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Post by beefbrainmchitfist on Dec 8, 2004 23:31:46 GMT -5
As I have only recently begun to partake of finer brews that what I've been previously accustomed to I'm afraid I cannot at this point say that I have more than a few that I would consider favorites, but here they are anyway . . .
1. George Killian's Irish Red 2. Newcastle (came suggested from one friend and a short while ago. I enjoyed my first tall glass shortly thereafter and was most pleased with the experience) 3. Woodchuck Cider (not really sure how this beverage stands as brews go but I can toss em back easyand I do enjoy the taste and variety, though I've had a few instances lately where that wasn't such a good thing)
I have other standbys such as my Amber bock or Mikes (lemonades or limes) but things like that nowadays fall along the lines of something I just pick up at the gas station or wherever when I get a wild hair up me arse for quick random booze on the fly. Thankfully I am fortunate enough to be exposed to those willing to make their knowledge and experience known to me that I might take a step in the right direction in me AL-KEE-HALL antics to include of course Uncle Jager. I have been reccomended this very evening by Sop McGravy, a dear friend of mine, Wexfords Cream Ale a beverage of which he spake most high upon, if anyone has tried it please let me know what you thought as I shall share my humble opinion whenst I consume one on the day that shall be, gawd willin', of the Fri.
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Post by UncleJager on Dec 14, 2004 14:17:31 GMT -5
Sam Adams Cream Stout, 4.9%, Boston Beer Co.
I was curious to try a style of beer I haven't had before, plus the 'cream' part sounded interesting. If I am correct, stout is an old style of beer and that is what I got here, it tasted sort of unrefined or classic, like listening to the demo of a song as opposed to the cleaned up version. There was a odd organic after-taste that had a sort of creamy, froph (foam) feel to it. I'm not gonna write stouts off my list, but I don't think I shall have this beer again. I don't think stouts can be compared to any other style of beer, so I can't say if you like X you would like this. However, if you want to feel like you are sitting in a dingy Brit. pub drinking the equivilant to alcoholic oatmill, then this is for you.
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Post by T. Miller on Dec 14, 2004 21:30:21 GMT -5
We've already established that Bass i s great with a good chiliburger. Now I am here to establish that Newcastle is great with heavily spiced Indian food. I made an Indian dish one night with onion, lamb, carrots simmered in cumin, garam masala, pepper, hot pepper, and various other spices over curried rice. The Newcastle cleaned all those tastes out of the mouth with each sip, feeling crisply dry, so that one can savour the complex flavours of the food with each bite instead of only with the first bite and getting muted flavours thereafter. It was a great complement. I think this is going to be my new thing - Unkie Jager's got the brew front covered, so I guess I could continue on recommending great food+brew pairings. Cheers and Bon appetit!
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Post by beefbrainmchitfist on Dec 14, 2004 22:06:56 GMT -5
Within the past two days I've tried dual bres new to me self, both of which I enjoyed most thoroughly.. Last nights choice was more or less a random choice, though I wasn't dissapointed. Me McGravy T-type, Big Dad McGravy and Meeander (woman of McGravy T-type) all decided to dine at a local mexican eatery and this particular establishment's brew selection was rather limited thus my going out on a wire, so to speak. What I wound up with was Dos Equis, a rather tasty brew with a bit of a twang to it that blended well with my Enchiladas Supreme. My randomnity I feel was rewarded.
This evening's choice was that of a reccomendation sent to me by McGravy S-type, Wexfords Cream Ale. Truly I tell you I was not prepared for what I was to taste whenst I took my first sip, needless to say one of the if not THE best brews I've yet to try and it it's even better with a BIG MEEEEETEEEEE THHHHHHICK BURGERRRRRRRR. Yaharrrrrrr. Chalk up yet one more for following the voice of experience. Yarrr YAHarrrrr.
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Post by UncleJager on Dec 30, 2004 11:01:39 GMT -5
The great loopy Spook and I purchased a 12 variety pack from Saranac Brewing. Up till now we have tried three of the styles/flavors and they were all superior i.e. Great! I personaly recomand the Mocha Stout. (reviews on all three comming soon.) I highly recomand anyone who likes beer, especialy those interested in trying varing styles should go out and buy one of these 12 packs, plus they are only like $11 dolars. Good Deal!
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Post by T. Miller on Dec 30, 2004 11:20:31 GMT -5
Here's my thoughts to hold you over until Unkie Jager's more educated thoughts come in.......
