Our experts conducted blind taste tests of eight top-selling regular and light beers , plus offerings from Trader Joe’s and Walgreens (yes, beer from a drugstore). And the winner is: Coors regular , by, let’s say, a field goal. It has balanced flavors with some citrus notes, and no off-tastes. It’s a Consumer Reports Best Buy, at $6.45 for a six-pack. Three runners-up are also CR Best Buys: Name Tag (Trader Joe’s), Big Flats (Walgreens), and Miller High Life .
All of the tested beers are lagers, which usually have a mix of floral, fruity, yeasty, malted-grain, and boiled-hop (pungent) flavors. Most are pale yellow and light-bodied, and don’t stay foamy for long. Other face-offs:
Light beer will save you about 20 to 50 calories per can (due to lower carbs and slightly less alcohol), but no tested light scored high enough to be very good. Best of the bunch is Miller Lite . Worst is Corona Light, a bitter brew with traces of tinny and sulfury off-notes.
Corona Light costs far more than higher-rated Miller Lite; and Corona Extra costs about twice as much as three better beers.
Trader Joe’s and Walgreens stood up to the competition, doing about as well as Miller High Life and besting Corona Extra and Bud .
We tasted beer from cans, which may seem less refined than bottles, but they keep light, beer’s nemesis, from getting inside. Light can react with beer within weeks or even days to create compounds similar to those a skunk uses to defend itself.
None of these beers has enough complexity and balance to be excellent, but Coors comes fairly close. Just Drink A Yuengling
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Anderson Valley Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout Review #72
Anderson Valley Barney Flats Oatmeal StoutStyle: Oatmeal Stout
ABV: 5.7%
Part Of The Main Line Of There Beer Rotation
12oz Bottle Poured Into A Guinness Tulip Glass
Anderson Valley Brewery
A Regional Brewery
Boonville, California
Trey White
1987
With its deep, dark brown-black color, thick, full-bodied, velvety-smooth mouth feel, mocha character, and, strong yet subtle hop bite, Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout is one of the thickest, richest, and most complex stouts on the market today.
Appearance:
Opaque Black Brown Color
Black Tint Window Clarity
Lacy Latte Quality Head
Abrupt Ending Head Retention
Fuzzy Carbonation
Spotty And Ropey Lacing
A Abundant Of Sediment Settles To The Bottom
Aroma:
The Aroma Is Dainty More Than A Robust Nose
Plum Pudding
Pomes
Custard
Oats
Walnut
Peat
Lavender-Lollipop Grape Smell Arises
Mouth Feel:
Excellent Drinkability
I Could Sink Pint After Pint And Still Come Back For More
Smooth And Nourishing
Pleasant ABV
Just Hints Of Oatmeal Flavor
A Nice Ash Aftertaste
Bitter/Sweet Balance
Delicate Balance- Seems To Sway Back And Forth Between Bitter Roast And Chocolate
Lingering And Mild Hop Bitterness Finish With A Cocoa Taste
Finish Is Slightly Messy But Just Slightly
Medium Bodied- Could Have A little Denser
Not A Thirst Quencher But Refreshing
Texture Is Not As Silky Or As Sweet Stouts Can Be
A Smidge Disappointed At The Lack Of Richness
Mouthfeel Is A Coffee Candy Retro Taste Resembling A Caramelized Dimension
The smooth mildly roasted coffee flavor continues in the taste with an accompanying dash of vanilla-like cream. Traces of bittersweet chocolate comes out in the middle. The hops are presence through out the taste, sort of an oily flowery citrus. Finishes mildly bitter, a citrus twang that meshes with the roasted malts. Creamy smooth medium bodied feel, this stout goes down quite easily. A tasty and balanced oatmeal stout, well worth trying. I do enjoy the quiet confidence this stout has. This stout is not legendary but is a gold medal winner that can be a gentleman. Let This beer warm up between 32-58 degrees Fahrenheit and you can have two for breakfast.
4 Out Of 6
Want A Sixer
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Cannibal Ale Review #71
The Cannibal AleStyle: Belgian Strong Ale
ABV: 7.2%
Part Of The Bottle Reserve Collection
750ml Bottle Poured Into A Iron Hill Brewery Pint Glass
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
Maple Shade, New Jersey
The Restaurant Chain Is Named After The Hill In Delaware On Which The Battle Of Chooch's Bridge Took Place
2008 First One Opened
For those of you who don’t know, this beer has a story behind it. I’m a bike nut and I’ve always wanted to name a beer after the Cannibal, partly because I think it’s a cool name for a beer and partly because he’s one of my heroes. The Cannibal by the way is Eddy Merckx, a Belgian who raced in the 60s and 70s and whom many consider the greatest cyclist in history. He’s kind of the the Pele or Babe Ruth of cycling. He was called the Cannibal because he was said to devour his opponents. Basically if you were in a race and Eddy Merckx showed up you were now racing for second place. So we made this strong Belgian beer in tribute to a strong Belgian rider. We also brewed it in celebration of the Tour De France and the bike club Iron Hill founded. This beer always goes on tap on the first day of the Tour and stays on tap through the Champs de L’elysee. We also save a keg that we break out every year at our thank you party for the organizers of the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium. So this beer is pretty steeped in cycling culture.
Appearance:
14 Karat Gold Color
A Veil Of Foam Tops This Blond
Head Diminished To A Respectable Cap And Lasted Throughout
Relaxed Carbonation
Soapy Window Wash Lacing
Brilliantly Clear Clarity
Aroma:
Melon-Citrus Aroma
Honey Dew
Cantaloupe
Plantain
Lemon
Lime
Slight Curacao
Nectarine
Tangerine
Authentic Biscuit
Caramel Nose
Mouth Feel:
Quaint Refreshing Nature
Metallic Tang Feel
Medium Bodied
Wickedly Dry Fruity Finish
Lemon And Lime Belgian Sour Aftertaste
Tangy/Sweet/Sour Balance
"Duvel Beer Clone"
Citric Burn Beer
Sessionable- The Price Will Kill You, Instead Of The ABV
Slight Drinkability- I Felt The Brew Had To Much Tangy And Cloying Sweet Flavors Overpowering This Beer
Smooth And Chewy
Semi-Velvety Texture
Formidable Alcohol Bite
The taste is pretty dry, in fact definitely dry and it has a fizzy, carbonic texture that certainly helps this perception. A soft, cracker like grain character is found in the middle and is joined by a suggesting of pale malt character that is not quite sweetness, but sort of there. The beer has a fairly light body, especially for its strength, but doesn’t seem to quite achieve the light bodied character of Duvel; this is still quite quaffable though. There is a touch of fruitiness to the flavor, but nothing like the levels that were noticeable in the nose. There is a touch of dusty grain character in the finish, that might be the only real sign of age at this point, though there is perhaps a touch of a boost to the malt complexity found in this beer, both of these are slight though and this beer is certainly holding up quite well.
3 Out Of 6
Don't Want A Sixer
Monday, January 23, 2012
5 Unique Craft Beer Spots for Super Bowl Visitors
Indianapolis, Indiana. Typically you think of The Indianapolis 500, Jim Nabors, and corn. Unless you’ve visited Indianapolis, you might not know it’s a convention town, second only to Las Vegas. Home to some of the most amazing start ups and social media savvy people, Indianapolis has created the first Super Bowl Social Media Command Center. Follow the #super46 hashtag on twitter for all the latest news by the most connected people in the city before and during the game. Hosting Super Bowl 46 is huge for the city. While there is so much to do (zip lining anyone?) and see (LMFAO, Bret Michaels and the oddest assortment of bands I’ve totally forgotten about En Vogue, Morris Day and the Time, and Indy native comedian Mike Epps), if you’re reading Girls Pint Out and headed into Indy for a visit, let me give you an insiders look at some things to hit up while you’re in town. Most visitors guides I’ve seen have pointed guests to St. Elmo’s, the Indianapolis institution with searing hot shrimp cocktail sauce and great celebrity watching. While St. Elmo’s does serve some craft beer including local GABF Gold Medal winning juggernaut Sun King Brewing, they miss the mark with frosted pint glasses. Super annoying. Slippery Noodle Inn, just down Meridian Street also gets huge nods and we understand that. It’s a hub for jazz and blues with historic appeal. But you’re not going for the beer.
Here’s a Girls Pint Out list of places craft beer fans must visit while in town. This is not a comprehensive list of all the breweries and bars in town. I know you know you’ll go to Sun King, Flat 12 and if you’re smart Bier Brewery. I’m highlighting some things that might be easy to over look with so much to do and see. These local spots offer something different and unique to the typical sports bars and hyped up venues around Super Bowl Village. Act like a local and drink like a local.
1. Black Market
922 Massachusettes Avenue
Open Tues-Sat
21+ only
317.822.6757
http://www.blackmarketindy.net/
Black Market serves some of the most innovative food we’ve seen in a while. On top of the cool, you need to know where you’re going to know where you’re going vibe, the beers stand up the food. Black Market does an excellent job of creating a tap and bottle list that will make any craft beer drinker happy a restaurant cares as much about the libations as they do their cuisine.
2. Mac Nivens
339 Massachusetts Avenue
Open Daily
21+ only
317.632.SCOT
http://www.macnivens.com/index.php
Mac Nivens is the Scottish-American pub locals go to setting their cravings for Scotch Eggs. No one does them better. The vegetarian French Onion Soup is also a hit. Pair both of these with any one of craft beers on Mac Nivens extensive craft beer menu. They typically feature local brewery’s selections you can’t find anywhere else, not even brewery tasting rooms. Mac Nivens also has alcohol infused desserts – totally worth the splurge.
3. Tomlinson Tap Room
222 East Market Street – second level of City Market
Open Mon-Thurs 2-9pm
Open Fri-Sat Noon-9pm
21+ only
317.423.2337
http://www.indycm.com/tomlinsontaproom/
This is a true hidden gem in Indianapolis’ growing craft beer community. The Tomlinson Tap Room is a joint venture between Indianapolis City Market and the Brewers of Indiana Guild. You’ll find 16 taps of Indiana craft beer including Bloomington Brewing Company, Bee Creek Brewery, Three Floyds, Mad Anthony, New Albanian Brewing Company, Crown Brewing Company, Peoples Brewing Company and more. The list is always changing and bartenders Kristin and Ben will be able to explain every single one of them to you. Flights are available which I highly recommend to experience as much Indiana liquid culture as possible.
4. The Mousetrap
5565 North Keystone Avenue
Open Daily
21+ Only
317.255.3189
http://www.themousetrapbar.com/
The Mousetrap has daily features such as Acoustic Bluegrass Open Jam on Tuesdays and Triva Nights but the night to go is Thursday nights for their IndyMojo presents Altered Thurzdaze. Each Thursday night you can hear some of the best local DJs spin Dubstep and Electronic music while you enjoy $3 craft beer pints including Three Floyds, Sierra Nevada, Bells and New Belgium. While some of the craft beers are standards there are also great specialties like Hopslam and Gumballhead, and the opportunity to listen to some of Indy’s local DJs is totally worth it.
