Tasting Notes: Lovely, Dark & Deep from Brewery Ommegang

Posted on by mashingin

“. . . The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”

from “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost

lddommegangbottle_editedTasting Notes comfortably eases us into the work week with a look at Lovely, Dark and Deep Oatmeal Stout from Brewery Ommegang (Cooperstown, New York).

It is not too often that I get to combine my loves of great beer and fine literature, but Brewery Ommegang has more than accommodated this quirky/nerdy need of mine by creating Lovely, Dark and Deep Oatmeal Stout.  With a name inspired by the final stanza of Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, this Oatmeal Stout serves as a Winter Seasonal that is more than capable of warming the hearts and souls of even the weariest of travelers.  This limited release has been brewed with a rich blend of malts, lactose, Ommegang’s signature house yeast, and Bravo and Styrian Golding hops.  At just 5.3% ABV, this offering proves to be a fantastic go-to option no matter what kind of winter you are forced to endure.  Lovely, Dark and Deep Oatmeal Stout is available for a limited time in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft.  If you are interested, you can still find this one on shelves and taps at select craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of Brewery Ommegang’s distribution network.

With all of that background information covered, I do believe it is time to crack open a book, pour a glass and get to some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Lovely, Dark and Deep Oatmeal Stout from Brewery Ommegang

Appearance: Lovely, Dark and Deep fills the tulip glass as a dark black, completely opaque beer that is wearing over two fingers of mocha colored foam.  Held to direct light, the color softens just a shade to the darkest of browns possible and has a deep red glow residing at the very bottom of the glass.  The head has incredible staying power, eventually falling to a creamy half finger only because of the huge amount of lace it leaves behind after each sip.

Aroma: The beer grabs your attention quickly with an initial aromatic pop filled with rich notes of oats and other grains.  These malts captivate with a deeply roasted, nearly charred character.  Once the malts invite you in, notes of dark chocolate, coffee and toasted multi-grain bread quickly emerge to greet the nose.  Dark fruit, a dash of anise, and just a breath of light smoke rounds off the profile.  Proudly robust, this beer’s aroma absolutely sets the tone for the experience ahead.

Taste: We have a new development here and it is Belgian yeast.  Mingling with the dark malts, this yeast character softly presents itself with light qualities of spice, licorice, prune and plum.  This works gorgeously with the style’s expected notes of hearty grains, cocoa and roasted coffee.  The beer finishes with a bit of cream to impart just a touch of sweet vanilla.  All of these notes fit snugly together to make each sip extraordinarily flavorful.

Mouthfeel: This Oatmeal Stout falls on the fuller side of medium in body with a lifting carbonation presence.  The beer is delightfully silken and creamy on the palate, and it ultimately dries out quite nicely.  At just 5.3%, the ABV plays no role in this beer and keeps the experience incredibly easy-drinking.  The aftertaste leaves behind a touch of chocolate milk and earthy yeast character.

Final Thoughts: After spending quite a bit of time enjoying this beer while re-reading “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, Lovely, Dark and Deep Oatmeal Stout has proven to be a wonderfully brewed ode to the poem for which it has been named.  On the surface, this offering stays true to its obligations to the style by showcasing notes of roasted malts, coffee and cocoa. The brewers clearly paid close attention here, stopping to recognize and appreciate the beauty found in the Oatmeal Stouts that have come before this one.  With that responsibility more than adequately satisfied, they then dug a little deeper by using Ommegang’s signature house yeast.  This seemingly minor change is all that is needed for the beer to take its own form and make a name for itself.  Something distinguishable and willing to push beyond what is known.  Something that strongly affirms, “This is undoubtedly Ommegang.”  Something not to be forgotten.  Simply put, Lovely, Dark and Deep is an eloquently composed, artfully crafted Oatmeal Stout that just cannot be missed.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Warm Up Winter Ale from Starr Hill Brewery

Posted on by mashingin

warmupTasting Notes closes out the week by seeking comfort in a tall glass of Warm Up Winter Ale from Starr Hill Brewery (Crozet, Virginia).

Warm Up Winter Ale has arrived as the latest release in Starr Hill’s Heavy Rotation Series, a lineup of “fresh styles . . . [that] rotates four times a year and is available in six-packs and on draft.”  For this release, the brewery crafted a smooth Winter Warmer that has been “spiced with cinnamon, cocoa, nutmeg and vanilla.” Weighing in at just 6.1% ABV, this Dark Ale proves to be a “fine pairing for fireside sipping.”  Warm Up Winter Ale is available now in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft.  This limited release offering can be found at craft beer-friendly restaurants, bars and retailers in Alabama and throughout the rest of Starr Hill Brewery’s distribution area.

