Westmalle Trappist Tripel

Poured from 330mL Trappistenbier bottle in Chimay goblet

Poured from 330mL Trappistenbier bottle in Chimay goblet

Poured from 330mL Trappistenbier bottle into Chimay goblet. The color is a beautiful golden blonde. Very fine bubbly head. Mild retention and lacing. Clear and sharp. Looks very crisp.

Sour yeasty smell is the first to present itself. Hints of butter, tropical fruit. A bit piney and floral hop odor. Smells like a Belgian.

Bitter, crisp taste. Similar to a high gravity lager. Sweetens as it warms. Hops come through strongly but there is no oily dominance. The alcohol is well hidden. This beer is a precisely crafted ale with the impeccable balance and composition that is the signature of the Trappist monks.

The mouthfeel is similar to champagne except slightly thicker and creamier. Very carbonated. The word “crisp” represents each and every quality of this beer.

This is an extremely refreshing and drinkable brew, despite the alcohol content. However, one too many and you might wake up in some strange places.

A-, and on The Drunkard’s Progress Scale, “Step 3: A glass too much” and a curb for a pillow.

Published in: on Saturday, 18 July 2009 at 4:58 PM  Comments (1)  
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Goose Island Night Stalker- Imperial Stout

nightstalkerpint

Night Stalker Imperial Stout poured from growler into pint glass (half devoured)

Poured from a 64oz. growler into a 16oz. pint glass. The brew is jet black, like a good stout should be. A small espresso head forms, but dissipates almost instantly. A small, tan ring of lacing is left. Does not appear too carbonated. Instead appears delicious. Let’s stick our nose in it.

On the nose a smoky caramel scent comes on strong, along with molasses, syrup, brown sugar, and a good oak note. Reminiscent of a good, sweet breakfast stout, but smells more strongly of alcohol. Scent really is as dark, mysterious, and inviting as the brew itself.

Per a few recommendations of people I stalk I have let this beer warm up a bit before drinking. First taste is quite sweet, syrupy. Definite caramel, brown sugar, molasses flavors shine through, as well as a bit of bourbon and brandy. Very well composed flavor. Deep and complex. Alcohol is fairly well hidden but a good sting does hit the nose. Nice bitter aftertaste complements the initial sweetness exceptionally. There is a strange, grassy herbal character as well as some sweet candied fruits (plum, cherry, maybe a subtle pomegranate) dancing just beneath it.

Mouthfeel is thick and luscious. Very smooth and heavy. Low carbonation, like many tap stouts. Powerful on the tongue, silky going down.

If this beer wasn’t the high octane drunk-fuel it is, I’d swear I could drink it all day. So smooth with a perfect sweet/bitter balance. I will most definitely have another, and another, and another, and then another when I wake up from my stupor.

A+, and on The Drunkards Progress Scale, “STEP 9: Death by suicide”. If nine, ten pints of this brew didn’t kill me, I’d die happily by my own hand knowing that it was my last on this earth.

(Photo of pint and growler below)

Published in: on Wednesday, 8 July 2009 at 6:53 PM  Leave a Comment  
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GOOD GOD: A Growler of Goose Island Night Stalker!

Just got a 32oz. fill of Night Stalker today at New Beer Distributors:

32oz. fill of Nightstalker

32oz. fill of Night Stalker

Let’s celebrate!  This is one for the photo album. I’ve already lost all motor skills and conscious control of my body in excitement. Rarely does a beer like this surface for too long, and surely, when they do, I do my best to snatch them up.

But shh…don’t celebrate too vigorously yet. It’s sleeping. Quiet while I break in through the window, sneak up behind it and sniff it first.

Drooling all over myself. Review to follow. Groveling guaranteed!

Published in: on Wednesday, 8 July 2009 at 6:33 PM  Leave a Comment  
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Gorgeous Growler of Firestone Walker Red Nectar, New to New York

My new growler from The Ginger Man in New York:

Ginger Man growler

Ginger Man growler

It is nice, eh? Especially when filled with Firestone Walker Red Nectar, available for the first time in New York this month. Poured here into a fine, red mustachioed pint.