5. Tavern On South
423 W. South Street
Open Mon-Sat
317.602.3115
http://tavernonsouth.com/
Warm and inviting while under the shadow of Lucas Oil Stadium, Tavern on South boasts a huge craft beer menu with a focus on Midwestern offerings. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I ate there by their updated American classics and fresh herb tossed french fries. Sit at the granite bar and try to guess everything in the giant urns that are filled with liquor infusions for cocktails. The tenderloin sliders are a take on the quintessential Indiana sandwich and pair perfectly with a pint of beer.
The craft beer scene in Indianapolis is growing by leaps and bounds and if you have a chance to visit during the Super Bowl please try to visit locally owned establishments and try out Indiana craft beers. Use the #IndianaBeer hashtag to show everyone you know what you’re talking about! We’re extremely proud of all the Indiana breweries that have contributed to make Indianapolis a craft beer destination to visit.
Here’s a Girls Pint Out list of places craft beer fans must visit while in town. This is not a comprehensive list of all the breweries and bars in town. I know you know you’ll go to Sun King, Flat 12 and if you’re smart Bier Brewery. I’m highlighting some things that might be easy to over look with so much to do and see. These local spots offer something different and unique to the typical sports bars and hyped up venues around Super Bowl Village. Act like a local and drink like a local.
1. Black Market
922 Massachusettes Avenue
Open Tues-Sat
21+ only
317.822.6757
http://www.blackmarketindy.net/
Black Market serves some of the most innovative food we’ve seen in a while. On top of the cool, you need to know where you’re going to know where you’re going vibe, the beers stand up the food. Black Market does an excellent job of creating a tap and bottle list that will make any craft beer drinker happy a restaurant cares as much about the libations as they do their cuisine.
2. Mac Nivens
339 Massachusetts Avenue
Open Daily
21+ only
317.632.SCOT
http://www.macnivens.com/index.php
Mac Nivens is the Scottish-American pub locals go to setting their cravings for Scotch Eggs. No one does them better. The vegetarian French Onion Soup is also a hit. Pair both of these with any one of craft beers on Mac Nivens extensive craft beer menu. They typically feature local brewery’s selections you can’t find anywhere else, not even brewery tasting rooms. Mac Nivens also has alcohol infused desserts – totally worth the splurge.
3. Tomlinson Tap Room
222 East Market Street – second level of City Market
Open Mon-Thurs 2-9pm
Open Fri-Sat Noon-9pm
21+ only
317.423.2337
http://www.indycm.com/tomlinsontaproom/
This is a true hidden gem in Indianapolis’ growing craft beer community. The Tomlinson Tap Room is a joint venture between Indianapolis City Market and the Brewers of Indiana Guild. You’ll find 16 taps of Indiana craft beer including Bloomington Brewing Company, Bee Creek Brewery, Three Floyds, Mad Anthony, New Albanian Brewing Company, Crown Brewing Company, Peoples Brewing Company and more. The list is always changing and bartenders Kristin and Ben will be able to explain every single one of them to you. Flights are available which I highly recommend to experience as much Indiana liquid culture as possible.
4. The Mousetrap
5565 North Keystone Avenue
Open Daily
21+ Only
317.255.3189
http://www.themousetrapbar.com/
The Mousetrap has daily features such as Acoustic Bluegrass Open Jam on Tuesdays and Triva Nights but the night to go is Thursday nights for their IndyMojo presents Altered Thurzdaze. Each Thursday night you can hear some of the best local DJs spin Dubstep and Electronic music while you enjoy $3 craft beer pints including Three Floyds, Sierra Nevada, Bells and New Belgium. While some of the craft beers are standards there are also great specialties like Hopslam and Gumballhead, and the opportunity to listen to some of Indy’s local DJs is totally worth it.
5. Tavern On South
423 W. South Street
Open Mon-Sat
317.602.3115
http://tavernonsouth.com/
Warm and inviting while under the shadow of Lucas Oil Stadium, Tavern on South boasts a huge craft beer menu with a focus on Midwestern offerings. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I ate there by their updated American classics and fresh herb tossed french fries. Sit at the granite bar and try to guess everything in the giant urns that are filled with liquor infusions for cocktails. The tenderloin sliders are a take on the quintessential Indiana sandwich and pair perfectly with a pint of beer.
The craft beer scene in Indianapolis is growing by leaps and bounds and if you have a chance to visit during the Super Bowl please try to visit locally owned establishments and try out Indiana craft beers. Use the #IndianaBeer hashtag to show everyone you know what you’re talking about! We’re extremely proud of all the Indiana breweries that have contributed to make Indianapolis a craft beer destination to visit.
Left Hand Fade To Black Pepper Porter Vol. 3 Review #70
Left Hand Fade To Black Pepper Porter Vol. 3Style: Spice/Herb/Vegetable
ABV: 7.2%
12oz Bottle Poured Into A New Belgium Brewery Tulip Glass
Left Hand Brewery
Longmont, Colorado
Dick Doore
Eric Wallace
1993
Imagine Robert DeNiro sitting in your darkened parlour near the fire in his Louis Cyphre persona smoking a Tuscan cigar. This may be the beer with which to save (or lose) your soul. Dried fruit flavors entwined with smoky pepper and licorice embossed on roasty malt sweetness open on your tongue as the slow warmth of chilies creep up on your tongue and throat, finishing in an herbal smoke ring flourish.
Appearance:
Sarsaparilla Colored Body
A Skimp Of A Ringed Head-Essentially Headless
Retention Recedes Leaving Scant Sheet To Skim The Surface
Forgivable Cause The Pepper Oils Cause The Head To Dissipate
Sparse Lacing Left Behind
Lacking Carbonation
Aroma:
Chili Peppers
Chocolate
Campfire Smoke
Whisper Of Licorice
Tobacco
Cedar
Light Vanilla
French Roast
Healthy Black Soil
Espresso
Slight Italian Herbs
Burnt Roasted Malts
Meaty Charcoal Nose
Mouth Feel:
Low Drinkability- The Pepper Oil Makes This A Tough One To Keep Drinking
Texture Has Quality But Could Be Pumped Up A Bit
Long Earthy Chili Heat On The Back Of The Throat In The Finish
Sweet/Spicy Balance
Balanced Infusion A Pretty One Dimensional Consistency
Medium Bodied
Tiresome Brew That Consists Of Overpowering Black Pepper In And Out That Tingles The Lips
Not Sessionable- A Real Chore To Finish Not Enjoyable To Drink One Let Alone Another
"Acid Reflux" Beer
Southern BBQ Quality Mouth Feel
The Aftertaste Leaves Your Mouth Dry Like A Dirty Ashtray
The Alcohol And Weird Licorice Notes Clash Giving You Unclean Flavors On Your Palate
Taste: Sweet, malty beginnings of chocolate bar, caramel, sweetened coffee, and toast. Very slight smokey character preceding a smooth albeit spicy chile quality with, thankfully, no more heat that needed. The hops, at best, add a light spicy hint to aid the peppers, but, for the most part, stay out of the way of the ’guest’ flavoring agent. Faint dark fruitiness. Malty, drying, lightly chile-accented finish.
1 1/2 Out Of 6
Don't Want A Sixer
Friday, January 20, 2012
Chimay Bleue (Blue) / Grande Réserve Review #69
Chimay Bleue (Blue) / Grande RéserveStyle: Belgian Strong Ale
ABV: 9%
Part Of The Four Variety Chimay Collection
11.2oz Bottle From A Holiday Pack Poured Into A Chimay Chalice
Chimay Brewery ("Bières de Chimay")
Trappist Brewery
Southern Hainaut, Belgium
Scourmont Abbey Monastery
1863
Bottle conditioned - 150 cl, 75 cl, and 33 cl bottles. Named Grande Réserve in 75 cl bottles, and Magnum Grande Réserve in 150 cl bottles.
Chimay Blue is principally distinguished by its character of a strong beer. This is a beer whose fragrance of fresh yeast with a light, flowery rosy touch is especially pleasant. Its flavour, noticed when tasting it, only accentuates the pleasant sensations perceived in the aroma , while revealing a light but pleasant touch of roasted malt. This top fermented Trappist beer, refermented in the bottle, is not pasteurised.
