Unibroue Ephemere: Review

Unibroue

Chambly, Quebec, Canada

5.5% abv

12oz bottle

$10.99 a six pack

Ale Brewed with Apple Juice, Coriander, Orange Peel, and with Natural Flavors Added

I had this beer last summer a local pub and liked it.  I bought this six pack back at the end of summer so; I guess it is time to do a review.    

Best before 2-15-14 is printed on the back of the bottle. Obviously a good beer to age looking at that date.    

Appearance: hazy flat yellow body with a one finger pure white head – no lacing; make sure to get all the sediment off the bottom of the bottle.

Aroma: very interesting bouquet; reminds me of fancy tropical fruits – papaya and guava; citrus peel, apples, pear, bread, sweet; yes it is white wine like

Flavors: tart apple, lemon/orange citrus meat, dusty yeast, mild coriander spice,

Mouthfeel: the carbonation has a fizzy feel, light sweet fruit, tart feel, lightly bitter – just a hint, halfway through low-moderate carbonation, strange lingering tart taste on the aftertaste … it’s guava like,

To the Point: this can be a fine summer time beverage or beer-cooler as I call these fruity beers.  So, this summer find a hot day and buy a six pack and enjoy.  I did enjoy a couple on a hot summer day; as for fall, winter or early spring … forget it for it is not my type of beer.  Like I said it is like a beer-cooler or white wine like or even one of those summer shandy beers.   

N’ice Chouffe: Review

Limited Edition

Ale Brewed with Spices (Thyme and Curacao Peel)

Brasserie D’Achouffe

Belgium

Achouffe.be

10% abv

75cl bottle/750 ml

$13.99

The problem I have with these 75cl bottles is getting that great sediment off the bottom of the bottle for the first pour.  Stirring or rolling a Belgian beer bottle does not work well before opening (experience) it just explodes when you open it.

Appearance: rich dark mahogany with a beige head and little lacing.  On the second half of the bottle (after stirring up the sediment) the body is a dark brown. The lacing is stronger on the second half of the 75cl bottle. 

Aroma: very faint, earthy yeast.  As it warmed sweet malty notes.

Flavors: this is a tough one; nothing standing out right away but I sure like for some reason (tasty should work).  As it warms up a nice spice note develops but I don’t know if I could pick out thyme.  Dusty orange peel, brown holiday nut raisin bread, allspice comes to mind with the bready note, thyme starts to show as the ale warms (halfway through the bottle), nice toasted grains, the dark candy-sugar also shows better as the ale warms up. 

This is liquid holiday dark bread - with orange peel, walnut, raisin, touch of allspice in the mix and thyme sprinkled on top of the crust. 

It is suggested on the bottle to serve at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  I have to agree from this experience.  When it was still chill from the fridge the notes were muted and they opened up as it warmed.  It is also suggested, on the bottle, to enjoy after dinner. 

  

Mouthfeel: smooth carbonation – in other words low, medium to medium-full body, full of flavors once it opens. 

To the Point: I really like this ale.  Top shelf stuff here.  I’ll have to plan to have this in stock next year for the holidays.  Hope I remember!  

Leinenkugel’s Lemon Berry Shandy: Review

Jacob Leinenkugel’s Brewing Company

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, USA

Leinie.com

4.2% abv

Weiss Beer with Blackberry Juice and Natural Flavors

Appearance: rosy peach fuzz with a thin white head that leaves some lacing behind

Aroma: berry soda, more like strawberry-raspberry than blackberry, undertone of lemon, very fresh

Flavors: berry bowl, tart blackberry, a faint lemon note floats around, undertone of wheat … maybe.  Add some more carbonation and you have a rose’ champagne.

Mouthfeel: mild-moderate carbonation, fresh and crisp, light lingering berry note – artificial like, the touch of lemon controls the sweetness. 

To the Point: I was not looking forward to doing this beer but, I think I like it.  As for a beer … forget it … it’s a berry cooler.  I was planning to take a few sips and write a review and then hand it off to the wife to finish but, I think I’ll light up a cigar.  Okay, halfway through I have had enough.  It would have to be one hot day to finish this beer.  

Dragonmead Final Absolution Trippel Ale: Review

Belgian Style Tripple Ale

Dragonmead Microbrewery

Warren, Michigan, USA

Dragonmead.com

8.5% abv

Appearance: hazy golden body with a one finger white head; if it pours clear then you did not get the sediment off the bottom of the bottle.

