Make a New Year’s Resolution

Drink Better Beer!

Give up the yellow pissy water beer you have been drinking and step up to flavor.  Give up that Bud, Miller and their Light water flavors they have. 

Go to your local brewery and try real flavor. 

Your taste buds deserve more.

Happy New Year.   

Petrus Winter #9 Ale

Br. Bavik

Belgium

Globalbeer.com

9% abv

1pt 9.4oz bottle

$9.99 a bottle

Don’t confuse this with the Petrus Winter Ale.  I have had the Petrus Winter Ale before and I have to admit that I was not a big fan.  To me it was just plain boring.  But, I do like some of the other ales in the Petrus lineup.  This #9 looks new to me or just new to the Michigan market or maybe U.S. market – I’ll go with new since it is not on the Global beer web site. 

Anyways, when I saw this bottle I was a little excited but I was also wary because I remembered that I was not fond of the Winter Ale by Petrus.  As I was opening this bottle I was thinking how I hoped it had some nice zippy spice and some nice roasted flavors.  As I poured the first glass the anticipation built for the ale looked like what I was expecting; a good bronzy color with some nice amber highlights throughout the body.  I could also smell a light ginger bread sent along with some allspice and roasted malts.

As I raised the large sniffer style glass to my mouth I was hoping and praying and for a moment I thought of Tim Tebow.  I said to myself as I raised the glass toward the sky, ‘Tim please turn this water into a tasty ale’ and then I took a sip.    Wow, that Tim Tebow shit really works.  I really like this ale. (T-boning or T-bowing didn’t work for him when he played the Detroit Lions – we kick his ass) 

I like the seasonal spicy flavors of gingerbread, allspice, and nutmeg along with a soft roasted pecan note and baked caramel.  The sweet style is not overpowering for the hops are doing their job in try to keep some balance. 

The best experience with this seasonal ale is each sip that I take and the wonderful aroma.  Doing the review one step at a time did not do this ale justice.  Look at the ale, then sniff, then taste.  Take a good sniff with each sip and enjoy the moment. 

This is a seasonal favorite of mine now.  Can I do that after one bottle? No, not really.  So, I’ll have to get back to the store and pick-up some more to qualify this ale as a seasonal favorite. 

Winter or Christmas seasonals are one of my least favorite out of all the seasonal type beers.  But, this one I’ll have to put in the book as a new favorite. 

I enjoyed the second half of this bottle with an Italia Ciao Cigar and it was a great pairing. 

St Bernardus Christmas Ale: Review

Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV.

Watou, Belgium

10% abv

75 cl bottle

$12.00 a bottle

Appearance: dark brown body with mahogany highlights shining through around the edges.  Light tan head and it is easy to pour a two finger head. 

Aroma: pouring the ale into the chalice I can smell some spicy notes.  Dark bready yeast tones, raisin, brown spice mix,

Flavors: tasty brown spice box like quality, black bready tones, earthy yeast, dark fruits like raisins, sweet caramel malt undertone, spicy and tingling hops dance on the tongue,

Mouthfeel: fine carbonation gives the tongue a fizzy feel, the spice pinches the cheeks and gums, prickly and dry texture on the palate

My Strength Rating: 6.5 – the dark bready notes, brown spice box, and raisins along with the spice makes for a good medium-full bodied ale. 

Merry Christmas From Beer Postings

             A Christmas Card from Beer Postings



Anchor Brewing Christmas Ale: Review

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2011

Aka: Our Special Ale 2011

Anchor Brewing

San Francisco, California, USA

Anchorbrewing.com

5.5% abv

12oz bottle

$11.99 a six pack

This is their 37^th Annual Christmas Ale and every year the flavor profile is different.  I have not had any of their past Christmas Ales to make any kind of comparison but, let’s see how this year goes. 

Appearance: dark almost black body with some cola like highlights.  The fine tan head leaves some lacing behind on the glass. 