Appearance:
Scrumptious Appearance
Dark Root Beer Brown Color
Hazy Clarity Due To Sediment Swirling About
Typical Cottony Belgian Foam Head
Rapid Decaying Head Retention
Streaks Of Lacing Mark The Beers Passage
Tickling Carbonation
Aroma:
Captivating Quality Aroma
Dates
Flowery Tones
Marshmallow
Pastilles
Nutmeg
Figs
Raisins
Brown Sugar
Cherries
Black Berries
Cocoa
Mouth Feel:
Sweet/Touch Of Bitterness
Classic Balanced Beer
Full Bodied
Slightly Sessionable- If The 9% ABV Doesn't Get You, The Heavy Feel On The Stomach With The Many Sweet Flavors
Luxuriant Texture That Is Clean And Wanting
Pleasant Hop Aftertaste That Gives You Childhood Memories Of Piping Hot Bread And Raisins
Intense Palate That Sure Packs A Punch, With It's Warming Transient Hot Alcohol Tang
Alcohol Is A Bit Hot, But Not Intruding On The Taste Buds
A Perfect Sipper Not To Be Chugged Like A College Frat Guy
It Had A Nice Mouth Feel Of Dry Spanish Cedar And A Pinch Of Nutmeg
Fortified Finish That Is Flowery And Roasted With Some Spicy Hop Touches
Molasses and spice mingle with nutmeg while my taste buds take in the fruit-felt bounty of raisins, prunes, black cherries (fresh and canned), and grapes before ending in licorice. There is a pervasive candied sugar sweetness which isn’t overpowering thanks in part to her effervescent body. Her palate centers all immediate pleasures on the top of my tongue, though as we further our tempestuous relationship, the back of my tongue and throat dries with spice and wood. For a brief moment, I have flashes of tropical paradise in the form of candied pineapple, and then she is gone. As my Blue warms, her flavors continue to melt into, with, and around each other in practiced Belgian Trappist artistry. This Blue is no better way to obliterate the stagnant memories of a otherwise unfulfilled day. This is the granddaddy of Belgian strong ales, that is better than Westmalle,but not as good as Rocherfort 10. This is a good introductory to strong ales and is a great beer to cellar
5 Out Of 6
Want A Sixer
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Lindemans Apple (Pomme) Fruit Beer Review #68
Lindemans Apple (Pomme) Fruit BeerStyle: Lambic-Fruit
ABV: 3.5%
Part Of The Brewery's Fruit Beer Collection
11.3oz Cork And Bottle Poured Into A Lindemans Flute Glass
Lindemans Brewery
Belgian Family Brewery
Viezenbeek, Belgium
Frans Lindeman
1811
Appearance:
Champagne Quality Color
Maize Color With Some Green Tint
Plush Etiolated Head
Once Poured The Head Collapses Quickly
Foggy Clarity
Some Fragmentary Lacing
Vast Carbonation
Aroma:
Synthetic Type Aroma
Granny Smith Apples
Wheat
Sweet Tarts
Sour Apple Jolly Ranchers
White Grapes
Pears
Hint Of Dried Leaves
Mouth Feel:
Cider/Beer Hybrid
A Little Meaty
Medium Bodied
Sugary Sweet/High Tartness Balance
Cloying Sweet Mouth Feel- Willy Wonka's Wet Dream
Particularly Unsophisticated Generic Palate
Apple Cider Slam That Is Uninspiring
Insanely Refreshing In Small Doses
A Perfect Breakfast Beer
Not Really Sessionable, I Find This Beer To Be A Novelty Beer
Fountain Soda Quality Texture
Low Drinkability Due To The Fact That After One You Mouth Puckers, Like You Ate A Whole Bag Of Sour Patch Kids
A Long Thick Sourness Green Apple Finish That Lingers For A Few Minutes
Carbonated Apple Juice Aftertaste
Pretty Artificial And Not A Natural Quality
A very prominent taste of apples up front... no surprises there. The synthetic character is played down a bit in the taste, but it’s still there and the beer still tastes very much as apple candy. It’s reminiscent of sweet apple cider. It’s very sweet at first, then a slight sourness and some faint malty flavors take over for a little while. This is actually not a very pleasant part of the taste, since the faint malt flavor mixes badly with the overly sweet taste of apples. The finish is primarily sour, but also a bit tart and sweet. Again, the taste of sweet and sour soft apple candy appears. The sourness definitely adds to the brew and makes for a pleasant aspect of its overall profile. But after a while, it feels like I’ve eaten to much candy. I find this one to be better than Lindemans Framboise and is a decent introductory lambic, but it just isn't my preference when it comes to beer.
2 Out Of 6
Don't Want A Sixer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Avery White Rascal Ale Review #67
Avery White Rascal AleStyle: Belgian Witbier
ABV: 5.6%
Year Round Ales Collection
12oz Can Poured Into A Yards Snifter
Avery Brewing Company
Boulder, Colorado
Adam Avery, President & /Brewmaster
September 1993
A truly authentic Belgian style wheat or "white" ale, this Rascal is unfiltered (yup, that’s yeast on the bottom) and cleverly spiced with coriander and Curacao orange peel producing a refreshingly fruity thirst quencher.
Appearance:
Country Time Lemonade Quality Color
Billowing White Grainy Foam Head
Very Shrinking Quality Head Retention
Cloudy Clarity
Obscene Amount Of Sediment That Hangs In Suspension (Home-Brewish)
Gooey Wavy Lacework
Carbonation Shines In The Glass And The Mouth
Nice Appeasing Label
Aroma:
German "Hefe" Quality Aroma
Not A Lot Of "Ester-Fication" Going On
Banana
Peppercorn
Fruit Loops
Coriander
Wreath
Wheat
Musty Cabin Aroma
Lemon Juice
Mouth Feel:
Very Gentle Palate
Medium Sourness
No Bad Residual Flavors
Musky Elements
Airy Bodied
Texture Is A Little Heavy For A Beer Of This Style
High Drinkability- A Nice Fluffy Beer To Get Hammered On
Rich Yet Session-Ably Light
Non Offending Thirst Quencher
Dehydrated Pineapple Finish That Just Gives You A Kiss And Then Is Gone
Tart And Tangy Aftertaste
Sweet/Medium Sour Balance
Well Executed Balance
Roller Coaster Of Flavors That Rolled Off The Tongue
Taste: Nailed it! The wit can be a tricky maiden to tame due to the ease with which you can make the beer sweet and over the top fruity. This ale is neither. It starts with a rich yet drying yeasty flavor that is immediately surpassed by the sweet fruit flavors of the coriander and orange peel. The orange peel feels like maybe it was bitter because it lends depth of flavor not sugar to the taste so they avoid the cloying feel and stick to refreshment and a finish that gets the juices flowing. This brew is a nice new to craft beer starter. A good American interpretation of the style. If you like Shock Top, try this instead of that shit and also try Ommegang Wit.
4 Out Of 6
Want A Sixer
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
America’s 100 best beer bars: 2012
WEST
APEX | Portland, Ore.
Cruise down to bike-friendly Apex on your fixie and grab a seat at one of the many outdoor picnic tables: This is the perfect spot to people-watch Portland’s hipster class while sipping on something hoppy from the rightfully named Hopworks Urban Brewery. Plot your next pours with Apex’s sleek, real-time digital tap listing display, which showcases the bar’s thoughtfully compiled selection of 50 regional hop bombs and coveted brews from abroad. 1216 S.E. Division St., apexbar.com
BAILEY’S TAPROOM | Portland, Ore.
Bailey’s exposed brick, timber pillars and windowed exterior give this downtown corner bar a lived-in coziness beyond its four years. It’s not only the perfect location to unwind with Portland’s working stiffs (it opens at 4 p.m.), but also a one-stop pub for sampling the best of Oregon, from Oakshire’s single-batch brews on tap to a healthy collection of Hair of the Dog bottles. 213 S.W. Broadway, baileystaproom.com
BEER REVOLUTION | Oakland, Calif.
BEER REVOLUTION
This low-key hole-in-the-wall is reshaping Oakland with more than 40 incredible taps and a wall of beer fridges housing one of the best beer selections in the city. Grab a spot at a barrel table and strike up a conversation with fellow revolutionaries, or stop by on one of the many brewer nights for special tastings with craft beer luminaries. 464 Third St., beer-revolution.com
BELMONT STATION| Portland, Ore.
Bottle shop, biercafé and locally sourced cuisine: Belmont Station nails the beer geek/foodie trifecta. Nosh on corned beef with organic veggies and a helping of Oakshire’s Overcast Espresso Stout Ice Cream between sips of the neighborhood café’s cask-conditioned offering. Then, roll yourself over to the bottle shop for a bomber to go. 4500 S.E. Stark St., belmont-station.com
BEVERIDGE PLACE PUB | Seattle
Comfy couches, borrowable books and chatty regulars make this sleepy West Seattle tavern more like a living room than a beer bar—but a phenomenal spread of Northwestern beers and bartenders who are generous with samples and hell-bent on finding something you like put Beveridge Place among the beer bar elite. 6413 California Ave. S.W., beveridgeplacepub.com
BLIND LADY ALE HOUSE | San Diego
BLAH is one of those big, cheery places that takes its beer pretty darn seriously. Its state-of-the-art draft system guarantees only the freshest pours from each of the 26 thoughtfully selected taps, and all of the liquid is served up in the right glass. Go for a pint, but stay for a slice; the highly lauded pizza’s topped with organic ingredients from a local farm. Bonus: BLAH’s owners opened sister bar Tiger! Tiger! just across the freeway in the fall. 3416 Adams Ave., blindladyalehouse.com
BLUE PALMS BREWHOUSE | Hollywood, Calif.
This unlikely little spot next to the Henry Fonda Theater has inspired sausage (alligator and pork andouille, anyone?), but it’s really all about doing beer right: The bartenders are all super-knowledgeable, and the brews are served in correct glassware at proper temperatures. You’ll rarely find the same draft selection twice, and with consistent “tap takeovers” and a legion of beer fans parked on the barstools, there’s always a reason to come back. 6124 Hollywood Blvd., bluepalmsbrewhouse.com
THE DAILY PINT | Santa Monica, Calif.
If you’re a jeans-and-T-shirt guy, pool shark, shuffleboard champ and foosball fanatic, then you’re in the right place. But if you also happen to like beer, you’ve hit the jackpot. Daily Pint’s huge selection is “ever-rotating”: Just check out its Twitter account to see the latest local gems on the faucets, which include four cask engines. 2310 Pico Blvd., thedailypint.net
DRAUGHT HOUSE PUB & BREWERY | Austin, Texas
Forty-three years in, and this Texas-bar-meets-Bavarian-looking-chalet is still pouring strong. With 70 taps, including a smattering of pretty darn good housemade beers, it’s got just about something for everyone. While the beer’s flowing over, so is the crowd, but that’s OK: You can grab a stool at the bar or at an outdoor picnic bench; for a sure seat, bring your lawn chair and kick back in the parking lot. 4112 Medical Pkwy., draughthouse.com
FALLING ROCK TAP HOUSE | Denver
The unofficial outpost for Great American Beer Fest goers, the dimly lit, wood-dressed Falling Rock is one of those places that everyone who knows about beer knows about. Seventy-five taps draw a serious selection of the best in the West and beyond; stop in for regular visits by brewers, who know that this is the place to celebrate their beer in Denver. 1919 Blake St., fallingrocktaphouse.com
FATHER’S OFFICE | Santa Monica, Calif.
Open since 2000, Father’s Office is, for this city, an aging starlet, but in a Betty White sort of way. Yes, you’ll still wait shoulder-to-shoulder at the bustling long bar for your pint (36 taps and a super-knowledgeable staff make it worth your while); and yes, though the competition’s fierce, the Office Burger is still one of the best uses of beef in town. 1018 Montana Ave., fathersoffice.com
FREAKIN’ FROG | Las Vegas
No sequins or Bengal tigers in sight, but this off-off-the-strip bar’s 1,000 glorious bottles make it one of the best beer shows in the West. Owned by UNLV beer and wine lecturer Adam Carmer, this bar’s the perfect spot to study up on beer and whiskey, with the latter topping off at 800 selections. 4700 S. Maryland Pkwy., freakinfrog.com
GREEN DRAGON | Portland, Ore.