Like all releases in the Heavy Rotation Series, Warm Up Winter Ale is meant to be enjoyed while listening to some great tunes.  Starr Hill Brewery has curated the perfect Spotify playlist to pair with this offering, and you can check it out by clicking here.

Alright, let’s adjust the volume to the appropriate level and get to some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Warm Up Winter Ale from Starr Hill Brewery

Appearance: Warm Up pours a striking, red-hued brown in color.  Held to direct light, the reds greatly intensify with glowing garnet tones.  Although it is on the darker side, the beer is clear and displays a dutiful carbonation presence.  The pour produced a solid finger of tan colored foam.  Retention is good, maintaining a half finger cap that lays down spotty lacing on the glass.  An absolutely beautiful beer to look upon.

Aroma: Mmmm, spiced cookie goodness resides within.  Notes of allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon and clove eagerly greet the nose first.  Brown sugar and bready grain then arrive with subtle tones of chocolate and vanilla.  Packed with aromatics, this beer promises that a comforting, warming experience lies ahead.

Taste: The flavor experience begins with a gentle burst of soothing nutmeg and cinnamon. Clove, almonds, light ginger, a touch of citrus and some floral hop notes then begin to develop.  Vanilla adds a bit of a cream-like quality and rich cocoa amps up the level of decadence.  Although this may sound busy, the holiday spices are nicely tempered to keep each sip an absolute pleasure.

Mouthfeel:  This brew falls on the lighter side of medium in body with a moderate carbonation.  It avoids being too heavy on the palate, but still has enough weight to properly carry all of its flavors.  At 6.1% ABV, there is no trace of heat to be found whatsoever.  The aftertaste leaves behind some lingering notes of holiday spice and vanilla.

Final Thoughts: As soon as I first stuck my nose in this glass, Warm Up Winter Ale instantly conjured up childhood memories of getting into a tin of Lebkuchen, a traditional German holiday treat typically given as a gift during Christmas.  Wonderfully aromatic, these confections are basically large, holiday spiced cookies that are often coated with a vanilla or chocolate shell.  They are a perfect balance of sweet and spice that is unmistakable and incredibly nostalgic.  That said, nearly every aspect of these treats can be found in this offering from Starr Hill.  The common pitfall for spiced Winter Warmers is that they can easily result in an intense, overly spiced experience.  This is not the case with Warm Up Winter Ale at all.  Like the Lebkuchen, this offering gives you just enough of these delightful spices and then washes them away with the subtly employed sweetness of vanilla and cocoa.  Every aspect of the beer works in harmony to keep you coming back for another sip.  This is exactly what I seek in a Winter Warmer of this ilk.  If you enjoy Holiday Ales, this is a lighter example that is absolutely worth seeking out.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Dank Tank Pulled Porter from SweetWater Brewing Company

Posted on by mashingin

swppcansTasting Notes satisfies many cravings this week by spending a little time with Dank Tank Pulled Porter – Bacon Smoke Flavored Porter from SweetWater Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia).

Back in mid-December, we let you all know of Pulled Porter’s triumphant return to SweetWater Brewing Company’s Dank Tank lineup, the brewery’s series of “rarely released randomness” (click here to read that full post). When you take into account that this chocolaty Porter was brewed with malts that were carefully smoked alongside racks of bacon from Fox Bro’s BBQ, it is absolutely no surprise that Pulled Porter is back for an encore release.  When all is said and done, this 7.7% ABV Smoked Porter is “a savory, smoky brew that’s a big winter warmer.”  This offering is currently available for a limited time in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans and on draft at fine craft beer retailers found in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and throughout the rest of SweetWater’s distribution area.

Alright, it has been officially declared bacon and beer time. Let’s pour this pint and get to some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Dank Tank Pulled Porter from SweetWater Brewing Company

Appearance:  Pulled Porter hits the glass seemingly pitch black in appearance with just a sliver of cola brown peeking through at the bottom of the glass.  When held to direct light, the beer proves to walk a tight rope between hues of the darkest possible browns and inky blacks.  The body is opaque, but a soft, consistent carbonation presence can be witnessed coursing from the bottom of the glass.  The pour built two fingers of solid, fluffy foam that is dark tan in color.  Head retention is good, falling eventually to a lasting, chunky finger.  The lacing has substantial stick to it, leaving wide arcing patterns across the glass.

Aroma:  The first smell to present itself is strikingly similar to the one you would get upon opening an unlit but well-seasoned smoker.  There is a rush of beautiful smoke, ashen wood embers and a nondescript quality of savory meats.  These notes then mingle with a bit of bittersweet chocolate that is light in presence but well at home here.  The smoke has firmly asserted itself as the aroma’s star.

