Holy Friar Tuck!

For this review, I am going blind. I've never had a thing from this brewery, I've never researched them, and have heard little to nothing about them. Leasea picked these up for me on a recent East Coast swing. I'll let my review do the talking for my impressions, but there were absolutely ZERO biases, which was fun.

Review #7
Weyerbacher Merry Monk's Ale  9.3% ABV
Weyerbacher Brewery in Easton, PA   12 oz brown bottle poured into Chimay glass

A - This one pours a cloudy orange, reminiscent of a pumpkin. Small layer of white laced head. There is some sediment floating around but it settled nicely in little time

S - WHOA! Huge aroma here. I am being bombarded by such powerful smells, its tough to place them immediately. I know it sounds strange, but I am getting bananas & nuts, therefore my first thought was banana nut bread. Weird. Getting past that, there are vanilla and grapefruit tones underlying a definite ester blast. There is a also a big, spicy sparkle that hits you in waves amongst all that. Crazy experience.

T - Crisp and bubbly, the carbonation hits immediately. Wheat and berries, pepper and clove. Alcohol for certain, but not a heat per se. No crazy aftertaste lingering like you'd normally have a from a big ABV Belgian either. Okay, 30 minutes in, I have added some more notes. It has a white wine finish; tart, with Granny Smith apples abundant.

M - Despite the shocking carbonation hit, it fades quickly and leaves a smoother feel overall. Finishes a bit sour, but rich.

D - Loads of fruit, spice and natural grains--this has bags of character. Its complex, balanced and wonderful. I couldn't recommend drinking this regularly however, because it isn't an EASY drink, but that doesn't mean its bad. Quite the opposite in fact, it really is fantastic. Great first impression from a complete unknown, I'll definitely be on the lookout in the future.

Cheers,
Chris

Happy February!

Well, the calendar has changed, the weather is still mild, and I am still keeping up with this. All wins in my book. Although this is still from last Friday, its getting the February kick-off write-up. I went for a special release beer this go round, so if you like what you read, snap it up, it won't be around long!
Review #6
Lagunitas Lucky 13 Anniversary Release  8.9% ABV
Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, CA A 22 oz brown bomber poured into an imperial pint glass

A - A golden, hazy orange. Amberesque, even. (Is that a word? Is now, used it in context.) Frothy white 1 & 1/2" head full of lacing and potential. Liking the look of this straight out of the gate.

S - Vanilla, grapefruit, some citrus rind, and strangely enough, a hint of a berry zing. The malt is there too, right on the hop's heels. Delightful and refreshing smelling, I know I have to be careful with this weighty of a beverage

T - Initial malt whack backed up immediately by a piny bitterness smack. Wasn't expecting that reversal after the aromas. Kinda got okie-doked there. I like it. Its certainly a good surprise as there is a weight to this beer that belies its strength. Its letting you know, I am an 8.9%, respect me...but in a nice way. Like your best friend, who you know has your back, and you're glad he does, because you wouldn't want him to turn on you. (Looking at you, Tim Conway) Its a bit of a rabbit hole there, hope you followed. Anyhow, its good, and I really enjoy the balance here.

M - An unctuous hop feel. Can almost feel that resin. Not awful, but a little off-putting at first taste. Didn't notice much after. Decent carbonation, medium body

D - Easy drinking overall. The magnitude is certainly there, but not oppressively so. Has alcohol heat to it, but it doesn't overpower or diminish the overall flavor. At 8.9%, it would be difficult to have more than one if you are out and about, but could easily drink several on a night in. Drinks like a maltier IPA. I like it and wish I had more than just one left.

Cheers,
Chris

Friday night

So for me, Friday's mean a couple of things. Its guy night, which for me encompasses poker and some quality beer. Nice thing about Friday's is that I get to sort of "teach" and share the beer I enjoy so much with some who are trying to develop their palates. Its fun, plus I can have an extra beer or two since I am sharing. Win-win.
Review #5

Deschutes (Yes, again. Got a problem with that?) Fresh Hop Mirror Pond  5.00% ABV
Brown bomber poured into goblet

Appearance - Bright and light amber color with a small amount of head. Not a lot of lacing, but what is present is in solid form

Smell - Grapefruit hits me first. Then some pine behind it. There is a hop earthiness undertone which is nice. Definite hop forward aromas, but even the smell leads you to believe it won't just be hop juice. A biscuit-y malt aroma is lingering around somewhere in here too

Taste - Grapefruit and now some peach making a play. A touch of honey and some citrus peel. All these light flavors are doing palate ping-pong and are quite delicious. Those earthy hops add a dryness on the finish. There are flavors of a big APA here, and its packed into a 5% beer with great balance. Pretty awesome

Mouthfeel - Very refreshing acidity here. On the thinner side of medium, but not unpleasant

Drinkability - Extremely drinkable. The acid and citrus flavors play like lemonade on a hot summer day and keep you reaching for another sip. The malt back-up makes it more than just a one dimensional brew and that low ABV certainly allows for more than one to be enjoyed. Overall, one of the more session-able ales I've had in the last year. PLEASE, bring Deschutes to Arkansas!!