Aroma: mild earthy yeast, fruity, light Belgian spice, sweet

Flavors: fruity – white grape, banana, pear, apple and a touch of orange; sweet; spicy Belgian style yeast; light clove; mild floral hops

Mouthfeel: mild-moderate; sweet candied fruit, light tart feel, floral, smooth, very low carbonation, the alcohol does not come into play here on the taste so be careful

To the Point: a pretty good Trippel; a solid representation of this style; it is worthy to purchase

Tri-City Fortunato: Review

Belgian Trappist Ale

Tri-City Brewing Company

Bay City, Michigan, USA

tricitybrewing.com

7.5% abv

24.8 IBU’s

Appearance: murky brown with a two finger beige head

Aroma: musty and earthy yeast; light; not much else

Flavors: earthy yeast, earthy grains, dirty caramel, slightly nutty, dark fruit like – a little fig, there is a slight tart note that reminds me of a non-descript citrus rind

Mouthfeel: for 7.5 abv the alcohol does not stand out … making it easy to drink; almost a creamy feel; low carbonation; lightly sweet – lightly tart;

To the Point: not a bad Trappist Ale, for the price (compared to a real Belgian Trappist: double or triple the price) it is do-able.  I would try this again to have something different.  

The Beast Grand Cru Ale: Review

Annual Release

Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale

Avery Brewing Company

Boulder, Colorado, USA

AveryBrewing.com

12 oz bottle

16.83% abv

I think it seemed closer to 16.84

August, 2011 Batch No. 9

619 Cases

Made with Raisins, Dates, Molasses and Honey

Appearance: murky, sludge brown body with a thin tan head

Aroma: dark fruit, rich, sweet, and malty, oh yeah – a little boozy ... only to become stronger as it opens

Flavors: my palate is smacked with a very rich and sweet taste profile; the sugar, burnt sugar, honey and molasses just tear right into my palate, the dark fruits cut across the mouth and then the alcohol slashes the tongue, the malts are very rich in style and just dominate, the hops leave a bitter bite on the back and aftertaste, man I wish I was out in my cigar lounge this ale should go well with a strong cigar.

Mouthfeel: Wow, you want a full bodied, full flavored, strong ale … this is it.  Low carbonation, overpowering richness, very strong sweetness, alcohol burn, BIG time sipper,

To the Point: not for the faint of heart and make sure to plan when you are going to have this … you will need time on your side.  I had no idea about this ale and I did not read the label (except for the name) until I wrote my review and found my glasses.  17% alcohol … damn …    

This is not one I will be running out to find anytime soon nor will I wait for the next release.  One 12 oz bottle in a year is good enough for me.  

Founders Dirty Bastard: Review

Scotch Style Ale

Founders Brewing

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Foundersbrewing.com

8.5% abv

50 IBUs

I got these two bottles from my neighbor up-north.  I think it costs around 12 or 14 bucks a six pack – but, don’t trust me here – just a guess. 

Appearance: murky brown body with a nice tan two finger head that leaves some lacing on the glass.

Aroma: lightly toasted caramel, earthy grains, a little toffee coffee tone

Flavors: the seven varieties of imported malts give you layers of rich tasty notes, some sweet grains, toasted caramel, a swirl of that toffee coffee note, light spice (mild green peppercorn like) probably coming from the alcohol and hops,

Mouthfeel: rich, very light fizzy carbonation feel, earthy, light bitterness (I expected more), the alcohol does not stand out that much to me but has a little alcohol warmth on the finish,

Abita Amber: Review

Abita Brewing Company

abita.com

Abita Springs, Louisiana, USA

4.5% abv

12oz stubby brown bottle

Appearance: amber body with a one finger beige head that leaves some good lacing on the glass.

Aroma: light sweet malty note with a touch of caramel

Flavors: light toasted white and rye bread, caramel malt, light nutty yeast, hint of floral hops

Mouthfeel: fizzy carbonation to keep it crisp, light in weight, aroma, flavors, and aftertaste – so let’s call it clean, very easy to drink,  

To the Point: looking for an Amber Ale that is easy to drink, light on the palate, yet has some flavor … then this is it.  I would say it is not big in style or bold or the best Amber Ale you will ever have … it is just … middle of the road … nice and pleasing.  If you are having a party this would be a good selection.  The average beer drinker to the connoisseur should enjoy this selection.  

Motor City Nut Brown Ale: Review

Motor City Brewing Works

Detroit, Michigan, USA

4.2% abv

I reviewed this ale back on November 9, 2010 and it was bad.  It tasted like vinegar nut brown ale.  It had to be old.

I do not have much confidence here going into this review … there is no date on the bottle.  Is it old or fresh … let’s find out.