Located on the fringe of Portland’s warehouse district, the urbanesque Green Dragon tempts patrons through its garage door entrance, and keeps them hanging around with more than 50 ever-rotating taps—probably none fresher than offerings from Buckman Botanical Brewery, a small-batch brewery set up inside the Dragon. From regular meet-the-brewer nights to the annual Great American Nano Fest, this bar is one of the most craftbeer-centric venues you’ll ever find. 928 S.E. Ninth St., pdxgreendragon.com
HAMILTON’S TAVERN | San Diego
The oldest beer and wine bar in San Diego is one of the best: This classic alehouse is barn-big and doesn’t take itself too seriously, just lying low as a beloved neighborhood joint that honors its hometown with several of the 27 taps dedicated to SoCal favorites while the more than 200 bottles lean Belgian. The adjacent café serves tasty eats (don’t miss the grilled cheese), and two sister bars (Monkey Paw and Small Bar) let you keep your drinking in the family. 1521 30th St., hamiltonstavern.com
HOPVINE PUB | Seattle
This quiet Capitol Hill bar is one of those spots that’s ideal to visit alone; you can talk shop with even-keeled staffers over a small-batch Hilliard’s saison from across town, or read a book at the counter with a schooner of Hale’s Supergoose. The small but well-curated beer selection leans local and changes daily, but somehow, every pint goes with the superb seasonal meatloaf sandwich-and-soup combo. Watch for a cask on most Mondays. 507 15th Ave. E, 3pubs.com/hopvine
HORSE BRASS PUB | Portland, Ore.
When founder Don Younger, who passed away last year, claimed, “If it were any more authentic, you’d need a passport,” he wasn’t kidding: Bric-a-brac adorns the nicotine-stained walls (from the old smoking days) of this dimly lit, wood-paneled pub, perfectly re-creating the neighborhood haunts of England. Horse Brass has championed the craft beer movement since 1976, and with its legacy still intact as perhaps the best bar in the nation, it isn’t just a destination in Portland, but a bucket-list item for any beer lover. 4534 S.E. Belmont St., horsebrass.com
HUMPY’S GREAT ALASKAN ALEHOUSE | Anchorage, Alaska
This iconic bar boasts a patio that breathes in gorgeous Alaska scenery and the largest selection of draft beer in the snowy state. Here, you can nosh on fresh-from-the-sea eats while lingering over a slew of local brews. If you’re less “tundra” and more “tropical,” there’s a sister spot a few thousand miles away, in Kona, Hawaii. 610 W. Sixth Ave., humpys.com
LA TRAPPE CAFÉ | San Francisco
While there’s an upstairs bar, the dimly lit, intimate basement of this San Fran haunt is the best place to experience a taste of Belgium: 19 taps lean toward the motherland, with lovely choices from Cantillon and Affligem making frequent visits, while the twice-cooked frites are accompanied by your choice of 10 inspired dipping sauces. 800 Greenwich St., latrappecafe.com
THE MAYOR OF OLD TOWN | Fort Collins, Colo.
Fort Collins is famous for its homegrown crafts; now, The Mayor of Old Town ups the “beercentricity” with 100 globe-spanning taps, about 30 of which favor northern Colorado’s best. The selection rotates pretty rapidly, but fear not: Every time a new brew’s put on tap, the list automatically updates (presto!) on three enormous HD projection screens above the bar, and on the bar’s Twitter feed and Facebook page. 632 S. Mason St., themayorofoldtown.com
NAKED CITY BREWERY & TAPHOUSE | Seattle
Naked City unselfishly turns the spotlight away from its own worthy beers and dedicates most of the nearly 30 taps to brews that give a lesson in current Northwestern beer—think brand-new Sound Monk’s Indiscretion and Seattle stalwart Big Al IPA. The kitchen expanded in the fall, making more room on the soup/salad/sandwich menu—though you should still head straight for the crunchy-sour pickled hop shoots. 8564 Greenwood Ave. N., nakedcitybrewing.com
O’BRIEN’S AMERICAN PUB | San Diego
The unadorned, “regular Joe” vibe is part of O’Brien’s charm, but you have only to look at the tap and bottle lists to know that this is no ordinary strip-mall dive. Owner Tom Nickel is a San Diego beer legend who draws local breweries to regularly unleash their latest small-batch wonders on his taps and favorite patrons to hop off the barstools and follow him on his Belgian beer adventures. 4646 Convoy St., obrienspub.net
PAPAGO BREWING CO. | Scottsdale, Ariz.
Newly expanded Papago celebrated its 10-year anniversary this year by hosting Hoppegeddon, dedicating all 30 taps to stellar IPAs. One of the first bars in the Valley to embrace craft, it’s the place where die-hard locals, brewers passing through and a young crowd converge to share a pint. The tap selection is always tempting, but drink local and dip into the house brews. 7107 E. McDowell Rd., papagobrewing.com
SARAVEZA | Portland, Ore.
SARAVEZA
Fresh-baked beef pasties, kitschy vintage beer decorations, the Packers on TV: Saraveza is a Midwesterner’s bar away from home. This quaint northwest Portland pub may seem homely, but its nine taps and more than 200 bottles pack a big beer punch. Come on the second Monday of each month for Free Bacon Night, when your beer’s paired alongside house-smoked pork. 1004 N. Killingsworth St., saraveza.com
STUMBLING MONK | Seattle
Cavernous lighting and utterly bare décor don’t do this place justice; then again, the hipsters and beer geeks who fill the stools are too absorbed in their Duchesse de Bourgogne to care. A whiteboard seduces with a treasure trove of straight-from-Belgium saisons, lambics, dubbels and tripels, plus American-made homages to the Belgian greats—all priced to sell and served in proper glassware. It’s a raw, rare place for passionate drinkers. 1635 E. Olive Way, 206.860.0916
THE SURLY GOAT | Hollywood, Calif.
Sprung from the great minds behind legendary Verdugo, Surly Goat is a cool, dimly lit West Hollywood haunt where sometimes the music can get loud and sometimes the crowd can get thick. The 27 well-chosen taps give this place staying power, even if the beers themselves delightfully come and go as quickly as reality stardom. 7929 Santa Monica Blvd., surlygoat.com
TONY’S DARTS AWAY | Burbank, Calif.
Tony’s Darts Away is just so California, and we’re not even talking about the 38 taps wholly dedicated to the best of Cali brew (though that certainly helps). Its environmentally friendly ethos hugs every part of the place, from tap-only beer, soda and wine (not a bottle or can in sight), recycled napkins and hyperlocal, Cali-sourced fare. 1710 W. Magnolia Blvd., tonysda.com
THE TRAPPIST | Oakland, Calif.
A slice of Belgium is tucked away in Oakland; this quaint hallway-esque bar has all the charm of an Old World café, with all the beer that makes its homeland the toast of connoisseurs. Find Belgian rarities on more than two dozen taps, served exactly as they are supposed to be (right down to the brewery’s own glassware), or linger over the impressive beer list that boasts more than 100 bottles. 460 Eighth St., thetrappist.com
TASTE OF TOPS | Tempe, Ariz.
Phoenix’s swiftly escalating enthusiasm for craft beer is best observed at Taste of Tops, where 24 taps pour from around the world—if beers like Odell Hiveranno don’t do the trick, mosey over to the adjacent shop and choose from more than 1,000 bottles to pop open in the bar. Legendary beer characters like Fritz Maytag, Ken Grossman and Jake Leinenkugel have all tipped back beers here, proof that you should, too. 403 W. University Dr., topsliquors.com
TORONADO | San Francisco
This crown jewel of American beer has been visited by every brewer you’ve heard of, and most of the guys seated at the bar, ogling the inimitable tap selection, are proudly wearing beer shirts. There are countless examples of what makes Toronado a pioneer, but we especially love that it’s hosted a Barleywine Festival for 18 years and been unwaveringly dedicated to quality craft before it was cool or profitable to do so. 547 Haight St., toronado.com
BEER-BAR CHAINS: The beloved Flying Saucer Draught Emporium’s (beerknurd.com) empire stretches from Raleigh to San Antonio, with 15 locations and more than 240 beers at every one of them; the original still presides over Ft. Worth, Texas. Meanwhile, the original Ginger Man (gingermanpub.com) outpost in Houston just celebrated its 25th anniversary; there are five more in the Texas family, while a cousin location (gingerman-ny.com) whets palates in NYC. Another Lone Star State favorite is Little Woodrows (littlewoodrows.com), which boasts eight locations in Houston and Austin and more than 100 beers—or, as Woodrows puts it, “Mucho Cerveza, baby.” In the beery Northwest, the all-encompassing McMenamins has more than 50 incredible beer bars, plus its own breweries, winery, distillery and hotels. Cathedral-themed newbie chain Congregation Ale House (congregationalehouse.com) has three SoCal locations and a veritable Bible of beer for each; go during “mass” for happy hour specials.
MIDWEST
ASHLEY’S | Ann Arbor, Mich.
BANGERS & LACE
Since 1983, this classic U of M hangout has been as smart as the grad students who frequent it. The 70-plus taps reflect a vast beer landscape, pouring local favorites like Founders Breakfast Stout, new releases like Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout and Belgian beauties like Tripel Karmeliet. 338 State St., ashleys.com
BANGERS & LACE | Chicago
Barely a year old, this Wicker Park lounge teeming with young, suds-savvy patrons jettisoned to the top of the Windy City beer scene with a 32-beer tap list that not only hits trends (de la Senne Equinox, BrewDog/Mikkeller collaborations), but starts them (France’s Pietra Colomba Chestnut). A sausage-laden menu—think rabbit links, veal brats and foie gras corn dogs—complements the beer beautifully. 1670 W. Division St., bangersandlacechicago.com
BOMB SHELTER | Milwaukee
Only in Beer City does a bar proudly stick a Schlitz Gusto spout next to an O’so Dominator Doppelbock handle. This dive pays homage to Milwaukee’s storied brewing history with a solid collection of local breweriana, and carries the city’s tastes forward with more than 360 brews and a weekly beer-tasting club. 1517 S. Second St., bombshelterbar.com
BRIDGE | St. Louis
A minimalist design concept starring warm wood and an eclectic collection of chandeliers and lamps sets an upscale tone and seals Bridge as one of the world’s prettiest places to drink. Two hundred worldly bottles and 55 Midwest-heavy taps give the place serious beer cred, and the elevated menu of cheese, charcuterie and creative snacks lets foodies play with pairings. 1004 Locust St., thebridgestl.com
BUCKEYE BEER ENGINE | Lakewood, Ohio
This tried-and-true tavern gets better with age: The 200-plus beer list has grown in diversity (a zwickelbier on cask!), a sign this old haunt isn’t past its prime. A topnotch burger menu keeps things interesting with wacky specials like the Xmas Dinner: a patty piled high with ham and sweet potatoes. 15315 Madison Ave., buckeyebeerengine.com
CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE | Omaha, Neb.
The corner of 36th and Farnam streets (aka Beer Corner, U.S.A.) boasts a German beer hall, a Belgian tavern and a 600-bottle beer shop, but the crown jewel is the 50-tap Crescent Moon. The handles pour a little bit of everything: cask ales and nitro pulls, seasonals and regulars—and best of all, an excellent sampling of Nebraska’s notoriously limited-reach brews. 3578 Farnam St., beercornerusa.com
EL BAIT SHOP | Des Moines, Iowa
Totally hodgepodge yet utterly homey, this mural-and-taxidermy-clad pub’s a place you can (and should) spend entire days in. More than 100 taps and just as many bottles make the place a beer oasis, but 26 bike racks and a working shower draw in a chill crowd of cyclists who don’t mind if you can’t tell a stout from a wit. 200 S.W. Second St., elbaitshop.com
THE FOUNDRY AT MCCOY’S | Kansas City, Mo.
