Tasting Notes: SeaQuench Ale from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Posted on by mashingin

SQ2Tasting Notes journeys into the world of Session Sour Ales this week by taking a look at SeaQuench Ale from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, Delaware).

Before we get to the review, let’s cover some background information on this exciting new brew.  SeaQuench Ale is a new limited release from Dogfish Head that combines the stylistic worlds of Kölsch, Berliner Weisse and Gose in one beer.  This union features a good dose of wheat, sea salt, black limes, and fresh lime juice to create a highly drinkable Sour Ale capable of quenching any thirst.  This 4.9% ABV offering is still hanging out on shelves in six-packs of 12 oz. bottles and pouring on draft, but its limited availability is nearing an end.  Look for this brew at craft beer establishments in Florida and throughout Dogfish Head’s distribution footprint.  For more information on this offering, click here to read the release profile I published back in August.  Now that the formalities are out of the way, let’s see what SeaQuench is all about with some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for SeaQuench Ale from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Appearance: SeaQuench hits the glass as a hazy, straw yellow in color.  When held to direct light, lemony yellows develop and that haze holds fast but also divulges that it is not completely opaque.  The body displays a carbonation level that judiciously streams bubbles in single file lines found randomly along the full circumference of the glass.  The pour produced a fizzy half finger of bubbly white head that dissipates almost as quickly as it appeared.

Aroma: Just as it should, lime citrus saturates the air as soon as the beer is poured.  Lime zest and peel account for the majority of the aromatic profile, but a touch of the briny black lime hints at its role in this beer with a salty citrus quality turning up as well.  Trademark lactic sour notes develop around just a whisper of wheat.  It may be cliché, but this smells of summer on the coast.

Taste: Tart lime and lactic sourness initially grab your attention with a quickness on each sip. Lime juice, peel and zest shine brightly along with a nicely timed interjection from the preserved lime character.  The brininess of the black lime and the added sea salt jump in to clean things up with a breezy, saltwater quality.  Coriander and spicy hops add a little dynamic jolt at times.  The wheat is a bit of a wallflower here, but it does timidly wave hello just as the beer’s flavors vanish from the palate. Bright, clean, and delicious.

Mouthfeel: This beer is wonderfully light in body with a moderate carbonation level.  It is mostly tart on the palate, but salt and a touch of sweetness tickles the taste buds as well.  The ABV is absolutely nowhere to be found, allowing the beer to be incredibly crisp, refreshing and quenching.  The aftertaste is all freshly squeezed lime.

Final Thoughts: By combining the easy-drinking German styles of Kölsch, Berliner Weisse and Gose, the folks at Dogfish Head have an absolute winner here.  The lactic hit of the Berliner easily works with the limes to create a refreshing tartness that is balanced by the subtle, grain sweetness you expect from a Kölsch.  The saltiness from the Gose then kicks in and finishes things off with a perfect level of salinity that wipes the palate clean to entice another sip.  I also have to say that I am totally sold on the idea of black limes making an appearance in future Gose offerings.  Simply a perfect choice in ingredient and I feel like a fool for not thinking of it myself.  All in all, SeaQuench Ale has achieved the level of an ultimate thirst quencher.  Each sip is bracing and a delight. I simply cannot get enough.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA from Stone Brewing Co.

Posted on by mashingin

encorecrown_web2This segment of Tasting Notes gets in on a celebration twenty years in the making by taking a look at Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA from Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, California).

While looking for the inspiration for a beer worthy of commemorating “20 years of revolutionary brewing,” the folks at Stone Brewing Co. did not have to look much further than the Citracado Parkway running alongside the brewery.  The parkway itself is a tribute to the citrus and avocado agricultural history of the area, so why not brew a beer with a similar theme?  Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA pulls this off by utilizing Citra hops and avocado flower honey to produce “dominant orange and floral aromatics that transcend into the overall flavor.” This limited release offering is available now on draft and in 22 oz. bottles at craft beer establishments in Alabama, Florida, and all other markets nationwide where Stone Brewing beers are sold.  If you would like to learn more about Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA, you can click here to check out the release profile I posted a few weeks ago.  As for now, this beer is calling for me to serve it up and get to these Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA from Stone Brewing Co.

Appearance: Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA pours a copper hue that displays deep oranges and the lightest/brightest browns possible.  When held to direct light, the beer illumes a bit to push more vibrant oranges through the body and displays a consistent carbonation activity residing within.  Two fingers of off white, chunky and thick head adorns the top of the brew.  Head retention is great, slowly but eventually falling a bit to a lasting finger of foam.  The only reason the head falters is because it has so much stick on the glass, leaving abundant lines of lace after each sip.