Red Nectar mustachioed pint

Red Nectar mustachioed pint

Read on for details on this tasty new resident:

Paso Robles, CA, (June 16, 2009) – Firestone Walker Brewing Company, brewers of Nectar Ales, announced the first major expansion of Red Nectar in years. The brewery is partnering with Union Beer Distributors in New York to bring their award winning beers to the state.

“We’re very excited to partner with a great beer distributor to bring a California classic to New York,” said Proprietor David Walker.

Red Nectar, an American amber style ale, will be available on draft and in 12 ounce bottles beginning in July to select accounts in New York. This will mark the first time that Red Nectar will be available in New York. Nectar India Pale Ale is expected to also be available in July.

“Union Beer has consistently strived to bring the best beers from around the globe to the New York metro area, and the full line of Nectar Ales fits perfectly into our portfolio. The craft beer market here has quickly evolved into one of the country’s best. Our consumers have high expectations, and we are thrilled to offer them the highly acclaimed and delicious Nectar Ales line of beers, ” said Robert Hodson, Union’s Sales and Marketing Manager.

First brewed in 1987 in Arcata, California, Red Nectar is one of the pioneering beers of the craft beer movement in the U.S. First brewed by Humboldt Brewing Company, Nectar Ales were brewed under contract by Firestone until the brand was purchased in 2004 by Firestone Walker Brewing Company. Nectar Ales was named “Mid-Size Brewing Company of The Year” at the 2003 Great American Beer Festival.

Published in: on Wednesday, 8 July 2009 at 12:09 PM  Leave a Comment  
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Cantillon Classic Gueuze- 100% Lambic, Aged in Oaked Barrels

Poured from 750 mL champagne bottle into flute

Poured from 750 mL champagne bottle into flute

Poured from a 750 mL champagne bottle into a flute. No real head forms. Thin, white lacing. Mild carbonation. Beautiful, deep golden color. A bit cloudy. This Gueuze looks very crisp, bright and refreshing.

On the nose, it is dry, tart and fruity. Green/granny smith apples and a citrus of lime and lemon both come through, as well as some spiciness I can’t quite identify (cumin, lemon zest, light pepper smell) as well as honey and a strong sour, yeasty aroma.

What you smell is almost what you get. Supplement some bitterness on top of a strong, tart citrus flavor and some serious yeastiness and you get this Gueuze. Very sharp and tangy, not at all sweet, a little barrel taste. The bite is refreshing and complex. The longer I let this explore the less I seem to understand it: the sign of a truly complex beer. Good balance of flavors and very indicative of lambic style. The complexity and the inability to get a handle on this makes it all the more delicious.

The mouthfeel of this lambic is not too thick, but it feels thicker because of the minimal carbonation. Very pleasant, soft, billowy almost—a trait I’ve been finding more and more in lambics.

This beer goes down extremely easy and improves with each sip. The first taste confuses, the second entices, and the third entrances. This is one for the beer Gods. Endlessly complex. A true experience.

A-, and on The Drunkard’s Progress Scale, “Step 3: A glass too much” is what it will take to get my head around this one.

Published in: on Monday, 6 July 2009 at 6:09 PM  Leave a Comment  
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Bear Republic Big Bear Black Stout

Poured from 22 oz. brown bomber into Brooklyn Brewery snifter

Poured from 22 oz. brown bomber into Brooklyn Brewery snifter

Poured from a 22 oz. brown bomber into a Brooklyn Brewery snifter. This stout settles jet black and looks solid as a rock. A small espresso-tan head forms but dissipates quickly. Thick with good carbonation. The lacing is small but somewhat sticky. This just begs for a whiff.

Yeast comes first up to the nose. Then a deep, bitter chocolate maltiness. Very smoky and roasty. Notes of nuts, toasted bread, and a nice sourness overtop. Carmel, a bit candied, maybe cherries or brandied cherries. Malt dominates this dark, deeply inviting stout. Let’s take a dive.

First taste is bitter, very nutty. A subtle malt sweetness, a bit like plum, comes sneaking up followed by a bitter, smoky, espresso aftertaste. This is such a well-executed beer. So balanced. No single flavor outshines the others. The taste is so subtle, a magnificent blend. So mellow for 8.1% ABV. The light bitterness beckons you back with every sip.

And so smooth too! It’s striking how graceful it feels. Thick, but not too much so, not light, not heavy. Drinks like a dream. Just the right carbonation. A very dangerous and delicious stout.