Appearance: dark brown body with a two finger tan head.

Aroma: aroma, aroma, aroma … aroma is not present.  Super weak for a Nut Brown … super weak for a beer period.

Flavors: must be somewhat fresh for it does not taste like vinegar this time.  Earthy roasted malts, some nuttiness more on the finish and aftertaste, watery, hops must be doing their job keeping the malts in balance. 

Mouthfeel: thin on the delivery, watery feel on the front, roasted notes on the mid-palate, slightly nutty on the finish, moderate carbonation. 

To the Point: Not bad and that also means not good … it is just okay.  Lacks depth, character, too thin on the delivery, BUT … easy to drink, a good selection to introduce someone to Nut Browns or darker beers.  

Amager Julebryg: Quick Review

Amager Julebryg 2008

This ale is aged as you can see by the date on the label.  
I have never had this ale before so I cannot explain how it has aged.
The store I go to gave me this bottle to review.

This dark ale has an interesting dark berry like taste mixed in with some rich malty notes.  After a few more sips 'interesting' can be defined as strange.  I can say that I just don't like this four year old ale.  I drank half the bottle and had to pour the rest out.  Better ales to drink.  

Noel de Calabaza: Review

Special Ale

Ale aged in oak barrels

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

Jollypumpkin.com

Dexter, Michigan, USA

$12.99 a bottle

1pt 9.4oz bottle

Appearance: dark brown body with a tan head

Aroma: not much of anything; hint of sour mash, tart cherry and cranberry but very, very light; I am not picking up any oak

Flavors: sour mash, tart fruit like cherry and cranberry, toasted oak comes thru in the taste, the spice is on the finish and aftertaste to me, I am having a hard time thinking of what the spice reminds me of … maybe a dark smoked salt

Mouthfeel: tart and slightly bitter on the aftertaste; fine fizzy carbonation, the sour and tart notes dominate, the spice is on the finish and aftertaste to me

To the Point: an interesting ale; I can’t figure out if I like it or dislike it; I’ll let the price decide – 13 big ones … I don’t think I would buy it again.  I dislike … couldn’t finish the glass I poured it out … the flavors are too strange 

Samuel Adams Merry Mischief: Review

Gingerbread Stout

Brewed with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger

Boston Beer Company

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

9% abv

1pt 6oz bottle

$6.99 a bottle

I have to admit it right now – I don’t want to taste or review another holiday beer with brown spices in it (cinnamon and nutmeg specifically).  This ale has ginger and clove so, I think I can do it … I really like ginger. 

Appearance: dense black body with a rich tan head and not much on the lacing front but, you can see the legs on the glass

Aroma: oh yes, gingerbread cookie, on the next few sniffs … I pick up the clove and a touch of ginger; toasted grains, a little alcohol in the back

Flavors: brown spice box for sure, the cinnamon and nutmeg are their but are not the only thing going on here … the clove plays a good roll and the ginger is noticeable; toasted grains and malts,

Mouthfeel: sweet malts are in play under the dark roasted notes and brown spice box style; low carbonation, full of flavors, full body, rich, long lingering roasted notes and spice – of course.

To the Point: I really like this Gingerbread Stout.  I would buy it again and maybe even this season (I am tired of holiday brews with cinnamon and nutmeg).

New Belgium 1554 Enlightened Black Ale: Review

New Belgium Brewing

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Newbelgium.com

5.6% abv

$9.99 a six pack

I had a bottle of this the other night and I found it to be … uninteresting … just like this football game I am getting ready to watch between the Bears and the Lions. 

Appearance: deep dark mahogany body with a thin tan head that leaves some sticky lacing on the glass.

Aroma: very light bouquet; light roasted malts

Flavors/mouthfeel: roasted grains, a little chocolate note in the mix, simple in style, light/moderate carbonation, fairly clean feel and finish.

To the Point: to me … not all that interesting, too simple on the nose and taste, should be good to pair with a mild or medium bodied cigar, should work with a full bodied smoke … there are no flavors in the ale that should interfere with a bold smoke and the ale should refresh the palate.  

He’brew Funky Jewbelation: Review

The Chosen Beer

A blend of 6 ales aged in 73% Rye Whiskey Barrels and 27% Bourbon Barrels

Here are the six ales from Shmaltz He’brew line-up: Jewbelation Fifteen aged 3 months; Vintage Jewbbelation aged 9 mths; Bittersweet Lenny’s RIPA aged 1 mth; Origin aged 14 mths; Reunion Ale ’11 aged 7 mths; Messiah aged 14 mths.