Aroma: Oh, yes . . . the beautiful and unmistakable aroma of Citra hops surges from the glass.  Big citrus hop notes of orange zest and the sweet, juicy meat of the fruit lure you in with ease.  A floral note cleanly interlaces itself with the citrus to lift the aromatic profile to an even higher level of freshness.  Although the hops easily steal the show here, a light hint of honey can be recognized.  The sugary qualities are light enough to complement the hops by further sweetening the fruit notes.

Taste:  There is a hop dankness that is not at all shy in the flavor of this beer.  Citrus hops once again dominate with notes of orange, lemon and grapefruit.  Pine pushes that dankness forward with a tinge of resiny sharpness.  A floral hop quality blends in and creates a seamless transition into the avocado flower honey.  The honey pulls the malts up to the surface a bit to produce an insanely smooth balance.

Mouthfeel:  This Double IPA falls on the heavier side of medium in body with a medium carbonation level.  Silken in texture, it has some stickiness to it on the palate but it dries out quickly to produce an amazingly clean sip.  I honestly cannot believe this brew comes in at 9% ABV because there is zero evidence of that sizable alcohol level found.  The aftertaste is just a tinge of orange and honey.

Final Thoughts: I am not going to beat around the bush here . . . Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA is easily one of the best Double IPAs I have had this year.  The fine line between aggression and restraint is gracefully traversed to present these hops in beautiful fashion. Furthermore, the decision to use avocado flower honey was an inspired and elegant choice to give this beer an unrivaled level of balance.  The most impressive feat achieved here is the complete removal of any trace of a very considerable 9% ABV.  This attribute makes the beer one of the easiest drinking Double IPAs I have ever encountered.  In summation, this is a beer that pulls no punches but still has a level of disciplined restraint to not be all haymakers either.  Confident and calculating, Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA embodies the true spirit of Stone Brewing Co.  If you are going to create a beer that reflects upon 20 years of top tier brewing reputation, this is indeed how you do it.  Finely crafted and just a joy to drink.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Basketcase American Helles from Starr Hill

Posted on by mashingin

starr-hill-basketcaseThis edition of Tasting Notes has me seeking out a new lager experience by pouring up a Basketcase American Helles from Starr Hill Brewery (Crozet, Virginia).

Before we pry off any bottle caps, let’s cover the background information on Basketcase American Helles.  This beer is the latest installment in Starr Hill’s Heavy Rotation Series, a limited line of non-IPA brews that has their brewers exploring new styles and/or ingredients.  This offering is a Munich Helles-style lager sporting an American twist of Cascade hops.  2-row, Munich and Carafoam round this 5.4% ABV beer off with a balancing malt presence. Basketcase is available now as a limited offering in Alabama and throughout Starr Hill’s distribution area.  Look for this one at craft beer friendly establishments in the Fall Variety Pack mixed 12-pack, 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft.

**Like all Heavy Rotation brews, Basketcase is meant to be enjoyed while listening to a carefully selected playlist of complementing tunes. Simply click here to check that out.**

My duty of supplying you with the facts is now fulfilled, so let’s get to sipping and opining with some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Basketcase American Helles from Starr Hill Brewery

Appearance: Basketcase American Helles hits the glass with a rich golden body.  Held to direct light, the gold lightens to become a gleaming shade of yellow.  A speedy and plentiful carbonation presence races throughout the crystal clear body.  That carbonation is feeding the two fingers of bright white foam that was built off the pour.  Retention is decent with the head eventually dropping to a loose, bubbly ring that is present for the majority of the experience.

Aroma: This beer casually fills the air with aromas distinct to a German Helles.  The grain presence is clean and clear, leading the way with a light sweetness and breadiness.  Spicy and floral hop notes then open things up and invite you to inhale deeply.  The aroma closes out with a light citrus presence of grapefruit.  It may sound a bit on the simple side, but these notes all mesh to produce a billowing and beautiful aroma.

Taste:  Once again, I am more than a little surprised that this American take on a Munich Helles is nearly spot on.  The hops come forth first to charm the palate with a very fresh floral and light citrus quality.  These notes are further supported by an earthy, spicy character that has strength but is not at all aggressive in flexing those muscles.  A sweet, bready malt presence lends balance by stifling almost all of the bite these hops could muster while still avoiding any possibility of being too pronounced or cloying.  Lager yeast then sets in at the finish with a clean and unmistakable quality that brings it all together.