This is a treat. Not too sweet like some stouts, this Big Bear Black Stout is right on the money of what a solid stout should be. No gimmicks. This is a beer lover’s brew. A-, and on The Drunkards Progress Scale, “STEP 5: The summit attained / Jolly companions / A confirmed drunkard”. This is fast becoming a go-to choice. The 8.1% ABV seems like some ridiculous yarn when this bear gets its claws in you.

Published in: on Thursday, 2 July 2009 at 5:37 PM  Leave a Comment  
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Stone Imperial Russian Stout – 2009 Limited Spring Release

Poured from 22 oz. brown bomber into snifter-style burgundy glass

Poured from 22 oz. brown bomber into snifter-style burgundy glass

Poured from a 22 oz. brown bomber into snifter-style  burgundy glass. Small head forms just after one is finished pouring. Espresso in color. Dissipates almost instantly. Ring of lacing around glass. Very sticky. Brew is jet black. This some serious stout. I’ve had the pleasure of its company once before and am glad to have it with me once again.

Sweet scent on the nose. Carmel, molasses, chocolate and coffee come through strongly. Also a very apparent malty smokiness, as well as a subtle yeast scent. A bit of cola floating in there as well as nuts, oak, and some soil and general earthiness. The inviting quality of this stout’s smell is really absurd.

Upon first taste, coffee rushes immediately to the front. Then chocolate followed by a nutty bitterness. A very smoky, earthy flavor. This is one delicious beer. Good God. Great balance of flavors. A definite chocolate/coffee dominance but as the beer warms on the palate a subtle blending and balance is slowly cultivated. This stout is exemplary.

Thick, smooth mouthfeel. Like a great massage on the tongue. Feels like you could chew it and hold on. Deep, rich body. Complex, layered sensations.

This beer is remarkably drinkable. The stout of all stouts, I feel compelled to sing its praises. Not a sessionable choice by any means, this stout is certainly a meal. Sip slowly or with great vigor, this beer will flood your senses any way you attempt to engage with it.

A, and on The Drunkard’s Progress Scale, “STEP 7: Forsaken by friends.” All you need is stout, stout. Stout is all you need.

Published in: on Monday, 29 June 2009 at 9:29 PM  Leave a Comment  
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Brasserie Dupont Avril – Saison/Farmhouse Ale, low ABV “Biere de table”

Poured from 750 mL champagne bottle into Duvel tulip

Poured from 750 mL champagne bottle into Duvel tulip

Poured from 750 mL champagne bottle into Duvel tulip. Medium, frothy head. Dissipates quickly. Small bit of lacing, not too sticky. Very carbonated. Gorgeous golden yellow color and quite cloudy. I am salivating already.

Sour, yeasty smell on the nose. How I remember brew smelling as a kid. Used to turn me away but now just drives me wild with anticipation. Notes of citrus, a bit fruity, slight herbal hoppiness, very grassy and earthy, nice floral perfume to it. Makes me think of gardens, fields, the great outdoors in late spring (hence Avril). Extremely clean and crisp. Dry, even. Can’t think of a better first on a summer day. Also, a slight “hop” odor, and not the one used for brewing…

First taste is crisp! So crisp. And bitter as well. A citrus flavor with hop bitterness and a nice sting of carbonation. Very, very refreshing. A bit like tonic water. Lacking some low notes. It is a very bright, top heavy beer. Low alcohol, good for a session, but not the strong, deep body I prefer. A bit thin all around for a saison but nonetheless a good, balanced taste.

Light mouthfeel. Very thin but somehow also a touch creamy. Smooth with a good bubbly bite. Like a pilsner or lager beer.

This is a very drinkable beer for obvious reasons. Subtle, sharp flavor and a low ABV, one could drink this for days on end. I’m afraid the flavor just isn’t there for me, but I enjoy it nonetheless.

This is one to consider for the Bud, Coors, etc. drinkers out there who have never considered the import or micro, and suitable for those of us who are the exact opposite. B-, and on The Drunkard’s Progress Scale, “STEP 1: A Glass with a Friend” describes best my future with this beer.