Shmaltz Brewing Company

Shmaltzbrewing.com

Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

9.8% abv

$12.99 a bottle

1pt. 6oz bottle

I just might have to do a glass of Crown Reserve with this beer.

Appearance: black body with a good two finger dark tan head that leaves some nice lacing.

Aroma: sweet grains from the bourbon and whiskey barrels; dark roasted malts, dark fruits, dark chocolate like,

Flavors/mouthfeel: what a mix a flavors and mouthfeel; the sweet mixes well with the bitter; fig juice, sweet grains, light spice from the rye, semi-sweet chocolate, low carbonation, light syrupy feel, nice lingering coffee bitter note lingers on the palate; medium-full to me … I’ll give it a 6 on my strength scale. 

To the Point: a very tasty ale, the ale builds some body as it warms up, the aroma is pleasing and the flavors interesting, a must try for those who like dark ales.  

Sullivan’s Cold Moon Imperial Stout: Review

Sullivan’s Black Forest Brew Haus and Grill

Frankenmuth, Michigan, USA

Blackforestbrewhaus.net

9.8% abv

$20 growler refill

Frankenmuth Michigan has two good breweries; one is named Frankenmuth Brewery and the other is Sullivan’s.  Frankenmuth Brewery is located in-town on the main drag.  Sullivan’s is located off Weiss Street - the road that goes behind Bronner’s Christmas Store.

Appearance: black as night with a dark roasted head

Aroma: big time fresh in the bag coffee bean with some dark chocolate in the mix

Flavors: follows the nose to a tee. Dark roast coffee with a solid dark chocolate flavor and a little pumpernickel bread swirling around

Mouthfeel: thick texture, moderate 80% dark chocolate like bitterness on the mid and finish, lingering earthy coffee feel, no to low carbonation

To the Point: if you like coffee and dark chocolate – this is for you – I know it is for me!  I love coffee, I love dark chocolate and I love beer – and if you bring all three together it is a winner in my book.  Pair this stout with some fresh peanuts. 

Sullivan’s Brewery is a must visit when you are in Frankenmuth Michigan.  They have good to very good food and I have always preferred their beer to the other brewery in town.   

Short’s Brew The Curl: Review

Imperial American Pilsner

Short’s Brewing Company

Elk Rapids, Michigan, USA

Shortsbrewing.com

$11.99

7.1% abv

50 IBU

Appearance: cloudy lemon skin body with a big white head that has some staying power and tons of lacing on the glass.  They use plenty of yeast to make this Imperial Pils so there is some sediment on the bottom of the bottle.  If it pours clear you did not get the yeast off the bottom of the bottle, then you are missing some of the flavor.

Aroma: sweet harvest grain biscuit, light lemon meat hoppy tone at first and builds a bit as it warms up

Flavors and Mouthfeel: crisp grains on the tip of the tongue, then some light citrus spice on the mid and finish, dusty yeast in the mix, the aftertaste is dry and slightly piney when cold and a course grind black pepper as it warms, zesty feel to the hops overall, fine carbonation

My Strength Rating: 6 – on the medium side of medium-full, the hops and dry finish kick it up from medium. 

To the Point: this is one fine Imperial Pilsner.  Very tasty; easy to drink for having a 7.1 abv; must try; I’m buying more;  

Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale: Review

Blue Moon Brewing Company

Golden, Colorado, USA

5.6% abv

Brewed with Belgian sugar and a touch of wheat

Appearance: dirty copper penny colored body and an off-white head

Aroma: very light, wow really light my bloodhound wife can’t pick out anything either, ultra faint sweet malts is the best I can do.

Flavors: sweet grains, lightly roasted caramel malts, and a strange finish and lingering note, that strange note is dry, slightly bitter, and earthy maybe it’s the dusty wheat that is in the mix.

Mouthfeel: watery edge on the delivery, very light in flavors, super light in body due to the watery style,

To the Point: I am sure glad I only bought one bottle of this beer; uninteresting and some strange flavor notes are a couple of things that come to mind with this beer.  

Harpoon Winter Warmer: Review

Happy New Year!

Harpoon Brewery

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

5.9% abv

Appearance: rich copper body with a soft beige head that leaves some lacing on the glass

Aroma: holiday allspice bread with nuts and caramel

Flavors: nutmeg, cinnamon, bread, lightly toasted caramel,

Mouthfeel: light-moderate carbonation for a fine fizzy feel, spice coats the palate and lingers, soft bitterness on the finish

To the Point: a nice Winter Ale, if you like your Winter Ale with brown spices you should like this one.  For me it is a one and done situation with the ales that have the cinnamon and nutmeg spices.