I just finished a pint of Ayinger's Brau Von Aying Oktober Fest-Marzen, which is labeled as an "Authentic Bavarian Festival Lager". In a few words, it was exquisite. I couldn't clearly distinguish all of the flavors (still a bit new at rating) but the nose was floral and sweet with a mild hoppy finish. No where near the hops of a California IPA but there was this subtle 'skunky' hint of aftertaste. It was yummy. I wish I had a few more.
Skunky refers to:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1018071707.htm
Warning: This is from a study by some tacky blue researchers.
Also, the weed smell that you picked up is discussed in an online article. Simply google Rachael Juzeler and the substance you have mentioned.
I wouldn't use the term "skunky" to refer to it.
Cheers,
Lavabe
I hope this is in the Portland bracket.
This is NICE... had it with a ccc (apologies to allenmurray).
Yumm.
Dark brown/mahogany color, espresson/cocoa nose and taste. The taste blends these with that of ye ol' standard stout, mild bitterness, accented with cocoa. The aftertaste is perhaps the best of the year. Slight carbonation, followed by mild stout bitterness, punctuated by cocoa.
USDA Organic brew. Wow!
Ymm, Beer:
CHEERS!!
Lavabe
Q "Why do you like Duke, you didn't even go there." A "Because my art school didn't have a basketball team."
Durham area folks should try the beers from the Triangle Brewing company. Check them out at www. trianglebrewery.com. They are mainly in the RTP area right now, but are starting to hit Charlotte and Asheville. They sell almost exclusively on tap to area bars. But their brewery tours are a great way to drink lots of good, free beer. The are located on Pearl Street near downtown Durham. Their brewery is nothing flashy and they only have 2 employees, but they brew some great beers and are starting to get some attention.
really slacking here. Have 2 brackets to post and about a 1/2 dozen brews to review from the last week or two. sheesh.
While watching the Bears game last night, I had some Stone IPA and a new beer (for me): Thomas Hooker American Pale Ale. This beer is from Connecticut. It is 5.4% ABV. Relatively dark color for a pale ale. Not nearly as hoppy as Stone, although you notice the hops in the aftertaste. The main taste is a mix of citrus hops with sweet, light toffee grains. The first bottle I had was overcarbonated, but subsequent bottles were fine (but still more carbonated than Stone or DFH). This beer was okay, but I am not sure I would go out of my way to buy it again.
Schlafly #15 Ale-An amber, wheat ale that reminds me of a light version of an Aventinus, which is a German wheat double bock. A bit of fruitiness with raisins. A bit of toffee or dark caramel. A tad sweet, as I might have suspected. A bit cloudy as one would expect from a wheat beer. No ABV on bottle. I'd guess 5-6%. I think I have had this before but had forgotten it. Tasty.
Public service announcement -- looking for a good belgium dubbel style ale at reasonable prices? Head to Trader Joe's! Get a 750mL bottle for $4 - with 9%ABV, you'll get in the holiday spirit quickly!
I tried one out a couple nights ago - started out with it too cold, it got better as it warmed up to just below room temp. Not very hoppy, but on the more bitter side; poured with a quite a head, but not so much as to kill the drinking of it.
I'd buy more, but I discovered...
My local grocery store had some Dogfish 90-minute this evening -- I just had to grab a 4-pack! Man, it was yummy. RMD's description is pretty solid, tho I didn't find it too bitter, and in fact was surprised at how smooth it ended - sweet, even. But ymm, the last two bottles may not last the night, even at 9%ABV! (Hey, I'm not driving tonight, nor do I have much planned tomorrow! )
Michelob has a craft collection sampler pack out now, it's not the greatest but for the money it's worth the buy. They have 2 versions, the 20 and the 12 pack.
http://www.michelob.com/SamplerPack.aspx
The 12 pack has one lager (marzen) and 3 ales, red, porter, and pale. Don't bother if your looking for great beer, but if you're having some friends over and want some variety it works well.
I'm assuming they have their holiday pack out, too, but I haven't seen it yet. They used to put 2 pilsner glasses in each one, with the years date on it. They've skimped on that the last 2 years, at least I haven't seen them with it. If they did make them, I'll have to go ebaying.
Last edited by CameronBornAndBred; 12-13-2008 at 04:06 AM. Reason: Lavabe told me I can't read labels
Q "Why do you like Duke, you didn't even go there." A "Because my art school didn't have a basketball team."