AW's Beer Reviews

[totempole]

By the time i buy bait, gas, fishing line, jigs, hooks, and some big Mac's for the family supper this is all i can afford. here's my thoughts on it's taste.

Thanks to WIC for brewing this. 3.99 a case of 24, it was sampled after being poured into a hand blown Duvel tulip beer glass.





Syrupy dark brown when poured against the light, glossy black in the glass with a dense finger-and-a-half of light coffee-coloured head. Lacing is very healthy indeed. Looks solid.

Nose is sweeter and maltier than expected - more like a porter than an ABA. Used coffee-grounds are prominent, while musk and banana esters contribute a significant sweetness. Roasted malt pungency lifts things a bit. It's nice enough but not at all what I was anticipating.

Taste bears even less resemblance to the nominal style. Gritty brewed coffee dominates again, with the bitterness soaring because the sweet character in the nose is somewhat muted. Hop character is hard to differentiate at first; bitter citrus rind and grapefruit gradually asserts.

Bitterness is high and lasting, but seems to be more a product of the roasted malts than the hops. Carbonation is nice and smooth.

Not sure about this. A bit hodge-podgey with both harsh and enjoyable aspects. Either the bitterness needs restraining or the contrasting elements need to be ramped up.

Serving type: can

[Don G]

By the time i buy bait, gas, fishing line, jigs, hooks, and some big Mac's for the family supper this is all i can afford. here's my thoughts on it's taste.

Thanks to WIC for brewing this. 3.99 a case of 24, it was sampled after being poured into a hand blown Duvel tulip beer glass.





Syrupy dark brown when poured against the light, glossy black in the glass with a dense finger-and-a-half of light coffee-coloured head. Lacing is very healthy indeed. Looks solid.

Nose is sweeter and maltier than expected - more like a porter than an ABA. Used coffee-grounds are prominent, while musk and banana esters contribute a significant sweetness. Roasted malt pungency lifts things a bit. It's nice enough but not at all what I was anticipating.

Taste bears even less resemblance to the nominal style. Gritty brewed coffee dominates again, with the bitterness soaring because the sweet character in the nose is somewhat muted. Hop character is hard to differentiate at first; bitter citrus rind and grapefruit gradually asserts.

Bitterness is high and lasting, but seems to be more a product of the roasted malts than the hops. Carbonation is nice and smooth.

Not sure about this. A bit hodge-podgey with both harsh and enjoyable aspects. Either the bitterness needs restraining or the contrasting elements need to be ramped up.

Serving type: can

Great review...I'll give it a tryRoflRofl..

[AWMiller]

good one! nyuk nyuk nyuk nyuk!

[AWMiller]

Real Ale Devil’s Backbone
Real Ale Brewing Company | Blanco, Texas USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Tripel

ABV - 8.1%

IBU - 36

This brew from Real Ale completely exceeded all of my expectations of this Tripel! It poured up a hazy dark golden colored body with a foamy head that possessed great retention and lacing effects. Aromas of yeast, peppers, spices, bananas. Flavors of the same and also include pears and sugars. Medium-bodied, good carbonation, very easy to drink with no harsh aftertastes and a smooth, clean finish with just the right amount of hoppy bite. This is definitely one of the finest American Tripels that I have even had the pleasure of tasting!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, poultry, pork

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Spaten Munchen Dunkel
Spaten-Franziskaner-Brau | Munchen, Germany
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Munich Dunkel Lager

ABV - 5.5%

This was a fairly good dunkel. It poured up a dark root beer colored body with a hearty two-finger off-white colored head that had fair retention and some lacing effects. Aromas of caramel, toffee, warm bread. Flavors of the same but also include raisins or figs. Medium-bodied with a sweet flavored finish (hardly any detection of hops) that lingers for quite some time.

Pairing Recommendations: grilled/smoked meats or various wild game

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Oskar Blues Gubna Imperial IPA
Oskar Blues Grill & Brewery | Lyons, Colorado USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: American Double/Imperial IPA

ABV - 10%

If I’m going to get hooked on IPAs then it is going to be this one! This brew pours up a rich burnt orange colored body with a thick foamy head with good retention and excellent lacing. Hearty aromas of sweet malts, lemon, orange and sugar. Flavors are very complex and rich – grapefruit, orange, lemon, sweet malts, and hints of various tropical fruits. Medium-bodied, good carbonation, very smooth with a nice hoppy bite throughout. The finish is very clean and refreshing with a lingering hit of bitter hops and sweet malts.

Pairing Recommendations: wild game, grilled/smoked meats, fish/shellfish

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest
Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. | Fort Worth, Texas USA
Not purchased; received as a gift!

Style: Marzen/Oktoberfest

ABV - 5.5%

What an awesome Texas-brewed Oktoberfest!! This brew poured up a dark amber colored body with a one-finger thick tan colored head with fair retention and minimal lacing effects. Aromas and flavors of sweet malts and warm bread along with subtle hints of hops throughout. Although a somewhat dark beer it is very light on the palate with a smooth, clean finish filled with lingering aftertastes of warm sweet bread.

Pairing Recommendations: Smoked brats or wurst

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Kirin Ichiban
Anheuser-Brusch (funny, an American company brewing/distributing a foreign beer)
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Adjunct Lager

ABV - 4.9%

Probably one of the worst brews I have tasted thus far (next to Wacko and Rheingold)! Seriously I could not finish the brew. It did possess the standards of the “Add-Junk” (a.k.a. adjunct) lagers; pale golden yellow, moderate fizzy head, skunky odor (from the lesser quality grains and hops that are used), little to no real taste, and a bland but bitter aftertaste. This is one brew that is best left in the cooler for some other poor soul to purchase and consume.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Chimay Rouge (Red) Premiere
Bieres de Chimay (Abbaye Notre Dame de Scourmont) | Baileux (Chimay), Belgium
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Dubbel

ABV - 7%

This brew poured up a murky mahogany colored body with an enormous frothy head with amazing retention and lacing effects. Aromas of sweet malts, spices, and peppers. Flavors of the same along with cloves, dark fruits (dates and plums), and warm hints of chocolate. Medium-bodied with a dry finish and lingering aftertastes of sweet malts and spices. This brew improves as it warms after pouring.

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, rattlesnake

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Anchor Liberty Ale
Anchor Brewing Company | San Francisco, California USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: American Pale Ale (APA)

ABV - 5.9%

A mainstay to be enjoyed every Independence Day! This brew poured up a luscious golden amber colored body with a foamy head with good retention and lacing effects. Aromas of floral hops, some grains and fruits (oranges, lemons). Flavors of hops, apricots (or maybe nectarines), a slight hint of honey (or burnt sugar). Light- to Medium-bodied, very smooth with a dry finish.

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, duck/goose, fish, partridge, pheasant, quail, grouse, rabbit, salmon, shellfish, squirrel, venison

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.