Mouthfeel: Basketcase is medium in body with a zippy carbonation level.  This combination supplies a beer that is crisp, dry and clean to maximize drinkability while remaining a lager that still has some size to it on the palate.  The 5.4% ABV is completely hidden and this makes the beer even more easy drinking.  The aftertaste is just a touch of earthy, floral hop tones.

Final Thoughts: I was a little more than excited when I opened the Fall Variety Pack to find that Starr Hill Brewery had taken on a Helles Lager.  I am even more delighted to report that the brewers absolutely nailed this beer.  The use of Cascade hops had me a little worried that the beer may go too far in the direction of a beer that is dominated by citrus.  That worry was quickly swept away as I found a level of craftsmanship that coaxed out the more European spicy and floral notes residing within this hop.  That said, there is still a kiss of citrus left to linger and declare, “I’m made in America.”  The attention to detail given to Basketcase American Helles supplies this offering with plenty of flavor while allowing it to keep a clean lager presentation that steers clear of overloading the palate with an unneeded level of challenging complexity.  This Helles is all about being easy drinking with just the right amount of dynamics and personality.  Fantastic and finely crafted.  I finish with the inclination to thank Starr Hill for joining a select few other American craft breweries that are dedicated to restoring the good name of the lager.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Stone Mocha IPA from Stone Brewing Co.

Posted on by mashingin

stonemochaipaThis week’s Tasting Notes seeks a new twist on the IPA style by taking a look at Stone Mocha IPA from Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, California).

Stone Mocha IPA is a new seasonal that Stone Brewing Co. added to their lineup of packaged offerings this year.  Inspired by Aleman / Two Brothers / Stone DayMan Coffee IPA and Stochasticity Project Master of Disguise Golden Stout, Stone Brewing’s Liberty Station Brewing Manager Kris Ketcham first created this beer back in 2015 and it was an instant hit with the brewery’s fans.  It was soon decided that it needed to be shared with craft beer enthusiasts across the country, and Stone Mocha IPA’s cocoa, coffee and hoppy goodness was officially released into distribution on draft and in 12 oz. bottles beginning in June.  This alluring and unique brew can still be found on shelves at some craft beer-friendly retailers within Stone Brewing’s distribution area, but be sure to act quickly because its “Enjoy By” date is fast approaching.  I’m going to go ahead and take my own advice here and get into this brew for some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Stone Mocha IPA from Stone Brewing Co.

Appearance: Stone Mocha IPA pours a honey-like, copper in color with deep orange hues residing throughout.  The oranges gain intensity when presented with direct light and the copper gains luster.  The body is clear with a moderate carbonation stirring within.  The pour produced a finger of light tan foam that has some pretty decent retention to it.  Over time, it does gracefully fall to a thin but complete frothy top cap that leaves some chunky lace on the glass.  This brew does come across darker than typical Double IPAs, but that should be expected with the added coffee and cocoa.  That said, it certainly presents itself in wonderful fashion.

Aroma: Coffee is the first note to hit the nose, but it is not exactly the heavily roasted and robust variety you may find in some coffee Stouts and Porters.  No . . . this is a coffee character reminiscent of more exotic beans that produce floral and fruity tones.  Shifting gears, a dark cocoa note coaxes the malts out to actually make an appearance at this DIPA party by contributing a floral honey sweetness.  The hops then go to work to finish off the aromatic profile with citrusy tones of orange and tangerine.

Taste:  Wow . . . it shouldn’t be a surprise, but complexity certainly abounds here.  Each flavor experience pings the palate in a quick, staccato manner to keep your mind and taste buds both guessing and completely entertained.  Cocoa strikes first with a dark chocolate note that easily complements any bitterness from the approaching hops.  The mocha quality of the coffee joins in next and has both bitterness and sweetness.  This double duty allows the coffee to apply contrasting and complementary aspects to both the cocoa and hops.  Speaking of hops, they wrap things up with a vast array of citrus fruitiness that somehow plays nicely with the coffee.  Although each and every flavor in this beer is zealous and forward, they all seem to come together effortlessly.  In perceived chaos we find harmony.

Mouthfeel: This brew is medium in body with a medium level of carbonation that allows the beer to have a creamy and delightfully soft texture.  The ABV of this Double IPA does flex some muscle at 9%, but the level of warmth is comely and comforting.  The beer brings both bitterness and sweetness to the palate, but neither is too heavy or lasting.  The aftertaste is just a wisp of citrus hops and coffee.

