Pale Ale Revisited

Tonight I will revisit one of the pale ales I've tried many times before.
Magic Hat No.9: Color-Clear amber Nose-Hoppy First taste-Back throat Observations-Nice edge Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles Where Brewed? So. Burlington, Vt. Cost-$.84 Container-12 oz. bottle Style-Pale ale Saying-Not quite pale ale Aftertaste-Still of hops Rating-7.25
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Dark Beers

Dark beers can have more depth than other beers lighter in color; I'll investigate 2 examples one domestic and one brewed in Mexico.
Saranac Black Forest: Color-Brown w/orange tint Nose-Slightly smoky First taste-Back throat; settles in Observations-Pleasant taste Fizziness-Frothy head; some bubbles Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-$1.05 Style-Bavarian style Container-12 oz. bottle Aftertaste-Solid Rating-7.25
Trader Joe's Dark: Color-Dark amber Nose-Sweet mocha First taste-Full mouth; fades Observations-Taste not my fave; yet it's alright Fizziness-Mild head; few bubbles Where Brewed? Tecate, Mexico Cost-$1.08 Style-Dark premium lager Container-12 oz. bottle Aftertaste-On taste buds; good Rating-6.75
Final Thought-Saranac more impressive; Trader Joe's Dark good too!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Guinness/Harp Black & Tan

As displayed at the Guinness event I attended 2 years ago, I am mixing black & tan(s) with a metal implement that separates the Guinness forming a split brew with lager at the bottom and stout at the top. The stout taste hits first followed by the lager serving as a "chaser". The Harp tempers the Guinness making a pleasing beverage. The head is classic Guinness; very smooth and delicious. Tonight I am checking out the black & tan as a combined brew; these Irish beers seem to blend well. I would like to try different combinations at a future time. Both products were brewed in Dublin, Ireland. The nose is of the stout, but the lager tones it down.
Witness: Audrey Komaroff
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Red Ales

After a wonderful lunch courtesy of Restaurant Week at the River Cafe, I am home and anxious to taste two domestic red ales.
Hooker Irish Red Ale: Color-Dark brown; orange highlights Nose-Caramel First taste-Full mouth; fast fade Observations-Taste on flat side Fizziness-Rim head; few active bubbles Where Brewed? Saratoga Springs, NY (CT.) Rating-6
Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale: Color-Reddish orange Nose-Hoppy First taste-Strong hops taste; lingers Observations-Flavor intense Fizziness-Mild head; few bubbles Where brewed? Petaluma, Sonoma County, California Alc.#-7.2% Rating-7.25
Final Thought-Alcohol level evident in Lagunitas Red; intensity of taste prevented my rating from being higher than 7.25 (which was respectable). Hooker decidedly not as good!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Saranac Vanilla Stout

Saranac Vanilla Stout: Brewed in Utica, NY Cost-$1.16Color-Black (reddish tint)Nose-Mocha First taste-Full mouth; even balanced taste Observations-Not sweet; very good stout Fizziness-Thick frothy head; carbonated Rating-7.25
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale

As the Arizona Cardinals put the finishing touches on the Eagles 32-25, Audrey and I will evaluate a domestic pumpkin ale:
Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale: Color-Cloudy dark amber Nose-Pumpkin like First taste-Smooth; slight bitterness Observations-Nice taste on palate Fizziness-Nice head; few bubbles Cost-$1.82 Where Brewed? Fort Collins, Colorado Other Ingredients-Nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, & allspice Container-22 oz. bottle Style-Pumpkin ale w/spices Alc#-5.9% Factoid-Elysian won Brewpub/Brewmaster at the Great American Beer Festival held in Denver, Colorado 1999, 2003 & 2004 Aftertaste-Pleasing Rating* Audrey-7.5 Mike-7.5 Avg.-7.5
Final thought-Above average!!!
Audrey Komaroff-Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Lager Thursday/Friday