Taste:  Just as in the nose, the flavors begin with tones that are rich in smoke.  Qualities of earthy wood, campfire, smoked pork, caramelized brown sugar, and just a touch of spice initially dominate.  Forward but rightly so.  Intense but composed.  These notes then begin to relax to allow flavors of toasted grain and bread the opportunity to back them up a bit with added hearty and sweet tones.  A tinge of hop character squeaks through with some citrus before the more pronounced smoke flavors eventually fade to expose decadent notes of dark and milk chocolate.  Just as you think the beer is finished, another wave of smoke arrives to wash over the palate once more.

Mouthfeel:  Perfectly medium in body, this Porter has a solid weight to it that is lifted just a touch by a medium carbonation level.  Abundantly savory and smoky on the palate, this beer also displays a delightful grace of sweetness.  ABV is light, leaving just a bit of heat to build at times in the belly.  The aftertaste is lingering rich smokiness.

Final Thoughts:  If I was forced to sum up Dank Tank Pulled Porter with just one word, I would quickly and confidently respond with “satisfying.” By that, I mean it is satisfying in an all-encompassing, comforting way.  The smokiness is just intense enough to firmly declare itself a Smoked Beer, but it does so in a relaxed manner that is reminiscent of smoke-laced memories of good times spent around a campfire.  You know the smoke is there, but you still have the chance to enjoy everything else going on around you . . . or in this case, within this beer.  The smoke pulls back just enough to allow the added hops and malts a chance to do their thing by lending countering layers of sweetness and bitterness. Instead of having this beer hide behind an overly aggressive smoke character, the brewers at SweetWater clearly employed a profound level of restraint to infuse the brew with a spot-on amount of savoriness. The beer certainly knows its role and has established intentions of enticing you to return for sip after sip.  This beautifully executed approach proves to be the key in producing a Smoked Beer that is truly easy drinking, approachable and a wonderful choice to pair with food.  I highly recommend that you shake up your usual routine during your next beer run and pick up some Dank Tank Pulled Porter to enjoy what is absolutely an outstanding craft beer experience.  Prost!

Tasting Notes – Spirits Edition: Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur from Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Posted on by mashingin

dccclsugarlandspour1000Tasting Notes wanders back into the realm of spirits this week by partaking in a little Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur from Sugarlands Distilling Co. (Gatlinburg, Tennessee).

Since the flavors of chocolate and coffee are commonly found in various beer styles these days, it only seemed natural to do a Tasting Notes crossover featuring this Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur.  Sugarlands Distilling Co. created the Appalachian Sippin’ Cream Series to add depth and diversity to their popular and ever-expanding Moonshine lineup.  Just as the name implies, Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur has been crafted to be a dessert-style drink that is “rich in cacao and notes of roasted coffee beans.”  Whether consumed straight or in a mixed drink, this offering is meant to be savored as the sweet treat that we all deserve after a long day.  750ml Mason jars of Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur and the full Appalachian Sippin’ Cream lineup** are available for purchase online (click here) or at select retailers found in Florida and throughout the rest of Sugarlands Distilling Co.’s distribution area.  That should pretty much cover all the necessary background information, so let’s break out the fancy ice and get to some Tasting Notes!

**If you somehow have an aversion to chocolate and coffee, Sugarlands Distilling Co. also currently produces Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Butter Pecan Cream Liqueur.**

Tasting Notes for Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur from Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Appearance: This liqueur fills the glass with a presentation that is strikingly similar to chocolate milk.  It falls somewhere between dark tan to milk chocolate brown in color.  The liquid is completely opaque and somewhat viscous.  When swirled about, an off white to light tan sheet coats the glass and drops down evenly spaced, slightly darker, streaky legs.

Aroma: As is the case with most liqueurs, the first inhale brings a gentle waft of alcohol.  Fully committed, I leave my nose in the glass and discover rich, indulgent layers of depth with each breath.  Vanilla and whipped cream rise up first, and this easily shifts to a sweet milk chocolate note.  The aromas then deepen to produce tones of dark roasted coffee beans and a touch of bittersweet dark chocolate.  These enchanting aromatics easily convince you to take sip after sip.

Taste: The start of each sip is a comforting reminder of youthful moments spent enjoying an awesome milkshake or a tall glass of chocolate milk after school.  Out of the gate, there is just so much chocolaty goodness.  This naturally opens up to expose qualities of toffee, vanilla, cream and caramel.  The flavor profile extends even further and finishes with fresh brewed coffee and fine dark chocolate.  This is dangerously good.

Mouthfeel: Creamy and silken in texture on the palate.  Each sip coats softly to allow all the flavors the chance to develop and be thoroughly enjoyed.  At just 20% ABV, this liqueur only leaves a suggestion of heat to linger in the throat.  Although sweet, it still avoids being cloying or over the top.  Milk chocolate and vanilla remain as a lasting aftertaste.