Final Thoughts: Coffee IPAs are becoming more and more en vogue these days, and I personally welcome this trend.  Although the idea of these flavors mingling together may sound strange or even off-putting to some, beer lovers should recognize that this combination works beautifully in both theory and practice.  Coffee, chocolate and hops function well together because they all can share one common trait: bitterness.  This attribute brings them together but the richness of the cocoa, the comforting familiarity of the coffee, and the bright citrus hoppiness are all allowed to shine individually.  Stone Mocha IPA not only displays all of this with grace and ease, but it also captivates its drinker with each sip by providing an incredibly fresh and dynamic experience.  Simply fantastic.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Brettanomyces Fermented IPA from Blue Pants Brewery

Posted on by mashingin

BPlogoThis segment of Tasting Notes takes me back home to Alabama with a sensory experience exploring Brettanomyces Fermented IPA from Blue Pants Brewery (Madison, Alabama).

Earlier this year, the brewers at Blue Pants started experimenting with wild yeast to produce a couple limited release beers featuring Brettanomyces.  Brettanomyces Fermented IPA – along with Brettanomyces Fermented Pinstripe Stout – was the result of this professional curiosity and dabbling.  For this offering, the folks at the brewery laid an India Pale Ale foundation that is supported by “whole leaf Amarillo, Mandarina Bavaria, and Citra” hops.  A “custom Brettanomyces blend” was then utilized during fermentation to bring the funk and some unique stone fruit characteristics.  This treatment produces a “dry, subtly funky, moderately fruity, and very citrusy IPA” that can be enjoyed fresh or properly aged.  This 6.5% ABV, Wild IPA is a limited release that is brewed infrequently.  When it is available, you can find this offering on draft and in 750 ml bottles.  All this research to cover the background on Brettanomyces Fermented IPA has me eager and excited to finally get a taste.  Let’s get to those Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes on Brettanomyces Fermented IPA from Blue Pants Brewery 

Appearance: A gentle tilt of the 750ml bottle provides me with a deep golden colored body with a touch of orange pushing through at the wider portion of the glass’s bulb.  Held to direct light, the yellows really intensify to the level of positively glowing.  The body is perfectly clear with an abundant carbonation level coursing throughout (Note: later pours do cloud up a bit due to the yeast sediment residing in the bottle).  The careful pour still produced a huge, fluffy white head that clocks in at over three and a half fingers.  Head retention is spectacular, with the level of foam only falling due to the huge amount of lace coating the glass.  Absolutely gorgeous.

Aroma: At first glance and sniff, you are going to be convinced this is just a beautiful, wild Saison/Farmhouse Ale.  The Brett presence is massive with notes of barnyard funk, hay and wet wood permeating the air.  Peach and other stone fruit characteristics wrap around that Brett funk to provide a bit of sweet freshness.  A bit of citrus and tropical fruit comes forward with orange, mango and pineapple developing.  The malts are mostly lost behind all that funk, but a waft of grain can be identified from time to time.

Taste: The Brett certainly shines here as well.  Wet hay, dusty barn wood and musty funk are all present and accounted for.  The hops kick in with some juicy notes of peach, mango and a fruit bowl of citrus.  There is a snappy bite of resinous pine that takes a grip from time to time as well.  With that said, the funk definitely trumps all and casts a long shadow over any malt presence.  As billed, this beer is not at all shy with the Brett and I find the flavor profile to be absolutely beautiful.

Mouthfeel: This beer is on the lighter side of medium in body with a crisp carbonation level to keep things easy drinking.  The ABV is respectable at 6.5%, but it is completely disguised and makes zero attempt to attract any attention.  Funky and lightly bitter on the palate. This brew dries out nicely and has a lovely easy-drinking nature to it.  Any aftertaste that remains is all barnyard funk.

Final Thoughts:  Full disclosure – I am a huge fan of any and every beer that utilizes Brett correctly, and Blue Pants Brewery’s Brettanomyces Fermented IPA absolutely fits that bill.  Instead of phoning this one in with an IPA that hides behind its hops and has just a pinch of Brett character, the folks at the brewery went all in to properly give this yeast the respect and stage it deserves.  Brett can handle and complement hops with graceful ease, and that is displayed wonderfully with this offering by living up to its label description of “Hoppy, Juicy, Funky.”  This is just another fantastic brew from Blue Pants and a true accomplishment in brewing craftsmanship.  Prost!

