Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Just a Demo

Pitchers and catcher reported this week. Spring training starts soon, and the regular season soon after. To me, that means one thing: Cubs baseball. Now I realize there isn't a great deal of high hopes for this season, but that is fine. The future is bright with these off-season moves and the acquisition of young talent. Anyhow, to celebrate, I decided to have a Chicago brew. I visit the brew pub right in front of Wrigley every year I go.
So 'Cheers!' Cubs fans, this one is for you

Review  #11
Goose Island Demolition  ABV 7.2%
Goose Island Brewery Brown bomber poured into a Chimay glass

A - A pale yellow-orange, with a thin, but very bright white head. There is some visible yeast sediment at the bottom, and decent carbonation bounce from pour off the bottom

S - Lots of spice notes. Coriander, clove, pepper easily recognizable. A little yeast-y and earthy; definitely smells like a 'Belgian.' (Beer, not the person) No real flavors jumping out, just hints of lemon, pear, and sugar with some flowery whiffs as well. My least favorite part of this beverage.

T - This hits quickly with a hop burst, that dissipates rather quickly. Extremely floral tasting, and now comes the orange peel and pear flavors. Some caramel maltiness, and the clove and raw sugar are stronger now. A faint hit of the alcohol at the very end, and definitely improving as it gets closer to room temperature.

M - Buttery and smooth with a decent bit of carbonation providing a refreshing tingle. A sweet finish that lingers just long enough to enjoy and not annoy.

O - This is very good. The carbonation does keep it feeling lighter and more refreshing than the ABV would indicate however, so it could get dangerous. I think this would be good on a summer's day in the sun served as cold as when I first opened it, or on a chilly day at room temperature as it was when I finished it. very versatile. Good job Goose!

Cheers,
Chris

A Collabo

I decided to break out one of my aged beers for this tasting, review #10. Its one that I enjoyed upon its release and shared with my father the Spring before moving to England. So here goes.

Review #10
Avery & Russian River Collaboration not Litigation Ale  ABV 8.72%
Avery Brewing, Colorado & Russian River Brewing, California  750 ml brown bottle multiple pours into tulip

**Interesting note: Russian River was founded by the Korbel Champagne Co.**
**Interesting note #2: These two companies had brews by the same name, and instead of a lawsuit, they got together, got drunk & brainstormed. This is the second batch of the series, which is now on Batch #6**

A - A muddled, nutty brown with faint orange hues where the light plays at the edges. 1/2" sturdy head, leaving strong lacing.

S - I was all over the board with the nose on this. I pretty much smelled a grocery store of flavors, but not in a bad way, just seemed crazy to me that every whiff I took, I found different aromas. Apples, raisins, dark cherries were my fruit finds, with some light chocolate, caramel mixed in. Altogether, a very malt forward brew with some definite roasting, but not overdone.

T - Uh. Way sweeter tasting than it smelled. Ouch. Borderline too sweet. Maybe its me, since I prefer the bitterness of beers, and don't have much of a sweet-tooth, but this is like dessert.Still getting dark fruits, but now throw in some figs and plums. Some spice notes hit the back end as it warms up, but not enough to counter the sweetness. Lots of caramel, and definite alcohol heat. Drinking stronger than 8.72%

M - A bit flat, not enough carbonation to carry the sweetness. Lingering taste, but that is the best flavor. Very sugary on the lips

O - Between the sweet and the heat, not the easiest beer to drink, but not overly hard. It would be better enjoyed paired with some food to cut the sweetness. Something salty feels right. I'll pick up subsequent batches for sure. A good, not great beer, but with flavor profiles this strong, its hard to not want to go back for another try.

Cheers,
Chris