Aroma: eggnog spice like on the nose and mincemeat pie

Flavors: hard to get specific here but now and then I do get a nutmeg note along with a baked raisin and tart cherry note.  Otherwise, let me say it has a Christmas spice style with some toasty malt. 

To the Point: Overall, it is a pretty good Christmas Ale as far as Christmas Ales go. 

Shiner Holiday Cheer: Review

Brewed with peaches and pecans

Spoetzl Brewery

Shiner, Texas, USA

Old World Dunkelweizen

12oz bottle

Appearance: rich shiny bronze body with a thin off-white head that leaves very little if any lacing.

Aroma: wow, the glass is an easy foot away from me and I can smell it from here.  The peach really stands out and overpowers any other aromas that it may have. 

Flavors: of course the peach is front and center with some lightly roasted malts and just the right touch of hoppy bitterness (light).

Mouthfeel: smooth delivery, moderate-low carbonation, light bitterness on the finish and aftertaste which is mixed with the peach flavor. 

My Strength Rating: 4 – medium-mild body overall

To the Point: I am not a fan of peach in beer but, this is not all that bad.  I think I could drink a whole bottle.  This should be good with food.  I'll bet that the wife will like this.

I was right she loves it.  I had to go back to the store and buy her more.  

Shiner Ruby Redbird: Review

Summer Seasonal

Brewed with Texas Red Grapefruit and Ginger

Munich malt and Mt. Hood, Citra and Cascade hops

Spoetzl Brewery

Shiner, Texas, USA

Shiner.com

Bottle size: 12 oz

4.01% abv

Cleaning out the left over summer beers that I never reviewed and this one looks interesting. 

Appearance: golden with an amber hue, clear, little head, no lacing

Aroma: Right out of the bottle – fresh sweet grapefruit

Flavors: the ginger stands out to me right off the bat; then the sweet and tart flavor of red grapefruit shines through,

Mouthfeel: moderate carbonation, light tingling on the tongue, refreshing finish, 

My Strength Rating: 4 – the ginger flavor is only moderate so it is not spicy,

To the Point: I’ll be looking for this next summer. I enjoyed drinking it here as we go into winter. 

Bell's Christmas Ale: Review

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

Comstock, Michigan, USA

12oz bottle

Bottled: 10/26/2011

Appearance: toasty amber body with a one finger light tan head that leaves some decent lacing on the glass.

Aroma: moderate spicy hops and sweet malts

Flavors: spicy hops right off the bat with lightly roasted sweet caramel malts underneath. 

I remember having this last year but it looks like I did not do a review on it.  Sure wish I did for I think it tasted better last year. 

Mouthfeel: 0000 steel wool like, moderate carbonation, good lingering mixture of malts and hops.

My Strength Rating: 6 – medium-full overall

To the Point: thank god for the hops in this beer to add some interest.  To me the flavors are too muddled and just plain uninteresting. 

Wittekerke Winter White Ale: Review

Authentic Belgian Double Wit Ale

Br. Bavik

Belgium

1pt 9.4oz bottle

7.5% abv

I know I like the regular Wittekerke and that was one beer that I missed having this past summer.  But, there I was standing in the beer isle of the Super Fine Wine & Liquor Store and I see this bottle.  I am looking forward to this one. 

Appearance: hazy golden wheat with a creamy white hue.  It pours an easy two finger white head

Aroma: Belgian coriander spice and dusty yeast

Flavors: The Belgian spice is the first thing I notice and then the crisp wheat, mixed with some fruity notes and dusty yeast notes. 

Mouthfeel: smooth, semi-creamy feel, fine carbonation, lingering wheat with a touch of spice on the palate.

My Strength Rating: 4 – mild-medium overall – the Belgian spice plays a good role in the flavor

To the Point: I was not disappointed. 

Left Hand Weizen Doppelbock: Review

Left Hand Brewing Co.

Longmont, Colorado, USA

Lefthandbrewing.com

Bottle size: 1pt 6oz

% abv

IBU

Bottled on: 2-16-11

$10.00 a bottle

Brewed with lapsang souchong tea

Appearance: solid dark dark brown, almost black body. Had to make an aggressive pour to get a one finger tan head.  No lacing on the glass.