 

Tasting Notes: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower from Victory Brewing

Posted on by mashingin

BWwElderVBCWith these insanely hot days still lingering into September, this segment of Tasting Notes is all about refreshment by taking a look at Blackboard #3: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower from Victory Brewing Company (Downingtown, Pennsylvania).

Berliner Weisse with Elderflower is the third installment in Victory Brewing’s Blackboard series, a new lineup that “unifies craft beer with market-fresh culinary inspirations similar to specials found on a blackboard in restaurants.”  Just as the very descriptive name implies, this Berliner is a “wheat ale brewed with Hallertauer Hallertau hops” and infused with the essence of elderflower.  Floral, earthy, lightly tart and crisp, this brew is all about easy drinking refreshment.  You can find Blackboard #3: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower now through September in Alabama, Florida and throughout Victory’s 37 state distribution footprint.  Look for this one at craft beer-friendly establishments in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles for the suggested retail price of $9.99 (price may vary upon location).  You now have the details, and I’d like a beer.  Let’s get into some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Blackboard #3: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower from Victory Brewing Company

Appearance: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower hits the glass as a pale, lemony yellow in color that has a fair amount of haze to it.  Held to the light, the yellows brighten a touch but remain pretty consistent.  Carbonation activity is high and makes haste throughout the body. The pour produced a little over a finger of white head that fades quickly to a pencil-thin ring that hugs the edge of the glass.  There is very little lace to note or mention.  This is pretty much exactly what one might expect to see when a Berliner is put in front of them.

Aroma: Things begin here with all of the aromas synonymous with American-made Berliners these days.  An earthy and grainy wheat presence leads the way for the twang and tartness of the lacto.  What allows this beer to stand apart is the lightly sweet and floral notes blooming from that elderflower addition.  It may be subtle, but it provides just enough unique qualities to pique the interest of the drinker.  This brew certainly has my attention.

Taste: A spot on portrayal of a Berliner Weisse here as well.  The lemony, tart character of the lacto grabs your tastebuds right out of the gate.  The wheat provides a solid base of grain, but it gracefully keeps the malt levels light and even.  The floral and lightly sweet elderflower provides a kiss of dynamics that also lends a touch of honeysuckle and vanilla notes.  The flavors start expected and finish surprising.  In doing so, the taste comes together as alluring and satisfying.

Mouthfeel: Light in body with a high carbonation level to it, this brew is effortlessly easy drinking.  It is tart on the palate, and it dries out crisp and clean.  I was a bit worried about the slightly higher than normal (for the style) 5.2% ABV, but it is completely hidden from sight.  The aftertaste is all tart lemon and floral tones.

Final Thoughts: It is not at all surprising that the German beer style-lovin’ brewers at Victory Brewing Company nailed a Berliner Weisse, but I’ll just go ahead and say for the record that this is truly a fantastic representation.  The base beer is absolutely on point and the decision to include elderflower was a perfect choice to complement every aspect of the beer.  The floral notes work in harmony with the tart citrus, and the light sweetness draws out earthy tones and that lovely, subtle vanilla presence.  Blackboard #3: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower is quietly complex and incredibly satisfying thanks to the massive amount of drinkability it possesses.  Simply put: a beautiful beer that is a ridiculously good choice in a summer release for both the brewer and the drinker.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Hoppelbock from Heavy Seas Beer & Tröegs Brewing

Posted on by mashingin

Heavy-Seas-Partnerships-HoppelbockTasting Notes doubles down this week by taking a look at the Partner Ships Hoppelbock collaboration from Heavy Seas Beer (Baltimore, Maryland) and Tröegs Independent Brewing (Hershey, Pennsylvania).

Hoppelbock was created by brewers from both Heavy Seas and Tröegs Brewing as part of the Partner Ships Series, a lineup of limited releases from Heavy Seas that is “produced in collaboration with other regionally and nationally recognized brewers in the spirit of friendship, creativity, and adventure.” This 8% ABV twist on the Doppelbock style gets its malty foundation thanks to a “large percentage of locally sourced malt from Deer Creek Malthouse in Pennsylvania” and a hoppy counterbalance by way of five German hop varieties (Hallertau Mittlefrue, Opal, Perle, Magnum and Herkules hops).  A limited amount of Hoppelbock was officially released in May, but 22 oz. bottles may still be hanging around out there at craft beer-friendly establishments within the Heavy Seas distribution area.  Now that we covered the background on this beer, let’s pour this bomber and get familiar with Hoppelbock in some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Partner Ships Hoppelbock from Heavy Seas Beer & Tröegs Independent Brewing

