Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple

Back in April when I reviewed IPAs I thought my taste buds were shots by the end of the month.  Now here  in June I did Lagers and Pilsners and pure boredom has set in.  So, here is one tasty Quad to end Lager and Pilsner Month.  This is a new beverage from Gulden Draak, just out this year.

Brouwerij Van Steenberge

Belgium

Globalbeer.com

Guldendraak.be

11.2 little stubby bottle

10.7% abv

$19.99 a four pack

Appearance: amber with some golden highlights when held to the light.  White 2 finger plus head.  Some lacing on the glass. 

Aroma: oh the Belgian yeast, stone fruit, maybe a little mango, sweet malts, I didn’t pick up any alcohol till I was halfway through.  Swirl the glass every now and then to reinvigorate the bouquet.  

Flavors: sweet malts surround the fruity notes, stone fruit like the nose with a golden raisin added to the mix, delicate hops to add some balance, tasty yeast in the mix.  Fairly simple … I guess I expected more complexity from this Quad.

Mouthfeel: this is really nice, sweetness when the beverage is on the cold side and then a soft bitterness appears as it warms.  As it warms this ale gets better with each sip.  The carbonation is low with a nice fizzy feel on the palate.  This helps to give it a semi-creamy feel. 

To the Point: the mouthfeel is special.  The flavors are very good but not complex and that is not always a bad thing – for it is a good thing here.  I really like the Gulden Draak 9000.  I will have to pick up a few more to keep it in stock. 

My Strength Rating: 6.5

Kidd Black Lager by: Fort Collins Brewery: Review

The Fort Collins Brewery

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

FortCollinsBrewery.com

4.5% abv

I sure like a black lager now and then.  I always say that I should enjoy them more often.  I am looking forward to trying this one for the first time. 

Appearance: solid black body with a toasty tan head that thins out pretty quickly and leaves some lacing on the glass.

Aroma: Oh boy, I am going to like this.  Roasted grains and I believe that I am picking up some chocolate that smells slightly toasted as well.  This lager has a nice smoky bouquet. 

Flavors: just like the nose; roasted grains and chocolate roasted coffee.

Mouthfeel: fairly moderate body weight overall, carbonation seems light, roasted notes on delivery and mid palate with some light burnt malts on the finish.  Nice lingering notes that are smoky and toasty.

To the Point: I very nice Black Lager.  I like the smoky style and the bittersweet chocolate note.  I would buy this again.   

Shipyard Export: Review

Shipyard Brewing Co.

Portland, Maine, USA

5% abv

Appearance: golden amber body with a bone colored foamy head.  Not much on the lacing.

Aroma: fruit note, biscuit, dusty grass

Flavors: toasted grains, stone fruit, sweet buttery wheat biscuit, grassy hops

Mouthfeel: spritzy carbonation that gives this lager a crisp feel; touch of sweet malts swirl around with a light toasted note lingering on the palate. 

To the Point: as far as Lagers go this is pretty good.  I would buy this again

Toasted Lager: Review

Blue Point Toasted Lager

Blue Point Brewing Co.

Patchogue, New York, USA

Bluepointbrewing.com

$9.99 a six pack

I had this beer the other day when I ate lunch at the Uptown Grill.  I liked it so I made sure I made it to the beer store to pick up a six pack.  Let’s see how it reviews.

Appearance: shiny and clear copper colored body with an eggshell colored head that leaves some good lacing on the side of the glass.

Aroma: faint overall, lightly toasted grains, hint of sweet bread,

Flavors: lightly toasted notes of grains and caramel malt, bready, light hops to add some balance,

Mouthfeel: crisp, nice carbonation, light toasted flavors linger on the palate,

My Strength Rating: 3.5 – mild-medium – this lager has a little body

To the Point: Okay, not the most special beer ever made but, the light toasted flavors add a little interest to this Lager style beer.  It was very good with my pastrami sandwich at the Uptown Grill.  Maybe it was the good looking bartender that made it a little toaster.  