Aroma: I don’t know what lapsang souchong tea smells like but, it sure smells like smoked beef teriyaki jerky. 

Flavors: And, I don’t know what lapsang souchong tea tastes like but, it sure tastes like smoked beef teriyaki jerky.

Mouthfeel: low carbonation, lingering beef jerky taste, medium-full weight,

My Strength Rating: 5.5/6 – not much in the flavor, except smoked beef teriyaki jerky, to kick it up. 

To the Point: Interesting if you like smoked beef teriyaki jerky.  For 10 bones a bottle all I can say is, I have had one. 

Bell's Cherry Stout: Review

Bell’s Brewery, Inc

Comstock, Michigan, USA

Bellsbeer.com

7% abv

12oz bottle
$16.99 a six pack

Packaged on 10/4/11

Stout brewed with Michigan cherry juice

The few beers that I have had with cherries added to the mix I have not truly enjoyed.  So, let’s see if Bells can pull it off.

Appearance: black body with a toasty tan ½ finger head that leaves very little lacing if any.

Aroma: to me there is not much on the nose, I do pick up the cherry juice, but the stout notes seem settle,

Flavors: oh yes, the cherry flavor is pleasing with a stout background giving it some body. 

Mouthfeel: smoother than I expected, some nice stout like bitterness but not powerful, lingering cherry and roasted notes on the palate.

My Strength Rating: 6 – medium-full overall to me

To the Point: leave it to Bell’s to do it right with the cherry flavor.  I cannot think of one beer with cherry added to it that I would drink again but, I would do this and good thing since I bought a six pack.  I think the wife may even like this stout and she does not like to many stouts. 

The questions is - 'is it worth the price?'

I think the Kristoff Maduro Cigar would make a very good pairing.  I am enjoying the rest of this stout with the Padilla Limitado 2006 Maduro Belicoso.  

Dark Horse Plead the 5th Imperial Stout Ale: Review

Dark Horse Brewing Co.

Marshall, Michigan, USA

Darkhorsebrewery.com

Late Winter Seasonal

No dates on the bottle

Must be from last February

That’s when it’s released

Bottle Size: 12oz

Abv not available (darkhorsebrewing.com)

12% abv on beeradvocate

Appearance: black body with a ½ finger dark tan head, don’t forget to swirl the last inch of ale to mix in the sediment, looked thick on the pour, dark tan curtain with each sip, does not leave much on the glasses except some syrupy legs.

Aroma: dark roasted malts, coffee, dark chocolate, burnt sugars, not powerful but pleasing

Flavors: espresso with roasted molasses, dark chocolate character, bitter notes on the mid and finish but it does not stand out, these notes all come together for one tasty Imperial Stout. 

Mouthfeel: thick, almost syrupy, silky slide, this is a sipper

My Strength Rating: 7.5/8 – a solid medium-full leaning toward full bodied stout, the dark roasted notes linger on the palate for a tasty aftertaste.

To the Point: A super-good Imperial Stout, not overwhelming as some Imperial Stouts can be, has some solid flavors to sit back and enjoy. 

Stone Russian Imperial Stout: Review

2011 Classic Release

Released: May 31, 2011

Escondido, California, USA

Stonebrew.com

Bottle size: 1pt 6oz

10.5% abv

Freebie from Super Fine Wine & Liquor in Canton, Michigan with my $200 order back in summer. 

Appearance: pitch black body with a nice tight dark tan head that leave tones of lacing on the glass. 

Aroma: dark chocolate, coffee, roasted grains; the aroma builds as it warms

Flavors: follows the nose; dark chocolate, dark roast coffee, roasted grains, hint of black licorice, touch of dark brown sugar and/or roasted caramel malt, not very sweet

Mouthfeel: thick,  the hint of black licorice is more on the finish and aftertaste, good hop bitter note on the finish and aftertaste, low carbonation typical of the style,

My Strength Rating: 7.5 – medium-full dark tones, firm bittering on the finish, lingering roasted notes,

To the Point: very good Imperial Stout, I might buy a couple to age. 

