http://www.brewhallashow.com A beer podcast Wed, 16 May 2012 20:01:45 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 A beer podcast Brewhalla no A beer podcast http://www.brewhallashow.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://www.brewhallashow.com http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/04/episode-12-land-of-misfit-beers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-12-land-of-misfit-beers http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/04/episode-12-land-of-misfit-beers/#comments Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:38:00 +0000 yonbeastie http://www.brewhallashow.com/?p=234 Continue reading →]]> http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/04/episode-12-land-of-misfit-beers/feed/ 0 Crooked Stave,Rogue,Sour This week we discussed: Highly anticipated beers with mixed reviews (4:20) Judging a beer on execution or personal enjoyability (8:00) - We reviewed: Crooked Stave Petite Sour (14:10) Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale (19:45) This week we discussed: Highly anticipated beers with mixed reviews (4:20) Judging a beer on execution or personal enjoyability (8:00) We reviewed: Crooked Stave Petite Sour (14:10) Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale (19:45) Crooked Stave Petite Sour (Pure Guava) Review Appearance:  Murky brownish gold color, not particularly good or bad.  Excellent head on the pour, with decent head retention.  Mild visible carbonation. Smell:  Funky, in a potentially polarizing way.  It smells... off... but with a healthy yeast and champagne aroma.  The sour aroma reminds me of certain Russian River wilds.  Note that about a foot from the glass, the aroma takes on a tinge of mildew. Taste:  Definitely true to the sour style, this has a pleasant sourness to it, with the "guava" taste coming through in the finish as a mellow tanginess.  Sweet fruit and light spice complement.  Fairly true to the smell, and fairly tasty, if unusual. Mouthfeel:  Medium bodied and very dry, it has a mouthfeel reminiscent of champagne.  More carbonation than anticipated, and no discernable alcohol heat.  BRUUURP. Drinkability:  Well, by all accounts it shouldn't be this drinkable.  It's not really a "sessioner" but at this stage you can drink and enjoy a couple glasses. Score (out of 5) Brian: 3.5 Devon: 3.25 Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale Review Appearance:  A deep ruddy brown, not unlike the maple of its namesake.  Nice head on initial pour, not much retention.  Little visible carbonation. Smell:  The maple is so pungent it just permeates the air around the glass; simply having it nearby means that the maple smell will be present.  Inside the glass, a greasy smokiness becomes readily apparent.  There is an underlying aroma of malt and grain, thought largely dominated by the maple and smoke. Taste:  Greasy-ass, smoked bacon with a little maple and malt sweetness.  It really does taste like a malty beer with liquid smoke and some kind of bizzare pork tincture mixed in... or maybe just Bovril.  Props to Rogue for capturing these flavors, though their appeal in a beer is... questionable. Mouthfeel:  Rather lighter than expected, this is a medium bodied ale with mild carbonation and some very unimposing viscous stickiness.  Nothing outstanding but nothing deplorable either. Drinkability:  I'd split a bomber.  It's a cool beer to try.  Not something that is very compelling, not a beer that would invite glass after glass; not very drinkable. Score (out of 5) Brian: 3.5 Devon: 2.5 Brewhalla no 30:36 http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/04/episode-11-to-be-a-hophead/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-11-to-be-a-hophead http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/04/episode-11-to-be-a-hophead/#comments Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:00:43 +0000 yonbeastie http://www.brewhallashow.com/?p=226 Continue reading →]]> http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/04/episode-11-to-be-a-hophead/feed/ 0 American,Bell's,English,IPA,Lefthand This week we discussed: Upcoming review of Firestone Walker 15 and Double-Jack (3:00) The origin of India Pale Ales (3:55) The difference between English and American IPAs (6:00) - We reviewed: Left Hand 400-Pound Monkey (10:15) This week we discussed: Upcoming review of Firestone Walker 15 and Double-Jack (3:00) The origin of India Pale Ales (3:55) The difference between English and American IPAs (6:00) We reviewed: Left Hand 400-Pound Monkey (10:15) Bell's Hopslam (18:00)     Left Hand 400-Pound Monkey Review Appearance:  Nice head on initial pour, very little head retention, but pleasant lacing.  Dusty, somewhere between brown and amber, noticeable modest carbonation, and excellent clarity. Smell:  A little funky, with prominent hops but a less expected malt prominence.  