Final Thoughts:  If you are a fan of sweet Liqueurs/Cordials and have been looking to try an alternative to offerings like Baileys Original Irish Cream, you may have just found it. Rich, decadent and absolutely loaded with indulgent flavors, Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur immediately proved to us that it is an incredibly tasty and versatile addition to any bar (home or otherwise).  This offering was very much enjoyed straight and in coffee – great with brunch or as an after-dinner drink – while taking these notes, but this liqueur’s list of possible uses does not stop there.  You could easily slip some into the mixing bowl to make an adults-only batch of whipped cream to top your coffee, mixed drink, brownies, pie, etc.  Sub it into your favorite chocolate martini recipe to give it a mocha-like twist. Finally, if you are a fan of “Depth Charge” shots, we came up with this Tennessee-themed take on the “Irish Car Bomb” that proved to be quite delicious.  The name is still a work in process, but here’s the recipe:

VOLuntary Takedown 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pint of lower ABV, locally produced American Stout or Irish-style Dry Stout (avoid hoppy Stouts) 
  • 1/2 shot of Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Cream Liqueur from Sugarlands Distilling Co.
  • 1/2 shot of Tennessee Whiskey of your choice

Instructions: Fill 1/2 of a sturdy shaker pint glass with your Stout of choice.  Take a standard shot glass and add the Sippin’ Cream and chosen Whiskey (layer the Sippin’ Cream to the bottom of the shot).  Carefully drop the shot into the pint glass and enjoy!

However you choose to enjoy it, it is pretty much a certainty that you will be using several of the following words to describe each sip you take of Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur: Luscious. Delightful.  Tempting.  Enticing.  Heavenly.  Ambrosial.  Faced with terms such as those, how could you possibly resist?  Seriously, we highly recommend that you give this offering a try and let us know what you think.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Highland Pilsner from Highland Brewing Company

Posted on by mashingin

highlandpils1000_edited_editedOur love affair with craft-brewed lagers continues into 2017 by featuring Highland Pilsner from Highland Brewing Company (Asheville, North Carolina) in our latest installment of Tasting Notes.

First released back in April of 2016, Highland Brewing Company developed Highland Pilsner to be a “highly nuanced” traditional German-style Pilsner.  This ambitious goal was achieved with a recipe consisting of four different Hallertau region hops – Perle, Saphir, Hallertau Blanc and Hersbrucker – and a German Pilsner malt that accounted for “100% of the grain bill.”  This beer was then “cold fermented with lager yeast for a crisp, dry finish” that can be enjoyed year-round “on the water, in the mountains, or at the golf course.”  Highland Pilsner is available now in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer establishments in Alabama, Florida, and throughout the rest of Highland’s distribution area.

Since I am a devout fan of German brewing styles and traditions, I simply cannot wait any longer.  Let’s pop the top on this can and get to some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Highland Pilsner from Highland Brewing Company

Appearance: Highland Pilsner pours a pale straw yellow in color that beams with lemony highlights when exposed to direct light.  This allows for a presentation that is quite bright and softly glowing.  The body defines “crystal clear” and shows off a racy carbonation presence.  The pour supplied a finger of snow white foam that is bubbly and loose.  The head swiftly falls to a thin – but complete – ring that lingers throughout to leave sporadic chunks of lace on the glass from time to time.

Aroma: Wonderfully clean and fresh Pilsner malt greets the nose with earthy and lightly sweet grain notes.  The hops are present but well-mannered, lending gentle tones of grass, pepper, white grape and pear.  The aroma closes with just a tinge of lemon.

Taste: To ensure that there is no mistaking that this is a traditional, German-style lager, Pilsner malt and lager yeast arrive first on the tongue.  The hops then work their way to the front – politely of course – with beautiful floral, grassy, and white grape notes.  Pepper then develops to add just a slight, snappy bite.  The beer finishes with nuances of lemongrass, hay, and a touch of citrus.

Mouthfeel:  Just as it should be, this Pilsner is light in body with a sizable carbonation level. This allows the beer to be incredibly easy-drinking and quenching.  Beautifully balanced and crisp is definitely a descriptor that needs to be used here.  The beer dries out effortlessly, leaving just a trace of floral and earthy notes to linger in the aftertaste.