Cigar Pairing: a sweet, coffee focused maduro or a spicy habano works too (which I just lit up to enjoy the second half of this bottle).

Krusovice Cerne: Review

Kru Ovice Cerne

The Royal Bohemian Taste

Original Hohmisches Schwarzbier

Kralovsky Pivovar

Czech Republic

3.8% abv (beeradvocate)

Bottle Size: 1pt .9oz

This bottle is dated 18-06-2008

It was at a discounted price and the sucker that I am said, ‘this would make a good experience for putting on the beer blog.’

Reading the ingredients I am not a fan of this beer right off the bat.  It is made with artificial sweetener

Appearance: very dense black body with a good tan head.  Some lacing is left on the glass. 

Aroma: I should be able to tell if it is bad now.  Smell’s good for a 3 year old bottle of beer.  Dark bready note and a general sweet malt hits the nose.

Taste: I wish I had a fresh one to compare it too.  Not all that bad which, is also saying not all that good either.  A muddled dark bread taste with that artificial sweetener coming into play.  Tastes like a nasty tasting diet soda made with pumpernickel bread. 

Time to water the grass with the rest of this beer. 

Remember this was a three year old bottle.  I think there could be something good here except for that artificial sweetener stuff.  I just looked at the beeradvocate site and the beer got a B – good – score from 187 reviews.  Reading some it sounds like something I may, a big may, try again if it is fresh. 

Dark Horse One Oatmeal Stout Ale: Review

Dark Horse Brewing Company

Marshall, Michigan, USA
Darkhorsebrewery.com

12 oz bottle

8% abv

Appearance: beautiful black body with fine legs dripping down the side of the glass.  The head is a rich deep tan color and is thin overall as it is for the style. A creamy look to the tightly bubbled head.   

Aroma: toasted malts, roasted coffee, and nothing special for it is fairly mild.  I was expecting more from the way it looked.  ‘Don’t read a book by its cover.’

Flavors: dark roast coffee, 70% dark chocolate like, smoked hardwood, toasted grains, roasted/slightly burnt molasses, a bitter note from the hops.  The taste improves as the ale warms. 

Mouthfeel: good smooth style, light carbonation, a moderate bitter bite on the mid-palate.  There is a solid linger roasted coffee and dark chocolate dust on the palate.  

To the Point: a very drinkable and enjoyable Oatmeal Stout. 

Founders Curmudgeon Old Ale: Review

Founders Brewing Co.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Foundersbrewing.com

9.8% abv

50 IBU’s

I feel a personal connection to this ale for some reason. 

Make sure to swirl the bottle with the last 1/3 of ale in the bottle so to kick up the sediment and this will improve the head on the ale.

Appearance: deep hazy flat amber with a one finger light tan head that leaves plenty of lacing on the side of the glass.

Aroma: sweet roasted caramel, buttered light brown sugar, light hoppy note, fairly light from what I expected.  When the ale warmed up I noticed a bourbon ball candy note.  Yeap, the nose becomes a little boozy as it warms.  

Flavors: sweet roasted caramel and stone fruitiness with a dusting of coconut on the front; floral, kind of piney, bitter hops on the mid-palate and finish.  Sweet soil earthy tone with a slight bourbon barrel oak cask (probably the alcohol is making me think of that).  It is a sipper. 

Mouthfeel: sticky hops making it slightly syrupy, bitter notes cling to the palate for a linger aftertaste nothing overwhelming, low carbonation, good medium-full body, soft wool like texture, big malty body with

My Strength Rating: 6.5 – medium-full, the alcohol kicks it up a bit.

To the Point: a nice combination of malty tones and then the hops kick in to add some interest.  Not for everyone. 

Pair this with a cigar that has a coffee like profile. 

Just read on the Founders web site that they used molasses and then it is oaked aged. 