Pleasant all around, if surprising.  Has an almost dried-fruit aroma underlying the predominant hops and malt. Taste:  Definite hops, first, malt as the smell indicates.  Definitely bitter, as the three varieties of English hops provide a bitter and earthy profile.  There is a definite herbal quality to the taste that is most apparent on the finish. Mouthfeel:  A little thicker than your standard IPA, this medium-bodied brew enlivens the mouth without leaving any untoward residues.  Quite appropriate. Drinkability:  If you can enjoy the bitterness of the English hops, its very drinkable, as the bitterness does not seem to build on itself nearly as much as it will in many beers. Score (out of 5) Brian: 3.5 Devon: 3.75   Bell's Hopslam bReview Appearance:  Pours a tenebrous amber with a nice head and slight retention.  Carbonation visible as little motes of holy light drifting up towards the heavenly release of the ale's surface. Smell:  It just SMELLS like it's waiting to punch you in the face.  From the moment the bottle is opened, a redolent aroma of grapefruit permeates the vacinity.  Most of what can be discerned by the olfactory sense is a churning perplexity of perfumes borne of the mad cohesion of multiple hops on a wild infusion schedule.  A marginal amount of malt is also detectable. Taste:  Surprisingly lacking in bitterness, the mainstay of this brew is the complex hop profile combining with the malt and honey sweetness, which dominates the majority of the Hopslam experience.  The only bitterness of the hops comes through in the finish.  As the dust clears, some floral tastes shine through.  Citrus flavors notable throughout. Mouthfeel:  Medium body, though more viscous than might be expected, given the sheer concentration of hop oil present in this doubleIPA; it has a sticky thickness which allows the hops to pummel the tongue for just a shade longer than strictly necessary. Drinkability:  Massively drinkable for something with this much of a hop infusion. If the hops is tolerable up front, it will be hard to get enough. It is particularly stupendous from a 5LiterPonyKeg on the July 4th. Score (out of 5) Brian: 5 Devon: 4.5   Brewhalla no 32:17 http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/02/episode-10-the-white-ales/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-10-the-white-ales http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/02/episode-10-the-white-ales/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:00:10 +0000 yonbeastie http://www.brewhallashow.com/?p=215 Continue reading →]]> http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/02/episode-10-the-white-ales/feed/ 0 Belgium,Bell's,Erdinger,Germany,Weissbier,Witbier This week we discussed: The origin of Belgian witbiers (1:10) The origin of German weisstbiers (2:50) - We reviewed: Bell's Winter White Ale (5:05) Erdinger Hefe-Weizen (13:08) Episode Notes: - This week we discussed: The origin of Belgian witbiers (1:10) The origin of German weisstbiers (2:50) We reviewed: Bell's Winter White Ale (5:05) Erdinger Hefe-Weizen (13:08) Episode Notes: We had to re-record our review section due to a corrupt file - doh!   Bell's Winter White Ale Review Appearance:  A pleasant, dusty golden color.  Very little head on the pour, even less retention.  Visible if light carbonation.  Little to no discernable lace left behind. Smell:  Smells very yeasty, with abundant notes of citrus and additional accents of spice. A little bit of flat sweet esters as the beer opens up. Taste:  Tastes very much like it smells, but with a slight sourness coming out in the taste along with the predominant yeast, and banana taking the lead as the primary ester flavor.  The spice and citrus are most apparent in the finish. Mouthfeel:  Light to medium bodied, more viscous than expected and more efforvescent than expected, being noticeable right to the point of pre-empting the taste.  Does the brew justice. Drinkability:  It's a rich beer, if not terribly high in gravity.  Given that, it's light enough that a few bottles would probably go down pretty easily. Score (out of 5) Brian: 3.25 Devon: 3.25   Erdinger Hefe-Weizen Review Appearance:  Translucent amber, excellent head after pour, a little less head retention than desirable.  Not a lot of visible carbonation. Smell:  Notes of grain, yeast, in equal measure.  The wheat aspect of the beer becomes apparent here right away.  An undercurrent of booziness.  There is a smell of carmalized ester sweetness... Taste:  Nice wheat grain taste without being overly rich.  The sweetness from malt is in evidence, and perhaps the most prominent feature, but in addition there is some non-fruity ester sweetness, and even the alcohol seems a little sweet. Mouthfeel:  Nice mouthfeel - both a little bit sticky and simultaneously efforvescent.  