A handful of house-made session brews joins a who’s-who list of global artisan beers; they show up in pints as well as flights and quirky beer cocktails. The clean, retro-modern-styled setting makes a nice departure from the beer-signed and Belgian-inspired haunts you’re used to. 424 Westport Rd., foundrykc.com
THE HAPPY GNOME | St. Paul, Minn.
Regardless of your stature, you will indeed be happy at this former firehouse that now herds about 475 American craft beers and global delicacies. Exclusive pours, beer dinners and regular drop-ins by big-name brewers put the Gnome in the upper echelon of beer bars, but an energetic patio and chatty Midwesterners make the place feel like home. 498 Selby Ave., thehappygnome.com
HEOROT | Muncie, Ind.
Valhalla exists in the middle of Muncie, where this low-lit, Viking-inspired pub boasts one of the world’s greatest collections of beer, period. Scaldis Prestige, Viking Blod mead, multiple batches of BrewDog’s Paradox beers—they’re all there with a few hundred top-shelf friends that together make the middle of Indiana a serious beer destination. 219 S. Walnut, 765.287.0173
HOPCAT | Grand Rapids, Mich.
Never has a beer bar with so many offerings (about 200 here) been so unpretentious. Sure, the lineup’s stellar—think brand-new Greenbush brews on tap and bottles the likes of Norway’s HaandBryggeriet Dark Force—but beer dinners, group trips to area beerfests, Sunday jazz jams and a dog-friendly patio make it clear the place puts community before snobbery. 25 Ionia Ave. S.W., hopcatgr.com
INTERNATIONAL TAP HOUSE | St. Louis
I-Tap’s Soulard location’s an ideal library for beer tickers: 40-plus taps and more than 500 bottles collect of-the-minute releases (Boulevard Tank 7 Saison) and the so-new-you’ve-never-heard-of-it stuff (Charleville Hoptimistic), plus all the classics you can think of. The bar’s Passport Program helps drinkers keep track of what they’ve sipped, and throws a party when they hit the 500-beer mark. 1711 S. 9th St., internationaltaphouse.com
LA CAVE DU VIN | Cleveland Heights, Ohio
This dark basement beer bar’s a stop on every brewer’s itinerary, so the taps are always spilling limited editions and rarities. Cellarmasters, take note: La Cave’s got an impressive vintage list that runs deep; visit often to make sure you’re there when the management decides to dip into the archives. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., lacaveduvin.com
LOCAL OPTION | Chicago
Each year, this hard-edged bar gets geekier, and proudly so. Thirty taps round up some of the world’s strongest, from a 10.5%-ABV Struise St. Amatus 12 to a nearly 12% De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis. (The selection’s balanced by a wide-reaching bottle list and DAB tallboys.) Po’ boys and tacos give the hard crowd a base for all that booze. 1102 W. Webster Ave., localoptionbier.com
MAP ROOM | Chicago
Billed as a traveler’s tavern, the Magellan of beer bars warns patrons “don’t be lost”—but you never will be, even among more than 200 global brews; bar manager Jay Jankowski (a certified Cicerone) makes sure of that. An exploration theme keeps the small bar worldly, and the mind-blowing selection (De Struise Pannepeut on tap, Three Floyds Zombie Dust on cask) keeps it world-class. 1949 N. Hoyne Ave., maproom.com
MCNULTY’S BIER MARKT | Cleveland, Ohio
Belgian and Belgian-inspired brews remain the focus of this sleek, bare-bulbed bar, but the 20 taps also serve to test-drive beers from owner Sam McNulty’s Market Garden Brewery across the street. The crowd’s young and cool, the bottle list is long, and the prices are on point: $24 for a 10-beer sampler? Yes, please. 1948 W. 25th St., bier-markt.com
MICHAEL & LOUISE’S HOPLEAF BAR | Chicago
A $1.4 million expansion (the paint’s still wet) doubled the space and added 20 taps to this Chicago icon—although how a tap list that already includes Goose Island Green Line and Dilewyns Vicardin Tripel Gueuze can be improved is beyond us. The kitchen’s bigger, too, which means more elbow room for chef Ben Sheagren and his outstanding Belgian cuisine. 5148 N. Clark St., hopleaf.com
THE MITTEN BAR | Ludington, Mich.
By dedicating its beer list solely to Michigan-made brew, The Mitten Bar (named for the shape of its home state) has single-handedly developed an area culture centered on drinking local, all before its first birthday. And with New Holland firkins, Short’s special releases and mug-club-members-only locavore dinners, it’s an easy movement to get behind. 109 W. Ludington Ave., mittenbar.com
MONK’S HOUSE OF ALE REPUTE | Sioux Falls, S.D.
More than 200 bottles and 40-plus taps ranging from South Dakota’s Crow Peak to Norway’s HaandBryggeriet is a windfall anywhere, but in the middle of the Great Plains, it’s a godsend. A cozy fireplace and comfy couches make it the ultimate spot to wile away the winter. 420 E. Eighth St., monkshouseofalerepute.com
THE MUDDY PIG | St. Paul, Minn.
THE MUDDY PIG
A stop on every brewer’s trip to the Twin Cities—not just for the expertly pared-down selection of about 100 Belgian-leaning brews priced to sell, but for the easygoing, board-game-playing crowd of beer hobbyists that fill the friendly little dive. 162 Dale St., muddypig.com
PALM TAVERN | Milwaukee
More than 250 of the world’s best artisan beers and an intimate setting that lets you discuss them in-depth are draws enough for beer lovers—but all a true geek needs to know is that Palm Tavern was the only Wisconsin bar to score a keg of Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout. 2989 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414.744.0393
ROMANS’ PUB | Milwaukee
Surly beer geeks will find a friend in owner Mike Romans, who skips the frills and funny business and focuses squarely on tapping good beer (and cellaring some, too). The bar’s lined with working-men regulars whose after-5 beer just happens to be a local gem like New Glarus Chocolate Abbey Ale. 3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., romanspub.com
ROYAL MILE | Des Moines, Iowa
At street level, the Royal Mile’s the spitting image of a British-born pub, with firkins full of Scotch ale and English pork pie; upstairs, the bar goes Belgian with 90 Belgo brews and abbey-style stained glass windows to match. Geeks and novices alike will appreciate the bar’s thorough digital beer library—photos, stats and descriptions for every beer served—visible on Royal Mile’s website and touchscreen ordering system. 210 Fourth St., royalmilebar.com
SHEFFIELD’S BEER & WINE GARDEN | Chicago
At this Chicago institution, young Lakeview patrons tailor their drinking seasonally: On a humid summer day, it’s pitchers of Half Acre Daisy Cutter in the beer garden; come winter, it’s a bomber in the cozy front bar. The rest of the year, finger-licking barbecue and brewery nights (North Coast beer and slider pairing, anyone?) keep the crowd coming back. 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., sheffieldschicago.com
SUGAR MAPLE | Milwaukee
Rebelling against its worldly sister bar, Palm Tavern, Sugar Maple pours strictly American-brewed craft: 60 on tap, and heavy on Wisconsin brews. The clean, modern environs host weekly local music acts, and a cool crowd of beer-smart Bayview regulars each night. 441 E. Lincoln Ave., mysugarmaple.com
BEER-BAR CHAINS: Aside from huge beer lists at 14 locations throughout Ohio, Winking Lizard Tavern’s (winkinglizard.com) claim to fame is its World Tour of Beers; drink 100 brews from the chosen 250 and earn the coveted World Tour jacket. Beer Sellar’s (beersellar.net) Indianapolis and Cincinnati locations (plus a Nashville outpost) each boast more than 100 bottles and 50 taps and pour the best of the Midwest, including top-shelf pours like Boulevard No. 2 White IPA.
NORTHEAST
THE ARMSBY ABBEY | Worcester, Mass.
A lengthy beer list is always impressive, but Armsby Abbey’s collection of bottles is a beer nerd’s wet dream. BrewDog Tactical Nuclear Penguin, Girardin Gueuze 1882 Black Label, Avery Dépuceleuse, Dogfish Head World Wide Stout 2008—the selection rivals even the rarest of rare beer festivals. 144 Main St., armsbyabbey.com
BEER TABLE | Brooklyn, N.Y.
Proprietors Justin and Tricia Philips operate this tiny establishment with the care a couple gives their newborn. The rare beers such as BFM Abbaye de St. Bon Chien and Hitachino Commemorative Ale Zymatore, along with a selection of cellared brews, change daily; there’s always pairing fodder for impeccable fare like butterbean stew with bacon, scallions and mayonnaise, or pickled peanuts with red chilies and chives. 427B Seventh Ave., beertable.com
BIER BARON | Washington, D.C.
Formerly the famous Brickskeller, this bar’s ownership may have changed hands last year, but the vast beer selection (50 taps and roughly 500 bottles) remains the same. Located in the heart of Dupont Circle, this bilevel bar offers a world tour of beer, but you’ll always find a healthy selection of seasonal and local pours. Hint: Book a room in the Bier Baron lodge upstairs, and last call is just a few steps away from your bed. 1523 22nd St. N.W., bierbarondc.com
BLIND TIGER | New York
BLIND TIGER
One of New York’s first beer bars (named after a synonym for “speakeasy”) remains one of its best. The West Village spot is packed with everyone from NYU students and businessmen to tourists and beer geeks, but it’s worth the fight to get at one of the best-curated lists in the city. 281 Bleecker St., blindtigeralehouse.com
THE BREWER’S ART | Baltimore
From the award-winning house beers brewed on-premises to the phenomenal guest beer list, everything you’ve heard about The Brewer’s Art is true—but you have to go there to really fall in love with it. Located inside a Baltimore townhouse, drinking here is like imbibing inside an eccentric millionaire’s front room: The bar’s situated in front of a fireplace, and home-cooked fare like Chipotle Mac-n-Cheese is rib-stickingly delicious. 1106 N. Charles St., thebrewersart.com
BUKOWSKI TAVERN | Boston
Don’t expect to be coddled at this cash-only, hard-nosed watering hole. Like its namesake, this tavern is rough around the edges (the food menu reads “Today’s fucking specials”), but that’s part of its charm. Tip back The Buk, the house pale ale, then work your way through the locally minded 20 taps and cask. If you drink 120 different beers in six months, you win a spot in the Mug Club—but chances are, no one’s going to be impressed. 50 Dalton St., bukowskitavern.net
CHURCHKEY | Washington, D.C.