Final Thoughts: So, the question that we must ask here is do we have a brewery that was named to honor the Scots Irish that settled the Appalachian Mountains actually pulling off a traditional, German-style Pils?  Yep, and Highland Brewing Company did much more than simply pull it off.  They nailed it.  We are talking about a lager possessing grain and yeast notes that are just ridiculously clean.  The hops are beautifully balanced, but are still allowed enough of the stage to properly show just how dynamic and complex German hop varietals can be.  The only gripe I can possibly come up with here is in wishing that the head retained a bit more of its initial size.  Otherwise, every aspect of this beer fits the category and results in a highly enjoyable and flavorful Pilsner.  With beers like Highland Pilsner now widely available on taps and shelves, it absolutely blows my mind that many still decide to settle for – in ordering or serving – a monotonous lager from the Big 3 without even the curiosity to try something new.  That’s a topic for another day though.  As far as Highland Pilsner goes, I simply cannot say enough good things.  The next time you set off on a beer run fueled by a hankering for some lager refreshment, be sure to keep this one in mind.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Global Warmer from Sixpoint Brewery

Posted on by mashingin

globalwarmerspb1000This week’s Tasting Notes embraces the “frigid” temperatures of what appears to be Tampa’s one weekend of winter by cozying up with a little Global Warmer Cloudy Red Ale from Sixpoint Brewery (Brooklyn, New York).

Not too long ago, I let you all know about Global Warmer’s return as a limited, Seasonal release from Sixpoint’s Cycliquids Series (click here to check out that full post).  To stand out from a market that is currently overcrowded with traditional Holiday Ales, this riff on the Winter Warmer is actually an American Red Ale that is “unfiltered [and] hop-intensified.” Weighing in at 7% ABV and 70 IBUs, this brew is guaranteed to make you rethink your approach to cold weather drinking.  With availability on draft and in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, Global Warmer can still be found at craft beer establishments in Alabama, Florida, and the rest of Sixpoint’s distribution footprint.  Alright, I believe it is now time to warm the body, mind and soul with a little Tasting Notes action!

Tasting Notes for Global Warmer Cloudy Red Ale from Sixpoint Brewery

Appearance: Fresh off the pour, Global Warmer presents itself as deep amber in color.  Once held to direct light, the colors gain vibrancy and expose caramel-hued browns, rusty reds, and just a subtle smattering of deep orange.  For an unfiltered beer, it is actually quite clear – just a slight haze to it – and displays a steady carbonation level that is eager to feed the finger of off-white foam resting above.  Creamy in texture, the head has pretty good retention and casually falls to a thin but sturdy top cap.  The foam effortlessly grabs the glass to leave notches of lace throughout the drink.

Aroma:  Oh my, the hops have certainly come out to play.  Distinct notes of grapefruit rind and pith are the first to provide the olfactory with a zealous hello.  This intense but lovely quality is quickly followed with piney, herbal and grassy tones.  Gently and slightly timid, the malts surface to lend just a grace of caramel sweetness.   At this point, anyone who grabbed this beer in hopes of finding a spice-laden Winter Ale has been emphatically informed that they are in for a much different experience.

Taste:  The grapefruit characteristics are hard at work here once again with notes of bitter rind, zest and juice.  Pushing forward to match the intensity level of that grapefruit is a hefty presence of pine that is resinous, aggressive, sticky and dank.  Slightly herbal and floral tones then bloom from the pine, and this hop experience closes with a subtle fruit basket of various tropical and citrus fruits.  Just as you feel the beer is finished, a caramel and biscuity malt presence wanders in to coolly supply balance.  Any of that initial intensity from the hops is suddenly an afterthought . . . well, at least until the next sip.

Mouthfeel: Global Warmer is medium in body with a medium carbonation level.  On the palate, the beer coats with a gentle stick that is more from hop oils than sweetness.  Bitter to start, but finishes reasonably dry, slightly sweet and quite balanced.  Aftertaste is just wisps of floral and pine hop tones mingling with a bit of caramel.

Final Thoughts:  Basically what we have here is an India Red Ale masquerading as a Winter Warmer.  This is by no means a bad thing, but we can actually make a case that this indeed does fit the mold of a Holiday Ale.  Global Warmer may abandon traditional holiday spices to showcase grapefruit notes sourced from hops, but you do have to consider that this is a fruit that reaches its peak during the holiday season.  Then we have the pine to remind us of cold weather hikes in the mountains or through vast pine forests.  Even the beer’s light but essential caramel and biscuity malt characteristics could conjure up thoughts of the various baked goods and sweets that we all tend to crave during late December and into the New Year.  Sure, some could call all of that a reach.  Then again, if the malt presence was dialed up a notch or two, we would basically be talking about an American-style Barleywine here.  All in all, Global Warmer is a fantastic change of pace from the redundancy experienced during Winter Warmer Season, and it once again acts as a more than solid example of Sixpoint Brewery’s prowess with hops.  Hell, I think I’ll indulge a little and open another.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Selene Saison from Victory Brewing Company

Posted on by mashingin

victory_selenesaison_tapsticker_060916This week’s Tasting Notes journeys into the dark side of Saisons with a look at Selene Saison from Victory Brewing Company (Downingtown, Pennsylvania).