Medium bodied and with a slight oiliness on the backside. Drinkability:  Pretty drinkable.  This is a heady beer, again without being high gravity.  I have, in the past, sessioned this for hours.  I look forward to the next time. Score (out of 5) Brian: 3.75 Devon: 3.75   Brewhalla no 20:07 http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/01/episode-9-the-bourboniest-of-stouts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-9-the-bourboniest-of-stouts http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/01/episode-9-the-bourboniest-of-stouts/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:38:10 +0000 yonbeastie http://www.brewhallashow.com/?p=199 Continue reading →]]> http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/01/episode-9-the-bourboniest-of-stouts/feed/ 0 Barrel-aged,Bourbon,Goose Island,North Coast,Russian Imperial Stout This week we discussed: The origin of Russian Imperial Stouts (3:50) The beauty of bourbon barrel-aged stouts (5:50) - We reviewed: North Coast Barrel-Aged Old Rasputin (9:30) Goose Island Bourbon County Stout 2009 (20:40) This week we discussed: The origin of Russian Imperial Stouts (3:50) The beauty of bourbon barrel-aged stouts (5:50) We reviewed: North Coast Barrel-Aged Old Rasputin (9:30) Goose Island Bourbon County Stout 2009 (20:40) Episode Notes: Sadly, the bottle of Bourbon County ended up being defective due to no fault of our own. We contacted Goose Island, who offered a refund. We'll discuss our conversation with GI on Episode 10. We lost about 2 minutes of our recording, starting at about 20:00. Sorry about that. Most of what was lost was introduction to the Bourbon County   North Coast Barrel-Aged Old Rasputin Review Appearance:  Uneven, creep-esque cover, but with wonderful hazy brown suds above an opaque blackness.  Leaves some nice lace behind. Smell:  Malt heavy coffee nose that warns of booze and hints at hop oil.  Rich and a bit sugary.  A little slightly chemical candied smell occassionally arises. Taste:  Not at full bodied as the smell and appearance imply, but still heavy.  Rich taste of malt, slight hop bitterness, bourbon is rather light but present, and becomes more apparent on the finish.  Sweetness is nice on the tongue but burns a little on the aftertaste.  There were notes of roasted coffee bean throughout. Mouthfeel:  A mostly creamy, viscous mouthfeel, as is appropriate.  Very light carbonation, also appropriate.  A little sudsiness here is actually rather pleasant. Drinkability:  Moderately drinkable; I could happily split a bomber, probably finish a bomber myself.  More than that would be pushing it.  Too much could make me sick. Score (out of 5) Brian: 3.75 Devon: 4   Goose Island Bourbon County (2009) Review Appearance:  Dark as dark; like, really dark.  Black.  Opaque.  Little to no head.  Very little carbonation.  Did I mention it's dark? Smell:  Notes of dark fruit; raisin/prune.  Toffee as well.  Roasted malts have a presence.  Not as potent as anticipated.  Issue: there is no real bourbon smell, which is abnormal. Taste:  Taste is marvelous.  Smooth, not bitter or sweet, but soundly and eloquently in the middle.  A little bit of coffee peaks out in the finish that complements the toffee.  There is a nice bourbon harmony that accentuates the sweet grainy flavors of the imperial stout. Mouthfeel:  Mouthfeel is not as it should be - not as effervescent as it should be, though still creamy and a little bit sticky. Drinkability:  Considering the potency of the libation, it's highly potable, despite being less compelling than it should (due to bottling flaws).  Not worth $40 in this state, but highly enjoyable. Score (out of 5) Brian: 2.5 Devon: 3.0   Brewhalla no 31:38 http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/01/episode-8-bit-o-bubbly/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-8-bit-o-bubbly http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/01/episode-8-bit-o-bubbly/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:15:25 +0000 yonbeastie http://www.brewhallashow.com/?p=184 Continue reading →]]> http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/01/episode-8-bit-o-bubbly/feed/ 0 Boston Beer Company,Champagne,Cook's Winery,Hop Slam,Infinium This week we discussed: Bell's Hopslam (1:42) A beer/champagne showdown (4:32) What's special about champagne? (6:13) - We reviewed: Cook's Extra Dry (California Champagne) (9:14) Boston Beer Company Infinium (12:50) This week we discussed: Bell's Hopslam (1:42) A beer/champagne showdown (4:32) What's special about champagne? (6:13) We reviewed: Cook's Extra Dry (California Champagne) (9:14) Boston Beer Company Infinium (12:50) Episode Notes: The "champagne" we reviewed is not really champagne, as we note in the show. Brian was in charge of buying the champagne and opted for the cheapest bullshit he could find. Success! We've adjusted our format! Please let us know what you think at fans@brewhallashow.com.   