Published in: on Monday, 29 June 2009 at 3:22 PM  Leave a Comment  
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Brooklyn Local 2- Belgian Strong Dark Ale brewed with Honey and Citrus Peel

Poured from 750mL bottle into Brooklyn Brewery snifter

Poured from 750mL bottle into Brooklyn Brewery snifter

Poured from 750 mL bottle into large Brooklyn Brewery snifter. Healthy Belgian head, large and tan with medium sized bubbles. Head does dissipate but slowly. Leaves good lacing with small, moss-like stamp of head in center. Deep, rich dark chocolate color. Brown verging on black. No seeing through this one. Good carbonation. Promises to be quite Belgian, I hope. Let’s have a sniff.

Sweet and smoky on the nose. Very subtle. Carmel, with a touch of honey. Slight herbal aroma when agitated. Smells strongly of yeast. Very Belgian. Faint citrus scent as well as brown or burnt sugar, cinnamon, and bourbon, brandy.

Strong at first taste. Alcohol fills the nose, and there is a slight sting on the palate. Honey, savory herbs (rosemary?) come through very strongly. The bitterness is strong and dominant, but there is a sweet malty smoke floating just beneath. Strong honey, molasses, syrupy aftertaste. A bit unbalanced at first taste, or perhaps puts one off balance with a subtle play of flavors and fluid but unpredictable movement in tastes. Definitely Belgian inspired. Very complex. This tastes like a beer that sweetens and mellows as it warms, and it does. It improves greatly as it warms. The alcohol blends nicely and the beer is much more balanced.

The mouthfeel is a bit light for a Belgian Strong Dark Ale. Still heavy but with a distinct levity from the fine, and considerable, carbonation. Sticky, a bit chewy, but with a buttery smooth finish. No coarseness here. All silk.

This is beer, complex, big and just damn interesting, is a drink that needs taming. Too many and you will be looking up at it from the floor. First sip had me in the dark. Strong alcohol on the nose and tongue, and a world of flavors going on just beneath. Not a boy’s beer. Too complex to sort out on first glass. This is one that gets better with each go around. It demands the second pour.

A-, and on The Drunkard’s Progress Scale I give it, “STEP 4: Drunk and riotous”. A few glasses and I’m well on my way.

Published in: on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at 7:52 PM  Leave a Comment  
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Lindeman’s Pomme Lambic

Poured from 750 mL champagne bottle into flute

Poured from 750 mL champagne bottle into flute

Poured from 750 mL champagne bottle into flute. Initially quite bubbly. Mild head, fine and white. Dissipates quickly but good lacing is left. A bit cloudy, like a lightly filtered hefeweizen. Very nice color, golden at its lightest, amber at its darkest (picture shows the colors slightly darker). Regardless, quite alluring.

Very sweet on the nose. Apples, as one might expect, but in a bit of an artificially strong way. Fruity, like something from my childhood that I cannot quite place. Perhaps the smell produced when making Jello (pouring the powder into the boiling water?). A bit grassy. Good balance of flavors. Very pleasant. Invigorating yet pacifying aroma.

First taste is very sweet upfront. Delicious green apples, sweet yet tart and tangy. Then comes a subtle bitterness from carbonation, almost like the quinine of good tonic water, but less bitter. Again, good balance of flavors, light malty sweetness, but apple surely is the idea here. Second taste yields a subtle citrus flavor just beneath the surface. I am not well versed in lambics, and so this one tastes sweeter than others I have had but not cloyingly so. As it warms, strong sweet apple taste fades slightly and a nice malt bass with some tart apple comes through.

Mouthfeel is soft and light. At first quite smooth and silky. Then, as carbonation builds, it floats nicely on the tongue, like a mousse. A cottony cloud, really. Extremely light. Thin but not too much so. Still very smooth, despite high carbonation. Feels a bit thicker as it warms.

Very easy to drink for its sweetness. A bit off-putting at first taste. Makes one wonder how many one can actually have, but seems a very drinkable beer after all. Generally a bit sweet for my taste, but would have another and plan on doing so. Still, not entirely sure how many I could have without tiring of the sweetness, or getting a headache.

All in all, a delightful beer. B+. And on The Drunkard’s Progress Scale, I would say that “Step 1: A glass with a Friend” seems a mighty fine idea.

Published in: on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at 6:13 PM  Leave a Comment  
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