Over the Pills Imperial Pilsner: Review

Magic Hat Brewing Company

Humdinger Series

South Burlington, Vermont, USA

8.1% abv

$9.99 a bottle

750ml bottle

75 IBUs

The brewery used Crystal, Apollo and Brewer's Gold hops

Appearance: slightly cloudy golden orange with a nice foamy white head that has some retention

Aroma: smells nice as I pour the first glass.  Usually, you can’t smell too much on a pilsner even when pouring it but, this one has a nice bouquet.  Some sweet stoned fruits, mild citrus meat, grains,

Flavors: good touch of lemon grass; it also reminds me of citrus meat; hint of nice sweet grains under the hops.  While enjoying the Davidoff Cigar I notice the spice profile which reminds me of a mix of green and pink peppercorn.  I just wish it had a little stone fruit in the taste profile like in the aroma. 

Mouthfeel: very dry for a pilsner, low carbonation for a pilsner, bitterness is up for a pilsner, prickly, edgy, a lingering bitter note that I would never expect from a pilsner – that is why it is an Imperial Pilsner. 

To the Point: being an Imperial Pilsner I guess I expected this.  I have never had an Imperial Pilsner before to pass judgment but, let me say I like this Pilsner.  I glad they did not go to the sweeter side.  It is a bit edgy but, I like it.  I would buy this again.  I would also enjoy this on a cool rainy summer day. 

I paired this with a Davidoff Millennium Blend Cigar.  This mild quality stick was the right pick for this brew.  I had another cigar selected and I changed to this when I thought about this being an Imperial Pilsner.  The mild cigar mingles well with this hoppy profile of a pilsner. A stronger, bolder, or spicier cigar is going to collide with this Over the Pills.  

Labatt Perfect Pils: Review

Limited Edition

Labatt Brewing Co.

Labatt USA

Rochester, New York, USA

What the hell – I want my Labatt’s coming from Canada!

11.5 oz bottle

Appearance: bright and clear golden body with a big white foamy head that leaves some good lacing on the glass.

Aroma: nice pilsner aroma, biscuit, light spice,

Flavors: nice sweet malts with bready notes, light hops to add some balance, and hint of spice – let’s call it pink peppercorn. 

Mouthfeel: good carbonation, refreshing, crisp, this would be good coming out of a cooler full of ice,

My Strength Rating: 2.5 – mild-medium

To the Point: a solid typical pilsner, I would buy this again to fill the cooler on a hot summer day, very refreshing.

Angry Orchard Hard Cider Crisp Apple: Review

Angry Orchard Cider Company

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Naturally Gluten Free

12 oz bottle

5% abv

$8.69 a six pack

This year I said to myself, ‘Self, why don’t we do some ciders on the beer and cigar blog?’  Well, when I saw this on the shelf at a local grocery store I grabbed it up.

Now, I have not had many ‘hard ciders,’ I may have had one here and there.  Woodchuck is the lineup I have had a few from. 

Appearance: light golden amber that is just crystal clear as can be.

Aroma: fresh apple cider

Flavors: just like the aroma – fresh apple cider, the alcohol does not even play a role in this. 

Mouthfeel: crisp, clean, low to no carbonation, almost creamy feel, sweet apples linger on the palate

To the Point: I really needed this tonight – you see I didn’t want a beer nor did I want a wine and this really hit the spot for something different.  This would be tasty on a warm summer day.  I would buy a six pack again. 


Click Here to read the Apple Ginger Hard Cider

Magic Hat Vinyl Lager: Review

Spring Seasonal

Scrumptious Amber Lager

Magic Hat Brewing Co.

South Burlington, Vermont, USA

Magichat.net

Visit their web site to read about this beer

5.1% abv

20 IBU 

Appearance: amber it is with a little shiny copper coming through in the light.  Mountains of light tan head that just seems to never go away.  Minimal lacing.

Aroma: lager nose, dusty grains,

Flavors: being Magic Hat I always expect something crazy like, beet juice, maybe carrot or asparagus – oh, damn your pee would really smell then.  So, on to this Lager; crisp malts, lightly toasted grains, a little dirty hops on the mid palate. 