Founders Dry Hopped Pale Ale: Review

Founders Brewing Co.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Foundersbrewing.com

5.4% abv

35 IBU’s

Bottle Size: 12 oz

Appearance: foggy amber with a dirty golden hue, off-white head, nice 1 ½ finger head that leaves some lacing on the glass.

Aroma: very light hoppy scent that is slightly floral

Flavors: a delicate floral hoppy profile with very light pine and a twist of orange meat.  Lightly earthy, pleasing to drink, nothing bold and wow stuff here but, that is okay. 

Mouthfeel: light for a pale ale, refreshing, crisp, a lingering grapefruit rind aftertaste, nothing overpowering here.

My Strength Rating: 5 – tasty yet nothing complex here.  A straight forward dry hopped ale. 

To the Point: would make a refreshing pale ale to drink on a warm day.  A good pale ale to drink before dinner or with. 

Bell’s Expedition Stout: Review

10.5% abv

12oz bottle

$19.00 a six pack

Bell’s Brewery, Inc

Comstock, Michigan, USA

Bellsbeer.com

This bottle has been in my fridge since last spring.  Let’s see how it is doing.  I have three more bottles.  I thought I would age this batch.  This is a winter seasonal brew. 

Appearance: this stout has a black body with a big roasted brown head and loads of lacing on the glass.  Plenty of sediment on the bottom of the bottle so, make sure to do a good swirl of the bottle to get all the goodies into your glass. 

Aroma: dark roasted coffee and grains, sweet toasted brown sugar, smoky, 

Flavors: Alcohol bite, a little medicinal, toasted and almost burnt molasses and grains, dark chocolate bite (90% like), dark roasted coffee. 

The alcohol bite and medicinal note is not as big as it was back in the spring when I sampled a couple of these from this six pack.  My notes say that the alcohol and medicinal notes overwhelmed the flavors. 

Remember this is a sipper.  Make sure you have the time to drink this bottle. 

Mouthfeel: thick with a creamy feel, the burnt roasted notes linger on the palate, a little alcohol warmth. 

My Strength Rating: 8.5 – a good full bodied Russian Imperial Stout

To find the date the beer was made go to the Bell’s web site and they have a batch finder on their home page.  On the back label on the bottle there are some numbers on the bottom of the label.  My number is 10068.  They say it was made on November 10, 2010. 

To the Point: age this stout, it is starting to mellow already, I think in another six months that alcohol bite should be tamed and the flavors will just improve.  This is also a great stout to have with a cigar. 

Arcadia Ales Jaw-Jacker: Review

Ale brewed with Cinnamon, Allspice, and Nutmeg

No pumpkins were harmed in the production of this ale.

Arcadia Brewing Company

Battle Creek, Michigan, USA

Arcadiaales.com

6% abv

26 IBU’s

Appearance: a hazy amber colored body and a thin tan head.

Aroma and Flavors: Well, it is brewed with cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg and guess what it tastes and smells like?  Okay, I’ll tell you – cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.  Yeap, liquid pumpkin pie. 

Mouthfeel: fairly smooth, a fine carbonation feel, linger spice on the palate.

My Strength Rating: 5 – it’s all about the spice.

To the Point: a very tasty fall seasonal.  Pick some up while you can.  Perfect for Halloween and Thanksgiving. 

Hop Rod Rye: Review

Specialty Ale

Bear Republic Brewing Co.

Healdburg Cloverdale, California, USA

Bearrepublic.com

American IPA Style

Made with 18% rye.

1pt 6oz bottle

8% abv

$5.50 a bottle at Fine Liquor and Wine in Canton Michigan.

I recommend rolling this bottle before opening to pick-up the sediment.

You will get a better head on the ale and some cloudiness in the body color.

Appearance: deep rich mahogany with a fine tan head that leaves a curtain of lacing.

Aroma: nice spicy, hoppy, and grainy nose. Moderate piney note.