Created as the sister beer to Helios Belgian Farmhouse Ale from Victory Brewing, Selene Saison is a dark example of the style filled with notes of “chocolate and clove funk, while rye blends with herbal and spicy whole flower East Kent Goldings hops to produce a smooth finish.” In order to add even more dynamic depth to the brew, fermentation was achieved with Blaugies and two strains of the wild Brettanomyces yeast.  Selene Saison was released back in the fall as a limited offering available in 750ml bottles and on draft.  Although it has been several months since this beer made its debut, there is always a chance of stumbling across a few bottles sitting on shelves throughout Victory Brewing’s 35 state distribution area.  With those particulars now covered, it is time to pop this cork and get into some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Selene Saison from Victory Brewing Company

Appearance: Selene presents herself as an incredibly dark brown, seemingly black color.  Held to direct light, the deep brown hues gain strength and push through with more force at the top and bottom of the glass. Although opaque, a lively carbonation can be seen coursing at the edges.  A gentle pour resulted in two, fast building fingers of dark tan head that proves to have wonderful retention.  The foam has a good amount of stick to it and sheets the glass with lace.

Aroma: Clove and barnyard funk pleasantly greet the nose first.  Dark fruits, black cherry, banana and freshly cut grain rise gently and mingle nicely with the funk.  Complexity abounds as rich leather, spicy rye and earthy hops round off the aroma.  Everything here is enticing and fresh.  A good descriptor of these aromatics is comforting . . . soothing even.

Taste: When it comes to flavor, Selene proves to be a different, but equally beautiful creature.  The solid malt profile establishes itself first with notes of fresh grain, earthy rye and dark chocolate.  The earthiness of the rye provides a smooth transition to the musty funk character – tobacco, wet wood, and barnyard – of the yeast.  Clove steadily emerges alongside spicy and herbal hop tones to finish off each sip.

Mouthfeel: This Saison is medium bodied with a medium to high carbonation level.  This allows the beer to have a slightly creamy texture while still drinking like a much lighter brew.  The ABV is light in presence and only displays a soft tinge of heat at times.  The beer dries out slowly and nicely.  The remaining aftertaste is nothing but the beautiful funk supplied by the yeast strains.

Final Thoughts: Selene Saison is powerful and striking right from the pour.  The aroma is a wonderful balance of pronounced intensity and inviting comfort.  Just as each inhale makes you feel like you have this brew figured out, the flavors have their own direction and unique characteristics.  This being the case, somehow everything still manages to come together into an alluringly cohesive experience. Although the choice to take on a dark Saison adds some complications to many purists of the style, Selene shows off just enough Saison character to keep everyone happy.  That said, this stunner’s overall intention is to break the mold by teasing the drinker with a ridiculous amount of unexpected twists and turns.  Mesmerizing.  Tantalizing. Gorgeously executed.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Last Snow Coconut & Coffee Porter from Funky Buddha Brewery

Posted on by mashingin

lastsnow22ozbottlenewTasting Notes returns to completely obliterate the midweek hump by taking a look at Last Snow Coconut and Coffee Porter from Funky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park, Florida).

Released twice a year -typically in February and September – as a Little Buddha Small Batch offering, Last Snow is Funky Buddha’s way of book-ending the harsh, sub-70 degree “winters” experienced in Florida.  This “rich, creamy Porter” is brewed with “coconut and freshly-roasted coffee for a taste that recalls a winter wonderland.”  Although packed with flavor, the beer’s surprisingly low 6.4% ABV creates an easy-drinking experience that you can enjoy all season long.  Since Last Snow happens to be one of Funky Buddha’s more popular releases, odds are that bottles from this last release have all been bought up by now.  Hope still remains though.  I have recently seen this brew available on draft at a few beer bars and growler stations around Tampa, and Funky Buddha has it listed as “On Tap Now” at the brewery’s taproom.

Alright, enough talk.  It’s time to open this bomber, pretend drinking this beer is “work” and take down some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Last Snow Coconut & Coffee Porter from Funky Buddha Brewery

Appearance: Last Snow fills the glass with an incredibly glossy black, completely opaque body.  Held to direct light, the color holds with just a tinge of rusty brown presenting itself at the extreme edges of the liquid.  The beer is too dark to identify a carbonation level.  The pour produced two fingers of light brown foam.  This head is loose and eventually dissipates to allow the beer’s darkness to shine from all angles.

Aroma:  As my nose approaches the glass, I am delighted to be greeted by a spot-on toasted coconut aroma.  This note is rich and downright intoxicating.  Roasted coffee and fine chocolate soon emerge to swirl about and provide an added level of decadence to the coconut.  A slight caramelized brown sugar presence then develops to round off an aromatic profile that is ridiculously reminiscent of German chocolate cake.  Simply amazing.

Taste: The luxurious, rich and flavorful toasted coconut icing you find on German chocolate cake leads the way, but the beer then begins to take on another identity as it opens up.  The coffee assumes a larger role here by providing a hefty dose of beautiful roast and subtle bitterness.  Dark chocolate rides that bitterness out and lays down a bit of sweetness as well. Caramel, toffee and bit of hazelnut finishes the experience off.

Mouthfeel:  Medium bodied with a moderate carbonation level, this Porter proves to be much lighter than you would ever expect.  The beer does cling to the palate a bit, but this is a welcomed characteristic because it allows you to bask in each and every note provided by the flavor experience.  The ABV is surprisingly light and well hidden.  Notes of coconut and coffee linger as the aftertaste.

Final Thoughts:  So . . . yeah, I can easily declare that Last Snow Coconut & Coffee Porter is one of the best flavored Porters I have encountered during my lengthy craft beer journey.  Until now, I have never experienced such a fresh and clean coconut flavor in a finished beer.  Usually there is a bit of a plastic-like, artificial character to the coconut that just can’t seem to be circumvented.  This is not the case here because Funky Buddha obviously figured it out and absolutely nailed it.  The coconut note would be enough to sell me on this brew, but then we have that coffee presence.  Coming across beautifully roasted and high-end, the aromatics and flavors of the chosen coffee are the perfect complement to that coconut.  The final surprise – and possibly the most impressive feat achieved by this offering – is that so much flavor was stuffed into a pretty low ABV Porter.  So many breweries would have pushed this thing to the area of 10% or above without a second thought, but not Funky Buddha.  It is clear that they took their time with Last Snow, laid it down gently in the sweet spot, and effectively killed it with laser-guided precision.  I want more.  Now.  Please?  Prost!

caphappy_edited

Tasting Notes – Spirits Edition: Jameson Caskmates

Posted on by mashingin

jamesonpromoA confirmed truth: very few things hit the spot quite like a dram of whiskey after a big holiday meal.  With that in mind, this special edition of Tasting Notes features the craft beer-themed offering from Jameson Irish Whiskey (Dublin, Ireland) simply named Jameson Caskmates.

It is pretty safe to assume that the two beverages that see the most time on bar tops at Irish pubs are fine Irish Whiskeys and really good Irish Dry Stouts.  This being the case, it is kind of odd that there has yet to be a truly thoughtful attempt at bringing these two together.  Well . . . until now.  This all changed when the Master Distiller at Jameson Irish Whiskey and the Master Brewer at Franciscan Well Brewery (Cork, Ireland) sat down together and hatched a plan:

  • Step 1 – Jameson would send the brewery several used whiskey barrels.  The brewers at Franciscan Well would then fill these barrels with their Irish Stout.  Once the beer properly aged and picked up the complex notes of the Irish Whiskey tucked snugly away within the wood, the barrels would then be returned to the distillery.
  • Step 2 – Upon receiving the return shipment of the now Irish Stout-infused barrels, Jameson distillers would fill the casks once again with their classic Original Irish Whiskey.

Since they had never done anything like this before, all the distillers could really do at that point was wait and see what would be the result of this collaborative experiment.  When the aging process was finally completed, they found the whiskey’s “triple-distilled smoothness . . . very much intact” but it had also taken on Stout-influenced notes of “cocoa, coffee and butterscotch.”  The proper introduction of Irish Whiskey and Irish Stout had finally been achieved, and now we all get to enjoy these results in bottles of Jameson Caskmates – Stout Edition.  If you would like a taste of this unique offering, you can find this Stout-infused Whiskey available in 750ml bottles at fine liquor stores and bars across the United States.

Now that we have the story behind Jameson Caskmates covered, it is time to break out the whiskey glasses, sip, relax, and take down a few Tasting Notes.

Tasting Notes for Jameson Caskmates – Stout Edition from Jameson Irish Whiskey

Appearance:  With a pour of two fingers, this whiskey rests in the glass light golden in color with soft hues of brown burnishing the edges.  Although pristine in clarity, the still liquid displays mesmerizing, oily rings when presented with the right angle of light.  With a gentle swirl of the glass, the whiskey leaves lengthy, slick legs behind.

Aroma:  The presence of alcohol soaked grain and hay begin the experience.  Once given a little time to breathe, the aromatics open up and soften to reveal notes of citrus, pear and apple.  The stout-like characteristics are reserved, but they do grab your attention late by lending qualities of cocoa and coffee.  The aroma rounds off with some honey sweetness.

Taste:  Caramelized, bordering on burnt, brown sugar and earthy barley rush the palate to start.  These two notes take on toffee and butterscotch qualities that nicely complement the building stout flavors of roasted malt, coffee and bittersweet dark chocolate.  Slightly nutty, this offering finishes with notes of woodsy, charred oak and creamy vanilla.

