$1.05 Aftertaste-OK; not great Rating-5.75
Final Thought-Saranac maintains its' pre-eminent position. To Aleman-"We love Saranac."
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Belgian Style Ales

Audrey is spending extra time fund raising at her school during curriculum night. I plan on joining her for an hour and a half following my beer baron duties of checking out 2 domestic examples of Belgium style ales.
Saranac Belgian Ale: Color-Clear dark amber Nose-Sweet First taste-Smooth Observations-Taste holds steady Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness-Mild head; many active bubbles Cost-$1.05 Description-Fruity Ale w/ Belgian aromatic malt Aftertaste-Back throat Rating-7
Victory Golden Monkey: Color-Cloudy Golden Nose-Funky sweet First taste-Full mouth Observations-Can taste alcohol Where brewed? Downingtown, Pa. Fizziness-Rim head; few bubbles Cost-Gift Description-Tripel ale w/ spices; 9.5% alc. Aftertaste-Still strong Rating-7
Final thought-Not really competing ales since Golden Monkey is a Belgian tripel; Saranac is a straight Belgian ale.
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

COORS (Banquet)

Audrey is on jury duty trying to make it a one day affair. Since we have reached the date on the bottom of the 24 oz. when the beer is deemed fading I will do my rating now.
Coors (Banquet): Color-Golden yellow Nose-Not much smell First taste-Strong; fast fade Observations-Goes down easy Where Brewed? Headqtrs. Golden, Col.-Probably brewed in their Virginia subsidiary Cost-$1.00 Alc.#-5% Saying-A brand that has stood the test of time. Brewed with 100% Rocky Mountain water for a legendary taste. Aftertaste-Some slight Rating-4
Final Thought-In 24 oz. can was at a good price!!! Not with the same tradition or quality of what it was when not available nationwide.
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Pale Ale Personified

NY Giants are being challenged by the Bengals today. I will taste my share of representative pale ales all of which I have evaluated before.
Knight's Head Pale Ale: Color-Amber Nose-Hoppy First taste-Full mouth Observations-Smooth; nice Where Brewed? Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Fizziness-Light head; more bubbles Aftertaste-Lasting Rating-7.25 Cost-$.42 (Bargain of Century)
Pass Time Pale Ale: Color-Amber Nose-Fresh First taste-Funky Observations-Not great Where Brewed? Boulder, Col. Fizziness-Rim head; few bubbles Aftertaste-None Rating-6.5 Cost-$.79
Saranac Pale Ale: Color-Darker amber Nose-Slight hops First taste-Full mouth Observations-Good taste Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness-Light head; more bubbles Aftertaste-Some Rating-7 Cost-$1.05
Final Thought-True value Knight's Head again!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Pale Ale Premonition

Another Pale Ale tasting with an ale new to me going against one of my regulars.
Pass Time Pale Ale: Color-Cloudy amber Nose-Funky First taste-Quick taste Observations-Fast fade Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles Where Brewed? Boulder, Col. Container-12 oz. bottle Cost-$.79 Aftertaste-Some is there Rating-6.75
Porkslap Pale Ale (Farmhouse Ale): Color-Amber; more yellowish Nose-Of cloves; floral First taste-Nice taste Observations-Well balanced Fizziness-Rim head; few bubbles Where Brewed? Garrattsville, NY Container-12 oz. can copper colored with pigs jumping Cost-$1.11 Aftertaste-Pleasant; of spices Rating-7.5
Final Thoughts- Was reminiscent of another ale!!! My second encounter with a product from Butternuts Beer and Ale-Both the IPA and the PA have been above average (Rating-7.5); these and two others are available at the Park Slope Food Co-op!!!

Snapperhead IPA (Farmhouse Ale)

Snapperhead IPA (Farmhouse Ale): Color-Cloudy Amber Nose-Hoppy First taste-Back throat Observations-Quick fade Fizziness-Thick foam(dissipates); very few bubbles Where Brewed? Garrettsville, NY Container-12oz. yellow can w/shark in green embossed Aftertaste-Some lingering taste Rating-7
Final Thought-First product tried (PS Food Co-op has 3 others, the Pale Ale I already bought)!!!

Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Pale Ale Wrap Around

I'm continuing with my pale tastings by trying an ale Audrey bought me in Savannah, Ga.; it will go up against a pale ale from Boulder, Colorado I've rated before. This is my last in this series but I will look again at my food co-op for other pale ales which can enter this process.
Pass Time Pale Ale: Color-Amber cloudy Nose-Funky First Taste-Strong; back throat Observations-Alright; not consistent Fizziness-Rim head; few bubbles Where Brewed? Boulder, Colorado Cost-$.79 After taste-On palate Rating-6.75

Sweetwater 420 Extra Pale Ale: Color-Golden clear Nose-Hoppy First taste-Tasty; full mouth Observations-Pleasant; very good Fizziness-Rim head; carbonation Where Brewed? Atlanta, Ga. Cost-Gift(More than $1.50) Aftertaste-Lasting Rating-7.5 Final thought-Sweetwater 420 was more consistent; Pass Time alright. Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Pale Ale Revisited

This is another tasting in the Knight's Head Pale Ale challenge series. The opponent tonight is from the Rocky Mts. of Colorado (Pass Time Pale Ale). I am dedicating this one to the Galveston/Houston areas of Texas that were devastated earlier today by Hurricane Ike. Hopefully the people there can put their lives back together soon. Our thought and prayers are with them. Here goes:
Knight's Head Pale Ale-Color-Cloudy amber Nose-Hoppy First taste-Pleasant; rewarding Observations-First rate taste Fizziness-Light head; many active bubbles Where Brewed? Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Cost-$.42 Aftertaste-Lingering; it's good!!! Rating-7
Pass Time Pale Ale-Color-Cloudy amber Nose-Fresh First taste-Nice Observations-Taste does fade Fizziness-Rim head; many active bubbles Where Brewed? Boulder, Col. Cost-$.79 Aftertaste-Some; not bad Rating-6.50
Final Thought-Can't say enough about how good the Knight's Head Pale is for the money!!! A truly exceptional value!!!

Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Light Beer (MUST DO THIS)

Light(Lite) beer is one class that I do not regularly drink; yet I feel rating them is in my area of expertise. Most people drink these brews to take in fewer calories/carbs but sacrifice taste, balance, and satisfaction in the process.
Knight's Head Light-Container-12 oz. bottle Color-Yellow Nose-None First taste-Not much taste Observations-Does not impress Fizziness-Slight head; active bubbles Cost-$.42 Where Brewed? Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Aftertaste-Not impressive Rating-3.50
Miller Lite-Container-12 oz. can Color-Yellow Nose-None First taste-Flat Observations-Not very good Fizziness-Slight head; few bubbles Cost-Gift Where brewed? Milwaukee, Wis. Aftertaste-Forget it Rating-3.25
Final Thought-Certainly if all light beers taste this bad, steer clear of them. Like recently tasted Northern Lager, this stuff must be chugged not sipped.
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron