Father Christmas Highland Ale

Here is a local beer for you, Burnside Brewery's Christmas Highland Ale, at 9.2% it is rather potent. This beer is very malty and has a nice dark color to it. Make sure you don't drink this one too cold as you will loose the maltiness of this brew.

I don't know how I'd classify this one, it sorta is between a porter and a stout, overall not bad, nice and malty, properly carbonated and pleasant to drink. Give this one a try for the holidays!

Redhook Double Black Stout

I must admit I have been hesitant at time to try Redhook beers, I think it has to do with their association with Bud, but that's just me.

I received the "Beer Update" from Jimmy today and when I saw a Double Black stout, I had to try it, regardless of who it is from. I am happy to report that Redhook did an excellent job with this limited release. Last available in 2000, this stout will not disappoint. When pouring, the first thing you notice is the deep black color and tan head. Mouth feel is what I expect from a stout like this, nice and thick. For me nothing worse than a watery feel to a stout. Flavor wise, great roasted barley flavors and nice aroma of coffee. Well balanced from beginning to end. All I can say is get it while you can!

Opa Opa Southampton Porter

Been a while blogging about beer, had a nice vacation with my wife, and baseball is over, now its Halloween, so why not sit down between visitors and try a new beer.

I tried making a Porter a while ago and had one while I was out in California at the Silverado Brewing Co, while I think this style of beer is one of the least know, it often times can be very very good.

After talking with Jimmy a bit the Opa Opa Southampton Porter was recommended, my first growler! This Porter is dark and rick in color with an ample head, which rather surprised as the growler was rather quiet when opened. The flavor was as expected from Porters, chocolaty with a hint of cocoa, a bit sweet and the a bit bitter. No real sense of hops. I am not sure if it is the growler or the brew, but it is a bit flat overall. The Porter at Silverado was exceptional, so maybe my expectations were set to high, still not a bad way to spend Halloween, drinking some beers!

Budweiser American Ale

When Jimmy suggested that I try a Bud American Ale, first thought that popped into my head was "Bud?", what is Jimmy crazy! Most people I know tell me I am a beer snob because I do not like, Bud Miller or Coors. I always say I prefer beer with some semblance of taste. Bud's American Ale was a pleasant surprise, compared to a regular Bud.

First and foremost I was glad to see that it is an all malt ale, no corn or rice. The American Ale has a great copper color and nice head that lingers. There is a nice sweet malty taste with a hint of hops as well as good aroma of, I am guessing, Cascade Hops. One complaint, though, I do feel it is a bit too carbonated, little less would help balance overall.

If you've read my other posts, you know I am a very big fan of Pale Ales, there does appear to be a bit of a distinction with Americans. Pales are still my favorite, but this one is not bad, especially for a Bud. Give it a try, if you like Pales, it is a bit different, but not bad

Sam Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale

Waiting on the debate, so I figured good time for trying something different. Stopped by MWL and figured I'd give a couple of Sam Smith's a try.

I am starting with Sam's Pale Ale. Sam's starts off with a nice dark copper color, good head and mild carbonation. Right off the bat you can tell the difference between an english pale ale and an american. Sam's has a sweet malty taste and just a hint of hops on the taste and little to none on the nose. Sam's is a good quality ale, if you like malty beer light on hops, this one is for you, myself, I prefer american styles more and more.

Dragon Stout

My friend Alex came to me the other day telling me about this great beer that he tried at a Reggae festival in Rhode Island. Alex is not a big beer drinker and for him to rave about a beer is something else. Alex told me that he tried to obtain Dragon from a variety of places. Knowing that I know Jimmy pretty well I called on Alex's behalf. Not on did Jimmy know this beer like all the others MWL carries it as a regular offering.

Because of Alex's excitement I sampled a six of the Stout. I brought it to a tailgate party and sampled it right out of the cooler. I must admit the first few mouth fulls were a bit disappointing, but as the stout warmed down to a cool temperature the flavor blossomed. Dragon stout will not be for everyone, you will either like or you won't. I myself did enjoy it but it would not go to the top of my list.

Do not be surprised by the small bottle as it is a strong beer, 7.5%. I prefer to drink it out of a large wine glass, this concentrates the aroma and adds to the experience. This is a dark, intense flavor full of roasted malt, cocoa and espresso.

If you are in an experimental mood, give it a try. You might like it, then again you might not!

Saranac Pale Ale

I find it interesting how I trend to certain styles of beers. Back when I had time to actually brew my own beer I focused on Pales, Ambers and Stouts. This summer I found myself really enjoying the crispness of many Pale Ales and Saranac is another winner.

A typical Pale with a nice copper color, good head and proper bend of hops on the pallet and nose and fruity flavors. While I do measure most Pales against Sierra Nevada, choose Sarnac and you will not be disappointed. I wasn't.