The Saranac Black Florest professed be Bavarian style; while I cannot say if it lives up to that promise (my comrade may be able to, though), I found it richly dark and smooth, with a medium body. This, as well as the next two brews, were mightily smooth and clean tasting, with clear flavour. The Black Forest had an up-front flavour, a taste you get right off instead of waiting for a finish. I found this refreshingly appreciable.
The Saranac Mocha Stout surprised me. I've had other coffee/chocolate brews, but unlike all the others I tried, I could actually taste the chocolate and the coffee. The taste lingers, becoming more and more rich. It has a complex flavour which I attribute to the fact it is brewed with multiple types of hops and malts. If you need a breakfast brew to get you going in the am, this would be it I guess, though I think it makes for a great dessert brew.
The Saranac Chocolate Amber - didn't taste the chocolate so much, which was somewhat disappointing after the clarity of the previous brew's flavours, but it was still an excellent consumption. I'd say it was similar to the first brew, dark and smooth, maybe a touch lighter in body.
All three of these were excellent and look forward to the other 9 brews. I commend Saranac brewery for an uncommon smoothness and clarity of flavour.
Coming soon - Uncle Jager's more in depth and description documentation!
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Post by UncleJager on Dec 30, 2004 11:33:02 GMT -5
Ok here are the reviews:
Mocha Stout, Saranac Brewery, US
The offical description is as follows: Combines the rich roasted flavor of our traditional stout with a deep, robust mocha. Look for a full-bodied taste with a crescendo of complex flavor notes. My take: I light medium bodied product that has a creamy, smooth feel and a 'sweet' caramel aftertaste. This is not that burnt caramel flavor that is sometimes found in other makes. Definatly a good one for anyone who likes sweeter beers. After the Sam Adams stout this was a great redeemer for stouts anywhere. This may be one of my favorite beers, but it is in limited release right now so try it while you can.
5 out of 5
Black Forrest Beer, 5.2% Saranac Brewery
This is one of their regular products soo it may be available in a six-pack. This is a delicious Bavarian style black beer, good for fans of Negra Modela, Xingu, maybe even NewCastle. Where this beer differs most is in its some what sweeter/less intence aftertaste. (from the formaly mentioned products). I found that feel and body was very simular to other black beers, though smooth and medium bodied. I also felt there was a hint of semi-sweet chocolate in there. Good stuff!
4.5 out of 5
Chocolate Amber, Saranac Brewery
I found this to be very simmular to the Black Forrest Beer, except with a little bit more creamyness to its body. I also has a slighly richer flavor but it is not that greatly noticeable. This and the Black Forrest could be interchangable, atleast to me and my barbaric sense of taste. Also Good Stuff!
4.5 out of 5
I forgot to rate Sam Adams Cream Stout, which is a 1 out 5.
Anchor Steam Beer, 4.9%, Anchor Brewing Company, US
I tried this beer at my favorite local pizza stuffery and it went well with the pizza. This is a pale ale typa thing, with a very smooth feel and a lightish body. I didn't find anything special about this one, but the extreem smoothness was very nice and I liked the taste. Another one to add to the list of beers to have when one is out.
4 out of 5
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Post by beefbrainmchitfist on Dec 31, 2004 22:47:19 GMT -5
Tried me first Kirin Ichiban upon this eve, was one of the most complete brews I've tried, can't say a single bad thing about it and it went well with my filet and shrimp.
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Post by T. Miller on Jan 6, 2005 11:39:44 GMT -5
Ichiban is gooooood stuff! One of my preferred brews...
Adding to my commentary list, is Bison Organic Gingerbread Ale from Berkeley, CA. This is a seasonal ale that I picked up out of curiosity the same day we bought the Saranac and is brewed with ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The bottle states that I should be able to smell the gingerbread right off, but I could not. Taste wise, the ale itself isn't bad. The beginning taste was a standard ale taste, not any more or less smooth, but still satisfying. The gingerbread taste kicks in after a moment, growing stronger in the finish. It's not quite a bright clean sense of the gingerbread - imagine a very malty gingerbread, somewhat dense tasting. It wasn't a bad brew, but I don't know if I would make it a regular brew. It's worth trying though, a couple of times, especially at only $3 and some change a pint. Try it soon, though, or you'll have to wait for the next holiday season since it's a holiday brew.