Mouthfeel:  Slick in texture, the coating ability of this whiskey quickly grabs the attention of your taste buds.  Sweet on the palate, but far from being overly cloying.  At 80 Proof, any heat here is slow and comforting.  The finish is long, allowing notes of oak, vanilla and cocoa the opportunity to linger.

Final Thoughts:  Jameson Caskmates absolutely comes together as an offering that builds on the experience of Jameson Original.  That being said, craft beer fans need to realize that this is still an Irish Whiskey experience.  It must be noted that we are dealing with a 40% ABV Irish Whiskey here, so boozy notes of fine grain and charred oak do show some aggression at first sip.  When this happens, just slow down, sip gently and really take in the flavors resting on your palate.  If done correctly, you can reach that transcendental moment that reveals the Irish Stout-like notes of coffee, roasted malt, toffee and cocoa.  With a bit of patience, this whiskey will open up and a rush of familiar flavors will surface to absolutely blow your mind.  I had a blast exploring this offering, and I highly suggest that you sit down with a glass of Jameson Caskmates to experience it for yourself.  Prost!

Tasting Notes: Mandarina IPA from Highland Brewing Company

Posted on by mashingin

highlandmandarinalogo_editedThe Thanksgiving holiday provided us with the opportunity to try quite a few new libations over the long weekend, so let’s kick the week off by jumping right into some Tasting Notes featuring Mandarina IPA from Highland Brewing Company (Asheville, North Carolina).

First released back in June, Mandarina IPA was created as Highland Brewing Company’s answer to the incredibly popular and expanding segment of fruited India Pale Ales filling craft beer shelves these days.  For this offering, the brewers at Highland achieved a massive citrus profile thanks to the use of German Mandarina Bavaria and Hull Melon hops and hundreds of pounds of puréed whole California oranges.  The beer is then supported by a classic IPA backbone reinforced with Cascade, Chinook and Bravo hops.  All of this culminates into a “palate-pleasing, fruity crusher burst[ing] with intense orange and tropical notes and assert[ing] a crisp, bright finish.”  Mandarina IPA is a year-round release available now in 12 oz. cans, 12 oz. bottles, and on draft.  You can find this one in Alabama, Florida and throughout the full distribution area of Highland Brewing Company.  With those details covered, I believe it is now time to fill this Spiegelau IPA glass and jot down some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Mandarina IPA from Highland Brewing Company

Appearance: Mandarina IPA fills the glass with a rich, golden yellow liquid softly painted with subtle brushstrokes of the lightest of oranges.  Held to direct light, the beer softens to expose gentle gold and pale, straw yellow tones.  The body is pristine in its clarity and displays a carbonation activity dashing throughout.  The pour built over two fingers of airy, white foam.  That head eventually drops down to a thin, but complete top cap that lays down traces of lace.  As I gently swirl the beer around, it is easy to see that it is quite slick on the glass. Utterly beautiful in presentation.

Aroma: Have you ever walked into a kitchen where someone is slicing a large amount of oranges or visited an establishment that makes fresh orange juice right in front of their guests?  If so, then you know the exact aroma that is pleasantly permeating my senses at this very moment.  Ridiculously bright, citrusy notes fill the air with ease.  So clean.  So natural.  Such a blatantly spot on representation of orange juice and zest.  Tropical hop notes reside underneath, but stand no chance of competing with this aromatic blitz of citrus.

Taste: Orange zest leads this flavorful charge with a gentle sweetness and a little pithy bitterness.  The flavors then shift to the center of the fruit to produce notes of freshly squeezed orange juice.  The hops surface to complement with tropical fruit flavors of tangerine, grapefruit, mango and melon.  A light malt sweetness balances the hops and encompasses the entire flavor profile by adding a bit of a candied orange-like effect. Incredibly nuanced and balanced here.

Mouthfeel: This IPA rests on the lighter side of medium in body with a bright carbonation presence.  It may be bitter and sweet on the palate, but the beer quickly dries out cleanly and crisply.  There is a slight tinge of ABV heat on the throat, but it is barely noticeable.  The aftertaste is the whole orange: zest, pith, juice and pulp.  This beer is basically the definition of easy-drinking and quenching.

Final Thoughts: The brewers at Highland Brewing Company obviously had their sights set on having Mandarina IPA harness the essence of the orange, and their aim has proven incredibly true.  Although the fruit is the star here, this beer is by no means one dimensional.  Whether they originate from the hops or the malts, all of the notes within the base IPA are allowed to complement and play nicely with the orange character.  From the first to the last sip, it is clear that a lot of care, consideration and attention went into crafting Mandarina IPA.  In conclusion, this is a fantastic offering that can either act as a wonderful introduction to the world of India Pale Ales or as a thirst-quenching, daily drinker for the most avid of hopheads.  In other words, this is a must try brew.  Prost!