Appearance: Hoppelbock pours up a burnt orange to rich caramel brown in appearance.  Held to direct light, lighter brown, shimmering orange and deep garnet hues push through.  This glowing body is crystal clear and shows off a lazy carbonation level meandering within.  The pour got me two fingers of bubbly, off-white to light tan colored foam.  Head retention is decent, eventually falling to a much tighter and chunkier half finger that has some real lasting ability.  Lacing is minimal, as most wisps of foam glide quickly back down the glass to rest once again in that top cap.  The look of this beer is both beautiful and imposing.

Aroma: The malty goodness you want from a Doppelbock absolutely billows from the glass. A biscuity and caramel sweetness leads the grains to have some serious size in the aromatic profile, but an assertive hop presence resides within.  Spicy hops and a light dark fruit character complements the malt nuances with ease, and a floral note stands tall to declare the “Hoppel” portion of this Bock.

Taste: The balance is on point with this beer.  There is a delightful dance of push and pull between the malty backbone and the hoppy accents.  Like in the aroma, the malts lay down a wonderfully sweet foundation of caramel and bready qualities.  The hops then come forth with some black pepper spice that shifts into graceful floral and nondescript fruity notes.  Although it may sound simple to some, this harmonious flavor profile is a lot to take in and a joy to explore.

Mouthfeel:  This is a medium to full bodied lager that bears a nice weight to it.  On the palate, it has a velvety, silken texture that is a touch creamy as well.  At 8% ABV, the alcohol has a bit of heat to it but it is more than reasonable.  The carbonation level falls in the middle of the road, keeping the beer somewhat easy drinking while still allowing it to have some heft.  Aftertaste is full of those wonderful malt tones and some lingering floral notes.

Final Thoughts: Just as the name suggests, Hoppelbock is a wonderfully duplicitous brew by providing its drinker with the best of both worlds: It has all the malts you expect and crave from a German Doppelbock, and the assertiveness you want from American-made hoppy brews.  This beer is a constant give and take that takes its time to show each and every malty and hoppy note within.  Some may want or expect a bit more in-your-face dynamics from this beer, and to them I would suggest that they slow down and truly allow the senses to drink in all aspects of this offering.  In doing so, the craftsmanship employed to create this brew’s fine level of balance will not go unnoticed.  Sip, savor and revel in this wonderful, American take on the Doppelbock style by two great breweries.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Puff IIPA from Sixpoint Brewery

Posted on by mashingin

puff_angleTasting Notes goes big with the hops this week as we take a look at Puff Cloudy IIPA from Sixpoint Brewery (Brooklyn, New York).

Puff Cloudy Imperial India Pale Ale was a special summer release in Sixpoint Brewery’s Cycliquids Series, a constantly rotating series of beers where brewers experiment with new styles and/or create new takes on past releases. Puff is a throwback to a time when many Sixpoint offerings stood out from the crowd by being the “hazed-up, cloudy, bitter, and aromatic” beer on the bar.  Times have changed and most beers you get from Sixpoint these days are “crystal-clear. No floaties, no yeasties, just beastly flavors.”  Puff harkens back to the hazy past by taking fan favorite Resin IIPA and leaving it completely unfiltered.  By skipping this step and adding an “extra dose of dry hops”, Puff gives you an otherworldly hoppy beer experience that will not soon be forgotten.  This is a limited release offering that may still be floating around craft beer shelves in 4-packs of 12 oz. cans.  With that info covered, let’s pop the top and hit this Puff for some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes on Puff Cloudy IIPA from Sixpoint Brewery

Appearance:  Puff pours up a tangerine to deeper orange that tapers in depth of color from the bottom to the top of the glass.  Held to direct light, the oranges intensify and brighten to display more radiate hues.  The body lives up to the beer’s name by displaying a wonderfully cloudy appearance that even has some floaties and sediment moving around in there.  A moderate carbonation level feeds the finger and a half of tight white foam built off the pour.  Retention is pretty good and the lace coats the glass thanks to the amazing level of stick it has.

Aroma: Even with the glass almost at arm’s reach from me, nothing but incredibly dank, resiny hops fill the air to greet my nose.  Pine and citrus pretty much dominate everything happening here with notes of grapefruit and pineapple wafting about.  The malts are easily overtaken by the hops, but there is a distinct sweetness lurking in the background. This is nothing but blatantly huge Imperial IPA aromatics and I want to bury my nose in it.