Audrey and I are watching the movie Zodiac (about the California serial killer) as temps. hover in the single digits with snow still on the ground. I will evaluate 2 domestic lagers now:
1)Labatt Blue: Color-Clear golden Nose-Fresh First taste-Refreshing; fades Observations-Pleasant Fizziness-Rim head; bubbles Where Brewed? Toronto, Ontario, Canada Cost-$1.00 Style-Pilsner Saying-Imported Daily from Canada Aftertaste-Overall smoothness Rating-7.25
2)Smuttynose Portsmouth: Color-Cloudy amber Nose-Malty First taste-Strong; hard taste Observations-Goes back throat Fizziness-Mild head; few bubbles Where brewed? Portsmouth, NH Cost-$.84 (food co-op) Style-Lager Saying-Fancy buoys on bottle Aftertaste-Harsh Rating-7
Final Thought-Very representative beers in the lager category!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Pale Ale Tuesday!!!

I will try another 2 domestic pale ales readying myself for the Arctic blast of cold air that will envelope the northeast beginning tomorrow.
1)Wolaver's Pale Ale: Color-Clear amber Nose-Hoppy First taste-Full mouth Observations-Slight harshness Fizziness-Frothy head; active bubbles Where Brewed? Middlebury, VT. Cost-$.84(Co-op sale) Container-12 oz. bottle Style-Pale Ale Saying-Certified Organic Aftertaste-Smooth Rating-7.25
2)Magic Hat No.9: Color-Clear amber Nose-Mildly hoppy First taste-Back throat Observations-Consistent Fizziness-Rim head; few bubbles Where Brewed? So. Burlington, VT. Cost-$.84 Container-12 oz. bottle Style-Pale Ale Saying-Not quite pale ale Aftertaste-Can still taste hops Rating-7
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Winter Ale, Dark Ales & Others

Following a brutal defeat of the Giants by the Eagles 23-11 in a game I attended in the Meadowlands with my nephew Craig, we are back at my house to do our final beer tasting of the weekend. It will encompass all ales and beers that are dark to the visual sense. This is an area of beer which I think is under appreciated!!!
1)Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale: Clear caramel; sweet molasses nose; ginger taste; remaining spice feel; goes down easy Craig-7.25 Mike-8 Avg.-7.625
2)Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale: (5.9% alc.) Mild head; semi-clear brown; nose of light chocolate; porter taste; not much carbonation; taste fades; smooth; goes down easy Craig-7.75 Mike-7.5 Avg.-7.625
3)Magic Hat Notion: (4.2% alc.)Mild head; mahogany cloudy color; non descript nose; semi-bitter taste(watered down), no aftertaste Craig-7 Mike-6.5 Avg.-6.75
4)Saranac India Style Brown Ale: (6% alc.) Clear orange amber; rich aroma; back throat taste; celery or spice feel; taste is maintained Craig-6.5 Mike-7 Avg.-6.75
5)Smuttynose Robust Porter: (5.4% alc.) Nice head; opaque black; burning smoky nose; smoother than expected; coffee taste Craig-6.75 Mike-6.75 Avg.-6.75
6)Yeungling Black & Tan: Frothy head; opaque look with red highlight; Stout smell (not strong); like a thinner stout; charged porter; easy stout(fizzy stout) Craig-6.75 Mike-6.75 Avg.-6.75
7)Guinness Stout Draught (bottle w/ widget): Amazing head; opaque black; stouty rich(clean); smooth; coffee Craig-8.25 Mike-7.25 Avg.-7.75
Signed: Craig Brodsky & Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Belgian, Belgian Style Event