Without a doubt, the chic Churchkey is the capital’s premier location for beer. About 50 taps pour local and nationwide favorites, and 500 world-wide bottles are divided by style into three coolers, each set at different temperatures. Come with an appetite: Churchkey sits above the renown Birch & Barley gastropub, so upscale-casual fare like fig-prosciutto flatbreads is just an order away. 1337 14th St. NW, churchkeydc.com
DEEP ELLUM | Allston, Mass.
Across from Allston’s Union Square Plaza sits Deep Ellum, a quaint watering hole that washes down its throwback-meets-steampunk décor with 28 well-curated taps and one cask spotlighting the best local brews. From proper glassware and a knowledgeable staff down to the housemade sausages, this quiet pub pays close attention to detail. 477 Cambridge St., deepellum-boston.com
EARL’S BEER AND CHEESE | New York
A simple premise: four carefully selected new drafts a night paired with less than 10 cheese-based entrees. The execution: the type of perfection you’d expect from a chef who previously served on the USS George H.W. Bush. 1259 Park Ave., earlsny.com
EBENEZER’S PUB | Lovell, Maine
Ebenezer’s stocks a gigantic number of beers—we’re talking more than 700 bottles. Yet the number isn’t as staggering as the selection: A comprehensive list of abbey ales shares space with more than 20 gueuzes and lambics, while vintages like 2006 Gouden Carolus Cuvee de Keizer add extra cause for excitement. 44 Allen Rd., ebenezerspub.net
EULOGY BELGIAN TAVERN | Philadelphia
A stone’s throw from Independence Hall, Eulogy is an undisputed hub for Belgian beer in Philly’s Old City. Navigate 21 taps and more than 300 bottles, or let the friendly staff and regulars guide you in the right direction—order a Dock Street Belgian Cowboy Saison and a steaming pot of mussels, and you’ll fit right in. 136 Chestnut St., eulogybar.com
THE FARMHOUSE | Emmaus, Pa.
The Farmhouse’s 19th-century farmhouse setting is utterly vintage, and so is the beer: Inside this English-style pub you’ll find Anchor Our Special Ale dating back to 1992, a Sierra Nevada Bigfoot vertical starting in 1988 and J.W. Lees Vintage Harvest Ales dating back even further. 1449 Chestnut St., thefarmhouse.com
THE GREAT LOST BEAR | Portland, Maine
Not many bars can claim a more thoughtfully designed tap list than this 30-plus-year-old institution with four cask-conditioned pours, a revolving list of Belgian and extreme beers, old favorites like Shipyard Export Ale, and a slew of taps in “Allagash Alley,” a set of faucets dedicated to the brewery’s rarer offerings. From day one, this bar promoted locally crafted beer, and with roughly 75 percent of its 60-plus taps dedicated to regional breweries, it remains the most loyal pub around. 540 Forest Ave., greatlostbear.com
THE GREY LODGE PUBLIC HOUSE | Philadelphia
Far from the downtown bustle, this northeast Philly bar’s ’50s Elks Lodge vibe feels like your grandfather’s dive, but its beer selection is of the moment. If you’re an out-of-towner, stick with local taps like Victory Village—that, plus the inevitable conversation you’re bound to fall into with the regulars gives the out-of-the-way Lodge its charm, whether you’re imbibing in its first- or second-floor bar. 6235 Frankford Ave., greylodge.com
LYON HALL | Arlington, Va.
This swanky bar serves serious French cuisine, but it’s still the epitome of cool: Its intimate atmosphere’s scored with a hipster soundtrack, its bartenders have a passion for of-the-moment beer, and no one will care if you drink your 21st Amendment Back in Black straight from the can. 3100 N. Washington Blvd., lyonhallarlington.com
MAX’S TAPHOUSE | Baltimore
MAX'S TAPHOUSE
At first glance, this Inner Harbor bar may seem like a place to toss back shots, but beer nerds take note: Roughly 150 taps (including 5 casks) and more than 1,000 bottles give this spot serious beer cred. Max’s sits on the convergence of all bar cultures: good beer, sports, games, music and, yes, shots, making it the perfect place for craft-minded people to let loose without sacrificing selection. 737 S. Broadway St., maxs.com
MEMPHIS TAPROOM | Philadelphia
Hidden deep within a classic Philly working-class neighborhood, Memphis Taproom’s an oasis from the light lagers at nearby dives. The tap list is short, but the choices are phenomenal (Pliny the Elder’s been spotted next to Port Old Viscosity on cask); an equally thoughtful selection of nearly 100 bottles rounds out the list. 2331 E. Cumberland St., memphistaproom.com
THE MOAN AND DOVE | Amherst, Mass.
Every college town has one great bar, and in Amherst, it’s the Moan and Dove. From tap to bottle, this college hangout takes an even-keeled approach to curating its comprehensive list: On tap, local session beers are as prevalent as West Coast hop bombs, while its Belgian-style quad list is as long as its roster of IPAs. 460 West St., moananddove.com
MONK’S CAFÉ | Philadelphia
Monk’s Café’s place in the upper echelon of watering holes is well-deserved. Its Beer Bible, which covers style guidelines, brewing 101 and an intoxicating list of more than 300 beers, acts as a visitor’s guide for patrons packed into the venue’s two intimate bars. The selection makes ordering tough; have a pint of the house brew Monk’s Café Flemish Sour Red and a pot of award-winning mussels while you sift through the list. 264 S. 16th St., monkscafe.com
NOVARE RES BIER CAFÉ | Portland, Maine
Ever find yourself choosing between a night at an English-style pub, German beer hall or Belgian café? At Novare Res, you get three in one trip. Here, you’ll find no fewer than 13 Cantillon labels, rauch and altbiers, and a lengthy list of English-style barleywines—plus delicious culture clashes like the Novare Belgian Waffles with Young’s Chocolate Stout ice cream. 4 Canal Plaza, novareresbiercafe.com
THE PUBLICK HOUSE | Brookline, Mass.
With a highbrow lineup and casual décor (think abbey furnishings and gnome figurines), here, you’re just as likely to sit next to a doctor as you are a college student. Thirty-four taps pouring the best Belgian selection in town are split between “Here” (Belgian-style) and “There” (actually Belgian), while a stunning bottle list with no fewer than six Flanders reds is drool-inducing. 1648 Beacon St., eatgoodfooddrinkbetterbeer.com
RATTLE N HUM | New York
This Midtown spot features a brew for everyone, and educates the suited masses who pull up to the long bar with RnH suggestions, a list of alternatives to the big brands. There’s also the Brewers Wall of Fame, where visiting craft brewers sign their names, and maps on the wall with flags marking brewery locations. If you can, go before the end of the workday and snag a corner of the communal tables. 14 E. 33rd St., rattlenhumbarnyc.com
SPUYTEN DUYVIL | Brooklyn, N.Y.
What this narrow, tin-ceilinged Williamsburg staple lacks in number of draft lines, it makes up for in the rapid rotation of taps. (A bottle list numbering around 150 doesn’t hurt, either.) The narrow main room gets packed with crafties seeking a new beer, but come summer, the large, Christmas-light-strewn backyard might be the happiest place on Earth. 359 Metropolitan Ave., spuytenduyvilnyc.com
STANDARD TAP | Philadelphia
If you’re looking to confirm the hype over Philly beer, head to Standard Tap, where 20 spigots (including two casks) pour only local beer. Study the chalkboard for what’s pouring, but don’t overlook the bar’s endearing décor, from its old-timey tin ceiling to its 1950s-style kegerator behind the bar. 901 N. Second St., standardtap.com
SUNSET GRILL & TAP | Allston, Mass.
Nowhere else can a drinker find a selection so rife with rauchbiers, eisbocks, gluten-frees, steam beers and 30 meads alongside en vogue styles and seasonals. This laid-back college hangout may have a casual sports bar atmosphere, but the beer is serious business: A strict 13-day keg rotation policy guarantees your draft beer’s always fresh—all 112 of them. 130 Brighton Ave., allstonsfinest.com
THREE PENNY TAPROOM | Montpelier, Vt.
Vermont’s premier beer bar may reside in the U.S.’s smallest capital city, but its passion for craft is colossal. Sip on a Farnum Hill cider or take a draw from The Alchemist Heady Topper tap, delivered fresh every week, while nibbling on rustic small plate items like horseradish pickled beets. While the beer and food is decidedly of the moment, the storefront bar’s checkered floor, soda shop stools and tin ceiling inspire a trip through time. 108 Main St., threepennytaproom.com
BEER-BAR CHAINS: Virginia powerhouse Capital Alehouse (capitalalehouse.com) opened its fifth location in Harrisonburg last year; each spot features at least 60 taps, 250 bottles and 2 casks. Up in Pennsylvania, Sharp Edge (sharpedgebeer.com) now mans three taverns and three bistros. The taps are heavily Belgian, but before diving into Petrus, Piraat and Silly, sip on Over the Edge, the house triple IPA made for the bar by Belgium’s Brouwerij Van Steenberge. In Philly, Tria (triacafe.com) rounds up the best of local brew and schools drinkers on beer, wine and cheese at its three bars and Fermentation School.
SOUTH
THE AVENUE PUB | New Orleans
This rickety, two-story Garden District house is a true NOLA find. Nearly 50 of the city’s finest taps from Lazy Magnolia to Hopfenstark Berlinerweiss are running 24/7; come in on Firkin Fridays, sit on the balcony and kick back with gems like Brooklyn Pennant on cask. 1732 St. Charles Ave., avenuepub.com
BREWMASTERS BAR & GRILL | Raleigh, N.C.
Brewmasters knows how to keep the party alive, from discounted canned beers on Mondays to make-your-own beer flights on Wednesdays. And it’s not just about the pros: Wednesday’s Homebrew Humpday features pours from local homebrewers. Of course, if you’re just looking for a pint, this joint has them in spades—its 66 taps (four on nitro) spotlight the best brews North Carolina has to offer. 301 W. Martin St., brewmastersbarandgrill.com
BRICK STORE PUB | Atlanta
The patriarch of Southern beer bars proved it still has swagger when it unleashed a menu of 200 vintage bottles in fall; add to that nearly 20 beauties on tap, a couple hundred bottles and a handful of heavy-hitters in the separate Belgian Bar, and there’s no shaking this neighborly powerhouse from the top. 125 E. Court Sq., brickstorepub.com
BUSY BEE CAFÉ | Raleigh, N.C.
BUSY BEE
What makes the Bee so great? We could say it’s the perfectly curated 15 taps split between two bars, its lengthy bottled sour list or its website’s homebrewer interview series. But what really puts it over the top is the bar’s barrel program: The owners donate barrels to local breweries, who then age their beer and sell it back to the bar. 225 S. Wilmington St., busybeeraleigh.com
CLOSED FOR BUSINESS | Charleston, S.C.