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Post by UncleJager on Jan 7, 2005 13:12:21 GMT -5
On the subject of the Gingerbread Ale: I wasn't a big fan of this one, although I have to admit that I was currious about it. I found it to be rather heavy and not very smooth. Most importantly I felt like there was this unpleasent chalky/griddy aftertaste. Not something I would want to have again.
Kirin however is great! Hoozza for Kirin!
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Post by beefbrainmchitfist on Jan 7, 2005 22:33:04 GMT -5
Wouldn't ya know a game I love has a monster named Kirin. A lightning elemental unicorn thing and the grown ups will fry your arse! Best advice . . stick with the beverage . . not my little pony.
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Post by Alan Fuckin' Alda on Jan 12, 2005 12:08:08 GMT -5
Sam Adams Cream Stout, 4.9%, Boston Beer Co. I was curious to try a style of beer I haven't had before, plus the 'cream' part sounded interesting. If I am correct, stout is an old style of beer and that is what I got here, it tasted sort of unrefined or classic, like listening to the demo of a song as opposed to the cleaned up version. There was a odd organic after-taste that had a sort of creamy, froph (foam) feel to it. I'm not gonna write stouts off my list, but I don't think I shall have this beer again. I don't think stouts can be compared to any other style of beer, so I can't say if you like X you would like this. However, if you want to feel like you are sitting in a dingy Brit. pub drinking the equivilant to alcoholic oatmill, then this is for you. Stouts are usually an aquired taste, and some (most) people detest them. If you do like stouts, Cream Stout is probably one of the best out there. Stouts are also best when just slightly colder than room temperature (people have only been drinking cold beer for the past couple hundred of years). Stouts are an old style, sometimes they're called porters. They're ale based, and use very dark malts to brew. If you like stouts, Sam Adams Cream Stout is definitely 5 out of 5.
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Post by UncleJager on Feb 4, 2005 14:12:21 GMT -5
Apperently then I am not a Stout fan. However, I did like the Mocha Stout from Saranac, so.... either that one was not a true Stout, it did taste completely different from the Cream Stout, or I just don't like Cream stout.
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Post by UncleJager on Feb 26, 2005 20:54:59 GMT -5
Okie Kidies, I have drank some beer and now I shall tell you all abouts thems. Fooo Shizzle! Pale Ale, Saranac Brewery, US This first dizzle, was ezzzle! In other words I did not like it. It had a suprisingly different taste to then what I would expect from a pale ale. It was extreemy hopsy, but other then that it was your standard issue pale. The description on the box said nothing about it being hops happy, however, the Indian Pale Ale is said to be hopsy. I can't wait to tase that one if this one was their standard hops level. Or maybe they mixed up the lables on the two. 2 out 5
Franziskaner Heffe-weisse Hell, Franziskaner Weissbeir Brewery, Germany
I like heffeweissens so I was eager to try this one since I've heard a lot about it. It was very pleasent beer, with a light smooth body that has a almost fruity flavor to it. However, the fruityness nor sweetness were not as pronounced as in the Flying Dog In Heat wheat, which created a mellower and somewhat more bland finish. Definatly will by this one again.
4.5 out 5
I started drinking Guiness now, the last time I tried it I had not embraced the beer thing yet so I was not really pleased. This time however it all went down much smoother, but the taste was not as unique as some other beers I've had. Nor was it as thick and heavy as I remembered it, but then the last two times I had it it was out of a tap in English Pub, guess where? in england so I suspect their supply was a bit fresher. Not a beer I will by all the time but one I might get if I'm in that mood. I heard the extra stout version is completly different so I might try that version next time.
3.5 out 5
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Post by T. Miller on Mar 12, 2005 23:14:50 GMT -5
The one I'm reporting on is Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barleywine. The taste at first hit is a bit surprising if you're not aware of what you're in for. It's got a strong, distinctive flavour that I think you have to develop a taste for. At first I didn't like it at all, but as I finished the bottle, it became slightly more palatable, though I don't think I'll be buying this brew again. I can't describe the flavour at all, but very appropriate to the image of the grizzled old gent on the bottle. One thing I thought was particularly interesting was the aftertaste that develops and lingers on your tongue - it's very reminiscent of Scotch Tape. Who would have thunk I like Scotch Tape? The brew itself isn't as sweet or satisfying one would expect when one thinks of barley, though it's definitely got the body and heaviness one would associate with it. It's a distinctive experience, and though it's not a repeat buy for me, I feel like something in me has evolved some how from drinking this one. Just don't ask me to explain what or how.
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