With a blanket of snow having fallen on the NYC area we will drink ales from Belgium and those brewed in the US with Belgian themes in mind.
1)Malheur #10 Golden Ale (Buggenhour, Belgium):-10% Alc. Very cloudy golden; rich fruity aroma; can taste alcohol(negative); nice medium range; some aftertaste Craig-6.25 Mike-7.25 Avg.-6.75
2)Trappistes Rochefort 6 Ale:- Alc#7.5%-frothy head; sediment; dark brown cloudy; porter type flavor; fades; flattens out Craig-7.25 Mike-7 Avg.-7.125
3)Ommegang Abbey Ale (Cooperstown, NY): Alc#8.5% Frothy; caramel color; Nose of cloves; good positive taste; staying power Craig-7.25 Mike-7.5 Avg.-7.375
4)Hades Belgian Style Ale (Denver, Col.): Alc.#7.3% Golden clear; very few bubbles; spicy aroma; smooth; spicy taste; flavor consistent; refreshing Craig-7.25 Mike-7.75 Avg.-7.50
5)Saranac Belgian Ale (Utica, NY): Cloudy amber; fruity sweet smell; bitterness; fades; spicy Craig-7.25 Mike-6.75 Avg.-7

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6)Magic Hat Hocus Pocus Summer Ale (So. Burlington, Vt.): Head faded to rim; cloudy golden; floral nose; light; pleasant taste; good finish Craig-7.5 Mike-7 Avg.-7.25
Signed: Craig Brodsky & Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Giants Playoff Weekend Alefest

A trip to Newark Airport to pick Craig up for the key NFL playoff game Sunday versus the Eagles. We will evaluate five ales of various types this morning.
1) Saranac E.S.B.(Extra Special Bitter): Utica, NY Orange reddish color; malty nose; some active bubbles; earthy sweetness; fast fade;slightly bitter aftertaste; goes down easy Craig-6.75 Mike-7.25 Avg.-7
2) Magic Hat No.9-(So. Burlington, Vt): Cloudy golden; hoppy; fruity; slight head; citrusy; grapefruity; flavor lasting; pleasant aftertaste Craig-7 Mike-7.50 Avg.-7.25
3) Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale-(Portsmouth, NH): Cloudy amber; bitter nose; smoother than expected; celery flavor/ cinnamon taste Craig-6 Mike-5.5 Avg.-5.75
4) Smithwick's(Dublin, Ireland): Clear thick head; root beer color; sweet stout nose; coffee flavor; sweet toffee feel; fades; weird aftertaste(negative) Craig-6 Mike-5.5 Avg.-5.75
5) Saranac Belgian Ale(Utica, NY): Cloudy amber; fruity; pleasant aroma; strong taste; bitter; fades; not great aftertaste Craig-5.75 Mike-6 Avg.-5.875
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Harp Lager

FLORIDA GATORS 24 Oklahoma Sooners 14 > I dedicate this tasting to my nephew Craig.
Harp Lager: Color-Golden Nose-Of barley First taste-Full mouth Observations-Nice taste Fizziness-Frothy head; fast active bubbles Where Brewed? Dublin, Ireland Cost-$1.27 Style-Lager Saying-Brewed by Guinness Container-12 oz. bottle Aftertaste-Tangy Rating-7.5
Final Thought-Above average European lager!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Stout Smack Down

Here I am again comparing bottled Guinness with a stout (vanilla) from Saranac.
Guinness Draught: Color-Dark brown; red tint Nose-Mocha like First taste-Smooth; on palate Observations-Initial taste fades Fizziness-Creamy; frothy; heavily carbonated Where Brewed? Dublin, Ireland Cost-$1.17 Aftertaste-Some Rating-7.25
Saranac Vanilla: Color-Black Nose-Of vanilla First taste-Strong; full mouth Observations-Nice lasting taste Fizziness-Frothy; can't see bubbles Where Brewed? Utica, NY Cost-$1.16 Aftertaste-Lingering sweetness Rating-7.75
Final thought-Guinness on tap much better than any example in a bottle.
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Links are to the beer's webpage.

