Ordered Belgian Wit Beer kit today, should be brewing it Thursday or Friday night. Hoping to order one more style this coming weekend in hopes of having 4 types for selection at our last Brunchgate.
I reviewed a bottle of Avery's Fifteenth Anniversary last spring right after purchasing it. I stored a few bottles in the fridge and am now, 7 months later, opening a second. I'll save my other bottles for future comparisons.
Although I didn't go back an re-read my spring review, I remember being a little underwhelmed. This is an American Wild Ale (modeled after a Belgian Wild/Farmhouse Ale) that is fermented with wild yeast. Tonight the beer is more funky than I remember (so it has aged somewhat) on the nose. It has a distinct lemon and pepper scent that is overshadowed by the funk (if you're wondering what I mean by "funk", think soapy dishwater, but in a good way, I promise). The flavor is very floral and peppery, but lacks any of the citrus from the nose. It has a somewhat stale flavor that is attributable to the wild yeast.
Overall, much better this time around. I look forward to trying another bottle in a few more months or aging.
Tomorrow I'll finally crack open my bottles of Ale to the Chief Presidential Pale Ale and share with friends while watching the election results. Also in the somewhat near future is a bomber of Lefthand's Snowbound Winter Ale and Great Divide's Yeti Imperial Stout (comparing it to the Oak Aged Yeti that I reviewed a few weeks back).
Weissenohe Monk's Fest-Part of the Belgian sampler from Tyler's-Don't ask me-it's a German beer-a marzen to be exact. Didn't quite fit in with the others but I enjoyed it. Pretty much an amber ale so the malted barley predominated with a biscuit/bread taste. A good way to start the Belgian beer flight at about 5% ABV (not listed on their beer menu).
I just had my first 2 Below this weekend. I enjoyed it - in that it was a decent beer; I thought it hoppier than Fat Tire, but not as much as a Mac & Jack's African Amber. But overall, though it was good, there wasn't an "aha! I must have more!" moment like I had with their Trippel.
not sure if this is on here yet...but yet again I will post a Leinenkugels beer...their Fireside Nut Brown (Winter Seasonal) beer is quite good in my opinion. it has a very maple, chocolate flavor. it is 4.9%ABV, IMO quite smooth...i suggest if you like darker beers to check it out...i typically don't, but this is quite flavorful
Like most good wheats, pours a cloudy gold with a mild head. Aroma is faint, but crisp.
Initial taste, low bitterness, but just enough to lead into a strong, crisp hefe taste. Low ABV, but WELL worth the taste. Little if any aftertaste. You COULD get away with a slice of lemon or lime, but I wouldn't as there is a faint sourness in the brew. This brew is a bronze medal winner in the GABF, and I can appreciate that, especially if I was more into the wheats. As I am more of a hoppy guy (), I wouldn't put this into my active winter rotation; I would during the summer/warm season.
Ymm, Beer:
If you're into wheats, this is a must. If you're not, it's still a good try, and an absolute must during the summer. Is it better than a Leiney Honey, or even the O'Fallon Peach-wheat? That's unfair. Best to compare with other plain, unfiltered wheats.
Cheers,
Lavabe
Duck Rabbit-Milk Stout-thanks to CB&B for the trader here. A slighly sweet stout as it is brewed with lactose, not milk. Still is slightly dry with wonderful aroma and tastes of espresso. Very minor bite. Great with a brownie or other chocolate dessert. I'd guess about 5% abv.
The Leinenkugels are hit and miss with me. Their Sunset Wheat I've always enjoyed, the flavored berry ale's and the honey ale they produce are misses. I did get to try the Sunset Wheat on tap once, was good stuff. I'll have to give the nut brown a shot. Their brews can be found in most stores, which is a nice thing when the pickens are slim.