Closed For Business opened in 2009, but the warm pub feels like Southern beerophiles have been burrowing there for decades. Forty-two taps hit all the right notes, and provide a home base for local breweries like Palmetto, Holy City and Westbrook. 453 King St., closed4business.com
GROWLERS POURHOUSE | Charlotte, N.C.
It’s easy to see why Growlers has become a hit with locals in just two short years. Craft beer shines in its modest dozen tap list—don’t miss offerings from local NoDa brewing—while enlightened bar fare, like homemade sausage, inspires the perfect pairing. Come for a pint and leave with an education during its regular classes, which teach everything from making cranberry beer sauce to breaking down smoked beers. 3120 N. Davidson St., growlerspourhouse.com
HARRIKA’S BREW HAUS | Swansboro, N.C.
This quaint store-and-bar combo’s something you’ll only find in a small vacation town: It’s located in a seaside beach house, surrounded by a lawn peppered with art installations, and the beer selection, including the store, tops 300 varieties. Come for a game of chess and $9 patio pitcher, or grab a mixed sixer, beer soap and soothing teas to enhance your beach-bum bliss. 911 Cedar Point Blvd., teaandbeer.com
HOLY GRALE | Louisville, Ky.
Local bottle-shop owners Lori Beck and Tyler Trotter shook up Louisville’s sleepy beer scene when they opened Holy Grale last year, and hooked up 20 taps to stuff you’ve always wished you could try (Goose Island Pepe Nero, Three Floyds Broodoo) and pours you’ve never heard of (Alvinne Kerasus). Genius takes on traditional pub grub—think Scotch Kentucky Quail eggs covered in farm-fresh bratwurst—always manage to lure you away from a totally liquid lunch. 1034 Bardstown Rd., holygralelouisville.com
THE J. CLYDE HOT ROCK TAVERN AND ALEHOUSE | Birmingham, Ala.
Alabama’s emerging beer scene can largely be attributed to the liquid education this stalwart provides in the form of beer dinners, firkin Fridays and a simply stellar global tap list. Don’t be surprised to see Italy’s Almond ’22 Pink IPA alongside pours from Alabama’s Good People Brewing and Straight to Ale. 1312 Cobb Ln., jclyde.com
MR. BEERY’S | Sarasota, Fla.
Less than two years old, Mr. Beery’s is already getting some serious buzz. Not only is the 24-tap selection applause-worthy (and matched by a bottle selection peppered with seasonals, one-offs and rarities), but this place is genuinely dedicated to spreading the good word about craft beer. Attend Beer School and learn how to do your own beer pairings with everything from grilled cheese to sausage, or bring your best bottle and share it during Tuesday night’s Show and Tell. 2645 Mall Dr., mrbeeryssrq.com
THE NOOK | Huntsville, Ala.
“Epic” is the only way to describe the beer selection at the Nook, with roughly 50 beers on tap and more than 300 in the bottle. Rare vintages like Gales Prize Old Ale 1996 and J.W. Lees Harvest Ale 2001 tempt the wallet, while Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale delivers a taste of the South on draft. 3305 Bob Wallace Ave., thenooktavern.com
OLDSMAR TAPHOUSE | Oldsmar, Fla.
This is a classic beer joint with a wooden bar, a top-notch 40-tap selection scrawled on a chalkboard, jam-packed fridges and no blaring TVs to distract you from the task at hand. Grab a cheese-and-cracker plate and get to know your neighbors at this beer-geek haunt. 300 State St., E #107, oldsmartaphouse.com
THE PORTER BEER BAR | Atlanta
THE PORTER BEER BAR
More than a few Yankees show up on this vintagey bar’s 30 taps, but rare Southern belles (think casked Terrapin one-offs) prove Georgia’s got more than peaches. The flavor-minded staff uses the 500 beers and chef Nick Rutherford’s impromptu seasonal specials to dream up dead-on pairing suggestions. 1156 Euclid Ave., theporterbeerbar.com
RALEIGH TIMES BAR | Raleigh, N.C.
Located inside the century-old former home of the now-defunct Raleigh Times, this swank Belgian-style beer bar is the place for rare beer in downtown Raleigh. Hard-to-find bottles like Hanssens Experimental Cassis share equal billing with the bar’s “All things sour, funky and wild” category, while local offerings from Big Boss and Foothills pepper the draft lineup. And like the paper before it, this bar’s got some pull: It recently tapped North Carolina’s only keg of Avery Wet Hop Pale Ale. 14 E. Hargett St., raleightimesbar.com
REDLIGHT, REDLIGHT | Orlando, Fla.
This concrete dive is a Magic Kingdom in its own way: Educated bartenders, two casks and a separate menu dedicated to vintage brew are highlights. Grab a bottle from the fridge to go, but not before stopping at the food trucks that roll by on the weekends. 745 Bennett Rd., redlightredlightbeerparlour.com
SERGIO’S WORLD BEERS | Louisville, Ky.
With more than 1,300 bottles and about 40 taps, Sergio’s does indeed navigate the world by the glass. The place ain’t fancy, but its sheer dedication to beer—marked by frequent brewery nights, beer dinners and the opportunity to reserve rare releases—makes it an icon. 1605 Story Ave., sergiosworldbeers.com
THE STEM & STEIN | Madison, Ala.
Like the name suggests, wine and beer share equal billing here, a feat considering the gargantuan selection of each. Brews from around the world flow out of the bar’s 11 taps—which is an essential first stop when you’re considering what to purchase from the more than 250-bottle selection. Visit each Friday for special beer tastings, or strike out on your own to discover your next favorite IPA. 10871 County Line Rd., Suite B, thestemandstein.com
TAPWERKS ALEHOUSE & CAFÉ | Oklahoma City, Okla.
Located in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Brickyard entertainment district, Tapwerks is the undisputed hub for beer, with more than 200 taps and 100 bottles. Stop here for local pints from Choc and COOP, or drink your way through the Old World with two pages of Belgians. Bookend your night with stops here—you’re just a few blocks away from restaurants, Oklahoma City Thunder basketball and concerts at the Cox Convention Center. 121 E. Sheridan Ave., tapwerks.com
THIRSTY MONK | Asheville, N.C.
Depending on your mood, sip from the likes of Lamme Goedzak downstairs or Abita Imperial Oyster Stout at the upstairs bar. An exhaustive bottle list includes everything from glutenfree to cider to rare vintages (like Stone Vertical Epic Series 06.06.06), making this the premier watering hole in a city once voted Beertown, U.S.A. 92 Patton Ave., monkpub.com
TRAPPEZE PUB | Athens, Ga.
Sunny and slathered in orange paint, Trappeze is a cheery little spot with big-time beers not usually seen in these parts—Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout included. The roughly 30 taps and 200 bottles (all helpfully divvied up into style categories) make delicious complements to the savory tart that changes daily. 269 N. Hull St., trappezepub.com
BEER-BAR CHAINS: The South’s biggest beer-bar empire is the 29-location Taco Mac (tacomac.com); most pour from at least 100 taps and even more bottles, but all help patrons navigate their famous Buffalo wing menu and the frequent-drinker Brewniversity program. In Florida, 15 World of Beer (wobusa.com) outposts pair nearly 500 beers with a strong live music program that lures local and national acts. Also in the sunshine state, Dunedin House of Beer (dunedinhob.com), founded by two homebrewers in 2009, is now up to three locales boasting 40 craft taps. The multi-tap, cafélike Tyler’s Taproom (tylerstaproom.com) grew its North Carolina family to four with a new Raleigh location last year; meanwhile, James E. McNellie’s Public House (mcnellies.com) has already solidified its place as Oklahoma’s favorite beer bar, with three spots serving 350-plus beers, including the sessionable McNellie’s Pub Ale, a bitter crafted for the bar by nearby Marshall Brewing.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sh*t Online Beer Raters Do (But Shouldn’t)
1. Split a 12 ounce bottle of beer with eight or nine other people and make a rating out of it. If there isn’t more than one bottle to go around, it’s great that you share and your mother would be proud, but beer is not meant to be assessed by the ounce. And speaking of which…
2. Emerge from the GABF or any other festival that limits you to tiny servings with a notebook full of ratings. That’s compounding the sin of the small pour rating with the added issue of making reasonable tasting notes while being jostled on all sides by crowds of merry drinkers.
3. Rate a barley wine at a beer fest on a July afternoon. Beer is contextual, as much or likely more so than any other food or drink, and a monster brew meant for cold nights in front of the fireplace just isn’t going to translate to a stinking hot summer’s day.
4. Expect local bars and breweries to treat you specially because you’re a top rater. Really, get over yourself.
5. Wax poetic over the latest barrel-aged and woefully out-of-balance limited edition alcoholic mess while trashing a beautifully executed take on a kölsch or pilsner simply because it’s golden and people might be able to drink more than one at a time.
2. Emerge from the GABF or any other festival that limits you to tiny servings with a notebook full of ratings. That’s compounding the sin of the small pour rating with the added issue of making reasonable tasting notes while being jostled on all sides by crowds of merry drinkers.
3. Rate a barley wine at a beer fest on a July afternoon. Beer is contextual, as much or likely more so than any other food or drink, and a monster brew meant for cold nights in front of the fireplace just isn’t going to translate to a stinking hot summer’s day.
4. Expect local bars and breweries to treat you specially because you’re a top rater. Really, get over yourself.
5. Wax poetic over the latest barrel-aged and woefully out-of-balance limited edition alcoholic mess while trashing a beautifully executed take on a kölsch or pilsner simply because it’s golden and people might be able to drink more than one at a time.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Summit Winter Ale Review #66
Summit Winter AleABV: 5.9%
Style: English Strong Ale
Winter Seasonal
12oz Bottle Poured Into A Dogfish Head Tumbler
This unique seasonal beer offers the warmth of an old English pub to help ward off the chill of a winter’s night. It has its origins in British neighborhood pubs where villagers would gather to shake off the damp cold of the bitter English winter. They’d share a pint or two of winter warmer ale by the fire, catch up on local gossip, and stay inside, where it was warm. We’ve brewed our version in the tradition of those winter ales, with a robust, full-bodied flavor and a tangy hint of spices.