Lager Add-On

I will be evaluating Saranac Bohemian Pilsner as part of my new plan to do single tastings as well as comparisons.
Saranac Bohemian Pilsner: Color-Clear golden Nose-Fresh First taste-Strong; fast fade Observations-Pleasant Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness-Mild head; active bubbles Cost-$1.16 Style-Bohemian pilsner Saying-Spirit of Adirondacks Container-12 oz. bottle Aftertaste-Not much Rating-6.5
Final Thought: Not top shelf Saranac but respectable.
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

PS. Click on the beer to see the Saranac web page on Bohemian Pilsner

More Ales Already

We're in the New Year about 2 weeks before Obama is sworn in as our new president. Ales are a great beverage for celebration; so let's quaff a few and rate them as we go.
Magic Hat Notion (Summer '08): Color-Brown; orange red highlights Nose-Chocolate First taste-Porter like Observations-Flat; carbonation not translating well Cost-$.84 Fizziness-Rim head; active bubbles Where Brewed? So. Burlington, Vt. Style-English style ale Alcohol #-4.2% Aftertaste-Some; flattened out Rating-6
Yeungling Lord Chesterfield Ale: Color-Golden yellow Nose-Mildly hoppy First taste-Full mouth; quick fade Observations-Sharp; hops taste Cost-$.75 Fizziness-Rim head; few bubbles Where Brewed? Pottsville, Pa. Style-American ale Aftertaste-Strong ale taste remains Rating-6.75
Final Thought: Although both are ales, they are on different ends of the ALE spectrum!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Magic Hat No.9

As part of my new strategy to rotate my beers better to avoid deteriorating brew, I will do some individual tests.
Magic Hat No.9: Color-Clear amber Nose-Hoppy First taste-Back throat Observations-Taste is lasting Fizziness-Frothy head; few bubbles Where Brewed? So. Burlington, Vt. Cost-$.84 Container-12 oz. bottle Saying-Not quite pale ale Aftertaste-Hoppiness still evident Rating-7
Happy New Year!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Pumpkin Ale Again!!!

Deja-vu all over again. This is the third time these 2 pumpkin ale foes have met in my competition. Audrey will be both a spectator and participant in today's action.
Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale (Portsmouth, NH): Strong bitter taste; then taste fades; back throat staying pumpkin; Cost-$.91-sale at Park Slope Food Co-op Rating-6.75
Blue Moon Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale (Golden, CO.): Not as bitter; no aftertaste bitterness; fresh Ratings: Audrey-8 Mike-7.5 Avg.-7.75
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Savoring Stouts?

Bryce will be observing this tasting of 2 stouts done in my novice series. Jordan will be my guest(novice) taster; he did this on one other occasion. Here goes:
Guinness Stout Draft (Dublin, Ireland): Classic Guinness head; bitter; soy sauce nose; bitter aftertaste; not carbonated in same way as other beers; Salty Jordan-6 Mike-7.5 Avg.-6.75
Saranac Oatmeal Stout (Utica, NY): Bitter; bile like taste; more coarse; not as frothy; soy sauce nose; strong w/ rubbing alcohol feel Jordan-3.5 Mike-6.75 Avg.-5.125
Final Thought-Beer Novice Jordan showed a proclivity for beer tasting; I hope he continues to take part in my events!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron

Xmas Eve Winter Ale Tasting

The temps have warmed up to the mid 50's and it suddenly doesn't feel like winter. Of course that is the perfect time to sample 2 New York state winter ales.
Brooklyn Winter Ale: Color-Brown w/ reddish orange highlights Nose-Of caramel First taste-Back throat; intense Observations-Taste recedes Where Brewed? Utica, NY Fizziness Mild head; bubbles Cost-$1.36 Alc#-6.1% Aftertaste-Caramel taste still there Rating-6.5
Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale: Color-Brown w/ orange hue Nose-Aromatic; clean First taste-Full mouth; keeps coming Observations-Real staying power Where Brewed? Lakewood, NY Fizziness-Frothy head; few bubbles Cost-$1.36 Aftertaste-Strong taste remains Rating-7.75
Final Thought-Old Man Winter Ale from Southern Tier was much more distinctive!!! My revelation was the discovery that all winter ales are also brown ales!!!
Mike Komaroff BeerBaron