Cook's Extra Dry (California Champagne) Review Appearance:  Totally translucent, with little to no color distortion.  Obviously massive carbonation.  No legs, really. Smell:  Smells of fruit and almost chemical tanic sugars. Taste:  The taste is simultaneously dry and sweet, with a very light body as is to be expected from a sparkling wine. Mouthfeel:  Bubbly (duh), with little to know alcohol burn.  Due to the high carbonation, it seems much sweeter. Drinkability:  High drinkability, but nothing particularly unique. Score (out of 5) Brian: 3.5 (this is way too high and I wish I'd said 2.5 -BWN) Devon: 2.5   Boston Beer Company Infinium Review Appearance:  Transparent, though cloudy, and amber in color; sexy carbonation rolling up throughout.  Nice head after pour, with decent retention. Smell:  Aroma is primarily malt an hop, but there is some scent here that is tantalizing familiar and irritatingly unidentifiable.  It has light roasted notes, brown sugar, and just a touch of heat. Taste:  With a little bit of boozy heat up front, it comes down heavy on malt backed by hops.  The heat is gone almost as quickly as it showed up, while the taste of the malt remains and resolves into something remniscent of graham cracker.  The finish is hops entwined with some other flavor which is once again simultaneously and frustratingly familiar and unidentifiable. Mouthfeel:  Creamy at the same time it is efforvescent.  It's very bubbly, making it seem light, and creamy, making it seem heavier.  The bubbling again makes it seem sweeter than it is, and the creamyness plays to the hint of hot. Drinkability:  Pretty high, given that it's as potent as it is.  Perhaps the most compelling aspect is that familiar yet hard to identify taste that generates the "what is this!?" question and coerces the next sip. Score (out of 5) Brian: 2.5 Devon: 4.0   Brewhalla no 25:28 http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/01/episode-7-dopplebocks-cletus-the-fetus/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-7-dopplebocks-cletus-the-fetus http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/01/episode-7-dopplebocks-cletus-the-fetus/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:28:47 +0000 yonbeastie http://www.brewhallashow.com/?p=167 Continue reading →]]> http://www.brewhallashow.com/2012/01/episode-7-dopplebocks-cletus-the-fetus/feed/ 0 Ayinger,Bell's,Dopplebock This week we discussed: Genome of Brettanomyces successfully sequenced (2:57) MIT researchers develop imagining system that captures movement of light (7:35) - We reviewed two Dopplebocks: Bell's Consecrator (12:42) This week we discussed: Genome of Brettanomyces successfully sequenced (2:57) MIT researchers develop imagining system that captures movement of light (7:35) We reviewed two Dopplebocks: Bell's Consecrator (12:42) Ayinger Celebrator (17:50) Fan mail (21:30) Episode notes: I (Brian) referred to brettanomyces as  "bacteria" several times, when it is actually a non-spore forming yeast. Check the wiki for more info. Our good friend Tyler (a.k.a, Cletus the Fetus) visited the show and watched us record, which may explain how quickly we moved along. THAT FETUS MADE US NERVOUS, MAN! Bell's Consecrator Review Appearance:  An opaque onyx, visible carbonation, surprising retention for a doppel; nice lacing left behind. Smell:  Yeast, with roasted malt sugar notes.  Grainy smell becomes more concentrated the longer the beer remains in the glass.  not lots of complexity, but very solid and compelling. Taste:  the strongest taste here is molasses; all of the smells are also echoed in the taste; yeast, malt, grains.  It is stunningly nice. Mouthfeel:  Nice carbonation, creamy, wonderfully viscous. Drinkability:  I could have a pitcher, this goes down easy, and will continue to do so ad infinitum. Score (out of 5) Devon: 3.0 Brian: 3.0 Ayinger Celebrator Review Appearance:  A lighter daybreak brown, nice initial head, little retention, next to no lacing. Smell:  Yeast, malt and a little bit of skunk, not much of hops, and a smell of almost citrus fruit that disappears and resurfaces as you inhale. Taste:  A slightly skunky taste as well, with Roasty grain and an almost pilsner-like baked bread quality. A subtle sweetness co-mingled with bitterness lingers after the prominent tastes have dissipated. Mouthfeel:  Mediocre carbonation, a little bit of creaminess, marginally detectable heat. Drinkability:  I could have a pitcher, but I'd need something to eat with it.  