Mouthfeel: moderate-low carbonation, low bitter note that is earthy like, the flavors just come across as dirty. 

Look at that head

My Strength Rating: 4 – medium-mild

To the Point: to me this is average, okay, and not all that interesting.  I wonder if it is better with something with it; like food or a spicy cigar.   

Einbecker Ur-Bock Dunkel: Review

I know this is not a Pilsner or Lager and it is Pils and Lager month but, I have to throw in a little variety here.  

Einbecker Brauhaus AG

Einbeck, Germany

6.5% abv

11.2 oz stubby green bottle

Appearance: deep copper, used penny colored body with a slightly dirty white head that was thin and leaves no lacing on the glass.  With an aggressive pour on the second one the head was closer to a two finger. 

Aroma: oh, the malts are coming through here.  Toasted caramel with a touch of molasses, light rye bread,

Flavors: pretty much like the nose.  Slightly burnt caramel with a hint of molasses, light rye bread and roasted grains. 

Mouthfeel: mild carbonation, lightly burnt malts, just a hint of bitterness on the aftertaste, 

To the Point: I am no Dunkel expert but, I do like one once in a while.  This dunkel is pretty tasty and seems true to its style.  I would buy this again. 

My Strength Rating: 6 – on the light side of medium-full.  Good body and a pleasing aftertaste.  For some reason I want to have a Rubin sandwich with this dunkel.  

Einbecker Brauherren: Review

Premium Pils

Einbecker Brauhaus AG

Einbeck, Germany

4.9% abv

11.2 oz green bottle

I picked up this boot beer glass the other month while I was in Frankenmuth Michigan.  Time to use it!

Appearance: pale yellow gold body with a white head and no lacing on das boot.

Aroma: good German yeast smell at first then the grassy hops show up with a slight old lemon rind citrus spice on the nose.  Don’t notice any skunkiness.

Flavors: the lemon rind citrus is front and center with the grassy hops playing a solid role and the grains do play a supporting role but the role is not very interesting.  This is a bit citrusy than I expected for a pilsner. 

Mouthfeel: moderate bitterness on the mid and late palate.  Moderate carbonation to keep it ‘somewhat’ crisp.   

To the Point: a decent German Pilsner.  This should go well with a sausage sandwich.  If you like German Pilsners or Lager what do you think – leave a comment – Click on the word ‘comment’ below. 

My Strength Rating: 4 – mild-medium.  The light to moderate bitterness raises this up to a 4 to me.  

Angry Orchard Hard Cider Apple Ginger: Review

Angry Orchard Cider Company

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Naturally Gluten Free

12 oz bottle

5% abv

$8.69 a six pack

I have reviewed the Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider and I liked the sweet crisp apple taste.  Let's see how the Apple Ginger Cider goes.  

Appearance: light golden amber that is just crystal clear as can be.

Aroma: light ginger, a little Vernor’s Ginger Ale like, apple  

Flavors: just like the aroma – nice touch of ginger on the mid and late palate, light earth, apple cider,

Mouthfeel: low to no carbonation, tart and sweet apples linger on the palate

Cool Graphics

To the Point: I would buy a six pack again.  This is tasty.  I had one the other day after having the Crisp Apple and … well … I did not care for it then.  I think the sweet style of the Crisp Apple Cider just brought out the tart taste a little too much on the Apple Ginger Cider.This Apple Ginger Cider was very pleasing on the hot and humid night.    

Port Royal Export: Review

Pilsner Style

Cerveceria Hondurena

Portroyalhn.com

Product of Honduras

12oz bottle

4.8% abv

Ingredients: Water, Barley Malt, Adjuncts and Hops

Appearance: typical clear gold pilsner color, the head is like shaving cream and stays around forever, globs of foam and lacing on the glass and they just don’t go away.