Summit Brewing Company
St. Paul Minnesota
Private And Employee Owned
1986
80,000 Barrels
Appearance:
Dark Garnet Brown Color
Hulking Bold Head
Sustained Head Retention
Sporadic Drippy Lacing
Clarity Was So Dark, You Couldn't See Through It Even With A Flashlight
Heavy Looking Liquid
Great Color Combo Between The Head And Body Of This Beer
Aroma:
Aroma Is Based A Lot On A Nutty Fragrance
Juniper Berry
Roasted Barley
Rich Caramel Aroma
Molasses
Almonds
Touch Of Cinnamon
Truffle
Mouth Feel:
Porter Esq Style But With More Carbonation
Fuller Side Of A Thin Bodied Beer
Sessionable Beer- Goes Down Uncomplicated Enough And Better With Multiply Tastings, But Isn't Overly Interesting
Temperate Subdued Aftertaste
Unhurried Drinkability- A Few Of These Before Bed Will Help With Those Long Winter Nights
Substantial Mouth Feel With A Prickly Touch
Muted And Boring Textured Body
Sweet/Bitter Balance
Roasty Finish At The Wrong Time
Tacky On The Palate, Strategically Trapping Unwanted Flavors, Were My Best Taste Buds Lie
The taste has a slight tangy spice upfront, with a touch of bourbon. Then roasted barley, caramel and some baker’s chocolate. Quite porter like. Mid sip some earthy hops come out and maybe a touch of floral hops. A touch of nuttiness. Spice shows up later in the sip with an earthy and slightly wintery spice flavor. Similar to a hoppy porter.
2 Out Of 6
Don't Want A Sixer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Pure Relaxation: The Cucumber Lavender Sour
Now, after the busy and stressful holiday season has come to a close, I recommend we all take some time for ourselves to relax. Sure, your favorite go-to cocktail is always a good choice at the close of the day, but a Cucumber Lavender Sour will wrap your soul like a relaxing bath, while refreshing you from the inside out. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a little relaxing refreshment this time of year?
Cucumber Lavender Sour
1 ½ oz Hendrick’s gin
¼ oz Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
¾ oz Sonoma Lavender Syrup
½ oz fresh lemon juice
Dash lavender bitters
Fresh lavender and cucumber slice, for garnish
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber and lavender syrup. Add the other ingredients with ice and shake well. Pour into a tall glass over ice and garnish with the fresh lavender and cucumber. Sit back, relax and relish in a refreshing cocktail well made
Cucumber Lavender Sour
1 ½ oz Hendrick’s gin
¼ oz Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
¾ oz Sonoma Lavender Syrup
½ oz fresh lemon juice
Dash lavender bitters
Fresh lavender and cucumber slice, for garnish
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber and lavender syrup. Add the other ingredients with ice and shake well. Pour into a tall glass over ice and garnish with the fresh lavender and cucumber. Sit back, relax and relish in a refreshing cocktail well made
Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout Review #65
Brooklyn Black Chocolate StoutStyle: Imperial Stout
ABV: 10.6%
Seasonal
12oz Bottle Poured Into A Victory Brewery Snifter
This is the famous Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, our award-winning rendition of the Imperial Stout style once made exclusively for Catherine the Great. We use three mashes to brew each batch of this beer, achieving a luscious deep dark chocolate flavor through a blend of specialty roasted malts. We brew it every year for the winter season. It is delicious when newly bottled, but also ages beautifully for years.
Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn, New York
Steve Hindy And Tom Potter
Garrett Oliver- Brewmaster
1987
Appearance:
Jet Black Motor Oil Color
"Back In Black" Clarity
Head Was Brawny, After A Aggressive Pour
Tan Muffin Top Head, With Swirls Of Brownie Cake Flesh
Solid Head Retention
Oodles Of Mocha Lace Left On The Glass
Nimble Carbonation
Brew Has Excellent Swirl
Aroma:
Well Layered Aroma
Hop Aromatic
Coffee
Roasted Grains
Espresso
Molasses
Smoke
Dark Dutch Chocolate
S mores Aroma
Vanilla
Char
Licorice
Mouth Feel:
Like Drinking Melted Chocolate Ice Cream
Let The Beer Warm Up A Bit To Catch The Subtle Nuances
Medium Body- Heaviness Is Held Back, Which Is Odd For A Imperial Stout
Formidable Drinkability
Paltry Sessionable- Will Steal Your Soul If You Drink To Many
Medium Viscosity Textured
Dense And Chunky Palate
Cappuccino Like
Has A Minute Alcohol Burn
Aftertaste Fades Into Tart Gentle Chocolates
Sweet/Tart Balance
Tart Lemony Finish
Mouth Feel Is Like Slipping On A Pair Of Comfy Velvet Slippers
A Real Lip Smacker
Presentably Balance
The flavor is of sweet milk chocolate upfront. it the transitions to a more mocha, coffee, dark chocolaty roast flavor that lingers. hints of licorice and dark fruit are in there somewhere. In the middle, there are also some spicy smokey flavors, but as it warmed the dark fruits become noticeable. Fig, plum, and purple grapes were present in as a compliment to the chocolate and coffee once this had got to around room temp. Long, burnt malts and coffee finish had a alcoholic warming sensation that accompanied every sip. Well worth the $6.99 for a four pack at the local Total Wine And More. This stout is delicious and will warm the cockles of your heart on a cold winter night.
6 Out Of 6
Want A Sixer
Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout Review #65
Brooklyn Black Chocolate StoutStyle: Imperial Stout
ABV: 10.6%
Seasonal
12oz Bottle Poured Into A Victory Brewery Snifter
This is the famous Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, our award-winning rendition of the Imperial Stout style once made exclusively for Catherine the Great. We use three mashes to brew each batch of this beer, achieving a luscious deep dark chocolate flavor through a blend of specialty roasted malts. We brew it every year for the winter season. It is delicious when newly bottled, but also ages beautifully for years.
Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn, New York
Steve Hindy And Tom Potter
Garrett Oliver- Brewmaster
1987
Appearance:
Jet Black Motor Oil Color
"Back In Black" Clarity
Head Was Brawny, After A Aggressive Pour
Tan Muffin Top Head, With Swirls Of Brownie Cake Flesh
Solid Head Retention
Oodles Of Mocha Lace Left On The Glass
Nimble Carbonation
Brew Has Excellent Swirl
Aroma:
Well Layered Aroma
Hop Aromatic
Coffee
Roasted Grains
Espresso
Molasses
Smoke
Dark Dutch Chocolate
S mores Aroma
Vanilla
Char
Licorice
Mouth Feel:
Like Drinking Melted Chocolate Ice Cream
Let The Beer Warm Up A Bit To Catch The Subtle Nuances
Medium Body- Heaviness Is Held Back, Which Is Odd For A Imperial Stout
Formidable Drinkability
Paltry Sessionable- Will Steal Your Soul If You Drink To Many
Medium Viscosity Textured
Dense And Chunky Palate
Cappuccino Like
Has A Minute Alcohol Burn
Aftertaste Fades Into Tart Gentle Chocolates
Sweet/Tart Balance
Tart Lemony Finish
Mouth Feel Is Like Slipping On A Pair Of Comfy Velvet Slippers
A Real Lip Smacker
Presentably Balance
The flavor is of sweet milk chocolate upfront. it the transitions to a more mocha, coffee, dark chocolaty roast flavor that lingers. hints of licorice and dark fruit are in there somewhere. In the middle, there are also some spicy smokey flavors, but as it warmed the dark fruits become noticeable. Fig, plum, and purple grapes were present in as a compliment to the chocolate and coffee once this had got to around room temp. Long, burnt malts and coffee finish had a alcoholic warming sensation that accompanied every sip. Well worth the $6.99 for a four pack at the local Total Wine And More. This stout is delicious and will warm the cockles of your heart on a cold winter night.
6 Out Of 6
Want A Sixer
Monday, January 2, 2012
Chimay Rouge(Red)/Premiere Review #65
Chimay Rouge(Red)/PremiereStyle: Abbey Dubbel
Tappist Beer
ABV: 7%
Widely Distributed
11.2oz Bottle Poured Into A Chimay Chalice
Chimay Brewery
Scourmont Abbey
Hainaut, Belgium
Created By Monks
1862
Ingredients: Pilsner malt (French barley from Champagne); wheat starch or flour (10% - 15%); dextrose (5%); malt extract (0.1%); hop extract from German Hallertaur (aroma) & American Galena (bittering) hops. Yeast & liquid invert sugar added to the bottled beer.
Chimay Red is noted for its coppery colour which makes it particularly attractive. Topped with a creamy head, it gives off a light, fruity apricot aroma produced by the fermentation. The taste perceived in the mouth is a balance confirming the fruity nuances noticed in the fragrance. Its taste, which imparts a silky sensation to the tongue, is made refreshing by a light touch of bitterness. To the palate, the taster perceives a pleasant astringency which complements the flavour qualities of this beer very harmoniously. This top fermented Trappist beer, refermented in the bottle, is not pasteurised.
Appearance:
A Warm Rusty Red Color
Galaxies Of Small Bubbles
Voluminous Creamy Head
Reserved Head Retention
Offshore Film Of Lace Settled On The Glass
Blurred Clarity
Supple Carbonation Set To A Audible Fizz
A "Gusher" Beer- Beer In Sink With A Angry Sad Human Watching Said Beer Go Away
(Beware Do Not Lose This Masterpiece Of A Concoction)
Aroma:
Dandelions
Apricot
Yellow Apples
Cherry
Spice Aroma- Ginger Snap Cookies
Good Dose Of Some Tappist Funk
Banana
Abbaye De Scourmont's Distinctive Yeast
Raspberry
Mint
Brioche
Green Bell Peppers
Mouth Feel:
Solid Structure With A Tight Acidity (Yogurty) Finish
Effortless Drinkability- No Sting In This To Slow You Down
Sweet/Bitter Balance- A Tranquil Balance Between The Two Opposites
Has A Gratifying Sessionable Feel
Multifarious Layered Ale
Naturally Fresh Palate
Light To Medium Bodied Ale- Thought The Body Would Have More Of A Condensed Feel
Bittersweet Aftertaste That Lingers On The Back Of Your Tongue
Diabolical Raw Texture
A Engagingly Inoffensive Beer
Low IBU Makes This Beer Ageable
"Monktastic"
Champagney No Chimayney
Similar to the nose, The taste confirms the fruity aromas with a singular blend of plums, apricot, and cherry. Quite malty with just enough hop bitterness to make the whole thing really refreshing. A sweet, dark bready malt taste provides for the base and a lot of the flavor. Mid sip to the finish some fruitiness comes out with raisin and plum being the strongest with it being on the lighter side of a dark fruit flavor. Some spice, cinnamon and clove, along with a hint of bubblegum also come out. Like the aroma, it reminded me of a sweet dark bread with some pieces of fruit in it. Good option to bring to dinner at a non craft beer person's house. Some macro beers are chicken nuggets and french fries to Chimay's lemon roast chicken and a bed of watercress. Chimay Blue is still the lead singer, but red is a good back-up vocalist.
3 Out Of 6
Want A Sixer, But Prefer Chimay Blue
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