Taste:  I know this is going to shock many of you, but the hops are massive and crazy dank here as well.  The hops crash the palate with aggressive grapefruit notes of juiciness from the fruit’s meat and bitterness from the zest.  Tropical tones of pineapple and mango also turn up, and resinous pine eventually asserts its dominance.  Sweet caramel malts lend some sweetness . . . but just as you feel you are beginning to wrap your mind around them, a hop note bites back to remind you that you are and always will be dealing with an Imperial IPA when sipping this beast.

Mouthfeel: Puff falls on the higher side of medium in body with a moderate carbonation level.  This beer has incredible stick to it, coating the mouth with a constant hop experience.  To be honest, I have never experienced a beer that leaves so much hop residue and oil on the palate.  The ABV does have size to it, so there is some heat that lingers a touch in the throat.  The ABV might actually be more intense than it comes across, but the hop level acts as a distraction from that as well. Dropping serious levels of both bitter and sweet, this beer finishes with an aftertaste that is all citrus hop insanity.

Final Thoughts:  The one word that I keep coming back to when sipping this beer is “intense”.  I have said many times in the past that the brewers at Sixpoint can do some amazing things when you put hops in their hands, and that absolutely applies once again when you take a look at Puff.  Actually, it takes that observation to a whole new level thanks to the unfiltered nature of this offering presenting you with every character and aspect of these hops.  There is so much dynamic hop character filling the aroma and flavor that it is delightfully overwhelming and mind-blowing at times.  Puff IIPA is definitely not a daily drinker or lawnmower beer, but this big boy is a fantastic sipper that forces you, whether you like it or not, to take notice and appreciate all it and its boatload of hops have to offer.  Sip and get your hop fix here, folks.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Sublime Citrus Wit from Starr Hill Brewery

Posted on by mashingin

StarrHillSublimeTasting Notes is back in regular rotation and this week we are going to take a look at Sublime Citrus Wit from Starr Hill Brewery (Crozet, Virginia).

Sublime Citrus Wit comes to us by way of Starr Hill Brewery’s new Heavy Rotation Series, a series that provides a fresh look at non-IPA styles by utilizing “really interesting new yeast strains, additives and processes.”  Sublime is rocking Belgian Witbier yeast, Saaz hops, and 2-Row & Wheat malts, but this brew gets its twist thanks to freshly zested lemons and limes.  To pair with this Witbier, Starr Hill also compiles a playlist to enjoy with this and all Heavy Rotation brews.  To access the playlist and more information on Sublime Citrus Wit, click here.  Sublime is available on draft and in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles now and will be hanging around through the month of August. Look for this one at select craft beer establishments in Alabama and throughout Starr Hill’s distribution footprint.  Now that we have those particulars covered, it is time to track down a bottle opener and get to some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Sublime Citrus Wit from Starr Hill Brewery

Appearance: Sublime Citrus Wit pours a very pale, hay-like golden in color.  Held to the light, the yellow hues brighten and gain vibrancy to achieve an almost sunshine quality.  The body is lightly cloudy, but not by any means opaque.  A sizable and lively carbonation level is on display throughout the body.  The initial pour supplied almost a finger of loose, pristine white foam that falters quickly to the thinnest of rings.  That ring of head does what it can to leave what lace is possible, but it only provides minimal spotting.

Aroma: The Belgian Wit character is certainly present in the aromatics for sure.  The fruity and lightly spicy Belgian yeast kicks things off here.  Wheat maltiness lends some sweetness, but it is countered quickly by the unquestionably clear notes of real lemon and lime.  An earthy hop presence is muted and merely here to lend support and balance to that lemon-lime character.  This beer just billows a sense of refreshment.

Taste: The flavors first up to the plate are those incredibly pronounced qualities of lemon and lime.  The citrus is huge, but somehow not overwhelming every aspect of the flavor.  It is just clean, impossibly clear and distinct, and offers up just a touch of zing.  This shifts effortlessly into the Belgian Wit base of spice, coriander and Belgian yeast goodness.  In keeping with the idea of what one would expect from a “sessionable Witbier”, the malt sweetness and hop bitterness remains light and wonderfully on point.

Mouthfeel: This beer is very light in body with a crisp, bright carbonation level.  Coming in at just 4.7% ABV, any and all alcohol presence is seemingly nonexistent.  Ridiculously clean on the palate, Sublime dries out easily and almost immediately.  The aftertaste is all lemon and lime.