Aroma: boiled corn

Flavors: boiled over cooked corn, not overly sweet, a dull hop style to give some balance,

Mouthfeel: surprisingly a dull carbonation level,

My Strength Rating: smooth and let’s keep with this theme – dull

To the Point: cool looking packaging that makes you think you have something special but, you don’t – uhm, sounds like my life.  This beer needs to be ice cold.  Coming from my beer fridge is just not good enough on this warm 80 degree day.  In no time the beer warms up and is as boring as it can get.  Don’t get me wrong it is not nasty or bad – it is just dull and boring.  The head that stays around forever is pretty cool.  

Leffe Blonde: Review

I interrupt the boring beer reviews of Lagers and Pilsners to do this Abbey Ale.

Product of Belgium

6.6% abv

Appearance: golden amber body with a two finger white head that leaves some good lacing on the glass.

Aroma: on one sniff I get some Belgian yeast, tropical fruit like bananas and a hint of pineapple and then on another sniff … nothing, clean, crisp, with a very faint fruit note. 

Flavors: a fairly good Belgian Blond with sweet fruits, every now and then I think I get a hint of banana; I do get a tart apple note on the mid and late palate and there is a good biscuit note.  I have seen reviews with pepper as a note but, today I do not notice any degree of pepper. 

Mouthfeel: nice touch of sweet malts without being too sweet, the tart apple helps to control the sweetness, low and fizzy carbonation, it is a little fizzy and tingles the tongue at first and then smooth’s out half way through the glass. 

My Strength Rating: 3 – mild-medium at best

To the Point: I like to pick up a six pack of this Abby Ale now and then.  I have never reviewed this beer for some reason, so today is the day.  It is easy to drink, not that complex, and tasty.  It is not that special for it seems to lack body and depth.  Also, notice that there is not much sediment in the bottle. 

The Leffe pairs well with most cigars from mild to medium-full.  Be careful on some medium-full cigars for it can overpower this Ale.  Tonight I am enjoying this Ale with a AVO Heritage Robusto.  

Leinenkugel’s Limited: Review

$8.99 a six pack

Appearance: topaz body with a creamy looking two finger tan head that leaves some nice lacing on the glass.

Aroma: typical malty/hoppy lager smell

Flavors: hearty grains and a little pink peppercorn

My Strength Rating: 2.5 – on the mild side

To the Point: a nice tasting lager

Atwater Purple Gang Pilsner: Review

Atwater Brewery

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Atwaterbeer.com

Appearance: pale gold and a slightly hazy with a huge white head that stays around.  Good lacing on the glass

Aroma: typical very light pilsner bouquet.  White bread.

Flavors: light grains, white bread, and mild hop bitterness.  While it is a typical pilsner taste; it is a tasty typical pilsner.  Should be nice on a summer day. 

Mouthfeel: moderate-low carbonation, smooth, mild malts and hops

My Strength Rating: 2.5 – mild-medium; right on the edge of mild

To the Point: overall, okay as a pilsner

Hamm’s Beer Review

Hamm’s Brewing Company

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

1-800-645-5376

Wow, an 800 number.  Let me call that number to see what is happening at Hamm’s.  How about a web site so I can see that old dancing polar beer. 

$8.00 and some change for a 12 pack.

I have not seen Hamm’s in a long, long time.  I did not even know it was still on the market.  Here it is at the local grocery store in Port Austin, Michigan.  So, I had to buy it. 

Let’s do a review on the Hamm’s

Appearance: white background with red lettering for the name Hamm’s with gold trim and a blue band on the bottom of the can.

Nose: wet beer can lid

Flavors: crisp grains, grassy hops, and ‘the purest water.’

Mouthfeel: fine carbonation, refreshing, crisp, void of any real flavors,

Now in a glass:

Appearance: bright pale yellow lager, one shade over from water,

Nose: okay, the can lid smelled like something at least,

Flavors: wet grains and grassy hops,

Mouthfeel: fine carbonation, refreshing, crisp, and yes – void of any real flavors.

To the Point: This might be the go to beer for a hot summer day while playing games or fishing.  I think it is better than most other adjunct beers.  I would order this before a Miller or Bud and I grew up on Miller High Life.  The Hamm’s does not have that nasty sweet taste that Miller has.   This is going to be my go session beer for the summer.