Flavors: full throttle spicy, piney hops that just tingle the palate right off the start. Roasted malts and grains; that remind me of toasted rye bread with caraway seed.  Toasted caramel

Mouthfeel: pine needle tingle on the green light (delivery), wool like texture, pine gets the checkered flag (finish – get it ‘checkered flag’) and lingering pine and citrus peel on the palate. Firm bitterness throughout.  

My Strength Rating: 8 – the rye and hop spice along with a piney hoppy note delivers a good bitter quality.  All this makes for a tasty full flavored style IPA.

To the Point: Hop lovers who like the piney style of an IPA this is it.  The good spicy character should not be overlooked because of the big pine style. 

Charity Island India Pale Ale: Review

Tri-City Brewing Co.

Bay City, Michigan, USA

Bottle size: 12 oz

  % abv

IBU

$1.79 a bottle from Lager Mill in Frankenmuth, Michigan

Appearance: deep solid amber body with a two finger fine beige colored head.  A sheeting of lace covers the glass with each sip.

Aroma: very light nose overall with some citrus and a hint of malt

Flavors: nice citrus, floral, spice notes with a grainy, earthy malt quality

Mouthfeel: good bitter notes from the hops and the malts trying to keep things in check.  Low to moderate carbonation that leaves a fine fizzy feel on the palate.  Lingering citrus bitter note on the tongue. 

My Strength Rating: 7

To the Point: Nice medium-full bodied IPA.  If you like citrus this is a nice pick-up. 

Wanderer Session IPA: Review

North Peak Brewing Co.

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

northpeakbeer.com

Bottle size: 12 oz stubby

 4.2% abv

45 IBU’s

$1.89 a bottle from Lager Mill in Frankenmuth, Michigan

Appearance: deep amber or burnt orange – take your pick, very thin head that is light beige in color.  Some lacing with each sip.

Aroma: very light bouquet with a hint of citrus and some earthy yeast

Flavors: floral then a bit of citrus and some good earthy qualities. 

Mouthfeel: nice delivery and then the mid palate and finish is covered with a citrus (grapefruit) profile.  The grapefruit note lingers on the palate. 

My Strength Rating: 7.5 – a nice medium-full bodied IPA. 

To the Point: a nice IPA.  It is not big and bold and in your face.  The Wanderer is an enjoyable IPA to drink. 

Ichabod Pumpkin Ale: Review

New Holland Brewing Co.

Newhollandbrew.com

Kitchen.newhollandbrew.com

Bottle size: 12 oz

5.2% abv

12.5 plato

$11.99 a six pack

From Super Fine Wine & Liquor Store in Canton Michigan.

Appearance: dirty penny with a fluffy tan head that leaves lots of lacing. 

Aroma: Pumpkin spice candle, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, pumpkin bread like.

Flavors: spiced pumpkin bread profile,

Mouthfeel: smooth, low-moderate carbonation, spice on the back of the palate and for a lingering aftertaste. 

My Strength Rating: 5 – a good medium strength ale

To the Point: a tasty spiced pumpkin ale.  Perfect for that cool autumn day.  New Holland recommends to pair this with roasted poultry. 

I am reviewing this beer on October 4 and the Detroit Tigers are playing the Stankies (Yankees) in the 4 game of the playoff series.  I think I’ll pair this beer with a quality La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Miami.

Great Lakes Oktoberfest: Review

Great Lakes Brewing Co.

Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Greatlakesbrewing.com

6.5% abv

Bottle size: 12 oz

One last oompah tune for this season. 

Appearance: Bright and clear amber body with a fine little off-white head.

Aroma: light sweet malty nose

Flavors: sweet grains, touch of caramel, with some smooth hops to boot. 

Mouthfeel: moderate carbonation, fairly smooth texture, lingering sweet grains left on the tongue.

My Strength Rating: 4 – a nice mild-medium Oktoberfest

To the Point: Nice is the best I can do for this one.  A good beer to drink though.  It is missing the Oktoberfest spice that I like.  Too much of a focus on the sweet grainy style for me.