Final Thoughts: Could it be the best of both worlds here?  Sublime Citrus Wit has a firm foothold in the Belgian Wit style, but it absolutely has all the citrus (lemon and lime in this example) and refreshing qualities that are synonymous with American-made “session beers” these days.   It may not be the most dynamic beer that Starr Hill Brewery has released lately, but that is not saying it is without complexity.  With that said, a sessionable brew should focus more on drinkability and clean flavors over a crazy amount of complex qualities that aggressively challenge your senses.  A beer such as this one is all about sipping while relaxing after a day out in the summer’s heat.  If that is the goal, Sublime Citrus Wit certainly walks that walk with ease.  Overall, this is a fantastically presented beer and a great drinking experience.  Prost!

 

Tasting Notes: Cage Radler from Victory Brewing Company

Posted on by mashingin

CageRadlerlogoNow that things have gotten settled with the establishment of this site, it is finally time to get into a little Tasting Notes action thanks to Cage Radler from Victory Brewing Company (Downingtown, Pennsylvania).

Before we get to the sampling of this tasty liquid, we should probably cover some background information on Cage Radler.  This offering is Victory Brewing’s take on the historic beer cocktail that combines fine German-style beer with citrus soda or juice.  Cage Radler starts with a base of a Light Lager and adds “fresh lemon” to take things to another level of quenching drinkability.  The finished beer comes in at a more than sessionable 3% ABV that is absolutely the perfect call for warm weather drinking.  You can find Cage Radler in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans (suggested retail price of $9.99) and in 12 oz. bottles found exclusively in Victory’s Summer Selection’s Variety 12- Pack.  This offering is available in Alabama, Florida and throughout Victory Brewing’s 37 state distribution footprint all summer long.  Now that we have that covered, let’s get to the fun part and jot down some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Cage Radler from Victory Brewing Company

Appearance: Cage Radler pours up a very hazy, matte yellow in color.  When held to the light, the yellows brighten a bit but still holds the haze and pale appearance.  To put the look in perspective, this brew is a bit lighter in color than say a traditional German wheat beer, but it definitely displays the cloudiness with pride and great form.  Through that haze, you can spot a lively and speedy carbonation activity streaming throughout the body.  The pour produced a loose finger of bright white foam that quickly withdraws to a much tighter, thin top cap.  Spots of lace do find some stick from time to time, but most of it just slowly slips back into that cap.  This Radler certainly looks great and just as I hoped it would.

Aroma: The aromatic notes kicking around in here are light, but still present and discernible nonetheless. The first note that grabs you is a clean lemon juice aroma with just a touch of sugar.  Basically, it is coming across as a really nice and freshly squeezed lemonade.  The malts and hops are muted, but you can find some Pilsner graininess hiding behind that lemon.  On just scent alone, this offering is hinting at being an incredibly nice balance of beer to soda-like qualities.

Flavor: First thing I can say about this beer is that it is quite clean in flavor and completely lives up to what one would expect from a Radler.  That lemonade note spotted in the aroma definitely translates to the taste with lovely lemon and citrus notes attacking the tongue.  It does push the boundaries of sweetness from time to time, but it holds the line and absolutely crushes it when it comes to refreshment.  That Pils base is no slouch either, coming in to level off the sweetness with some grain and a nice earthy hoppiness to lend a grace of bitterness.  Fantastically put together here by going with a straight forward flavor profile that strives for refreshment with just the right amount of complexity to be found if you want to look for it.

Mouthfeel: Cage Radler is wonderfully light and easy drinking, but still somehow avoids feeling watered down or resembling the lemon-flavored malternatives out there.  The carbonation level is high and up there to boost that quenching ability.  This offering may be sweet at times, but it dries out quickly and cleanly.  Aftertaste is all lemonade and/or lemon-lime soda.

Final Thoughts:  If the German-style lovin’ brewers at Victory Brewing Company are going to tackle a Radler, you just know that they are going to do it right.  In all categories, Cage Radler just comes together as liquid perfection when it comes to summer drinking.  It has just enough ABV to give you that reassurance that you are definitely sipping on a well-crafted beer, but it remains easy drinking and soda-like enough to be the highly drinkable and quenching beverage you need to beat the heat.  The name of the game when developing a Radler is satisfying drinkability.  With that said, Cage Radler absolutely has that game down.  This offering is spot on for the “style”, and it just might be one of best American-made representations out there in cans these days.  Get you some while you can! Prost!