I'm not really a fan of drinking it by itself, but with a steak or with burgers it'd be pretty sessionable. Score (out of 5) Devon: 4.0 Brian: 4.0 Brewhalla no 29:01 http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/12/episode-6-winter-bur-boozin-with-your-favorite-video-games/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-6-winter-bur-boozin-with-your-favorite-video-games http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/12/episode-6-winter-bur-boozin-with-your-favorite-video-games/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:01:19 +0000 yonbeastie http://www.brewhallashow.com/?p=151 Continue reading →]]> http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/12/episode-6-winter-bur-boozin-with-your-favorite-video-games/feed/ 0 New Belgium,Sam Adams,Southern Tier,Winter Ale This week we discussed: The excitement over Sam Adams Infinium (7:00) Video games and beer: Sharing a pint with your favorite characters (16:10) - We reviewed two Winter Beers: New Belgium Snow Day (30:04) Southern Tier Old Man (38:25) - This week we discussed: The excitement over Sam Adams Infinium (7:00) Video games and beer: Sharing a pint with your favorite characters (16:10) We reviewed two Winter Beers: New Belgium Snow Day (30:04) Southern Tier Old Man (38:25) Episode notes: We had planned to review two saisons this episode, but we became irresponsible in the days leading up to the recording and drank them both. New Belgium Snow Day Review Appearance:  Opaque blackness with a sheen of carbonated bronze, nice head with little retention and pleasant lacing. Smell:  Malty graininess, light yeast, raisin-y esters, aromatic hops and a little funk. Taste:  Tastes largely like it smells.  The malt is the prominent flavor, with a somewhat spicy yet remote sweetness that speaks of snow-covered fields and elementary school being closed.  A pleasant undertone of hops adds that bus routes have been cancelled.  A little roasted and bitter, but unobtrusively so. Mouthfeel:  Light but lingering, it is somewhat creamy without being heavy, goes down smooth not sticky, yet lets the taste stay behind.  Very little heat, with forgettable but appropriate carbonation. Drinkability:  This is the kind of beer you order in November/December by the pitcher while you are watching the game.  You can drink plenty, but it doesn't insist that it be consumed. Score (out of 5) Devon: 3.0 Brian: 2.5 Southern Tier Old Man Review Appearance:  A lighter daybreak brown, nice initial head, little retention, next to no lacing. Smell:  Yeast, malt and a little bit of skunk, not much of hops, and a smell of almost citrus fruit that disappears and resurfaces as you inhale. Taste:  A slightly skunky taste as well, with Roasty grain and an almost pilsner-like baked bread quality. A subtle sweetness co-mingled with bitterness lingers after the prominent tastes have dissipated. Mouthfeel:  Mediocre carbonation, a little bit of creaminess, marginally detectable heat. Drinkability:  I could have a pitcher, but I'd need something to eat with it.  I'm not really a fan of drinking it by itself, but with a steak or with burgers it'd be pretty sessionable. Score (out of 5) Devon: 3.5 Brian: 3.0 Brewhalla no 51:08 http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/11/episode-5-bourbon-days/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-5-bourbon-days http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/11/episode-5-bourbon-days/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:50:19 +0000 yonbeastie http://www.brewhallashow.com/?p=136 Continue reading →]]> http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/11/episode-5-bourbon-days/feed/ 0 Bonded,Bourbon,Buffalo Trace,Old Granddad This week we discussed: Minneapolis bottle shop charging $40 for Surly Darkness? (6:00) How to taste/review bourbon (12:55) - We reviewed: Old Granddad Bonded [bourbon] (16:30) Buffalo Trace [bourbon] (28:15) - Episode notes: - This week we discussed: Minneapolis bottle shop charging $40 for Surly Darkness? (6:00) How to taste/review bourbon (12:55) We reviewed: Old Granddad Bonded [bourbon] (16:30) Buffalo Trace [bourbon] (28:15) Episode notes: We got a little sloppy drunk here. In fact, when we finished recording we stretched out some cots on the floor of the brewery and simply fell asleep. This was on a Tuesday. Notes on bourbon tasting: As a general rule, a darker color usually indicates greater depth/complexity. Smell is super important, breathing should be done through the nose and mouth. Allow a small amount to coat the tongue, starting at the tip.   Old Granddad Bonded Review Appearance:  Light amber on the outside, darker and richer in the middle, very translucent. Smell:  A woody aroma just under the fire of alcohol, and a faint but definite smell of grain, with just a hint of sap. Taste:  A lightly sweet taste, almost a raisin-y sweetness that might more commonly be associated with sherry.  A certain caramel comes out as it evaporates from the tongue. Score (out of 5) Devon: 3.0 Brian: 1.0   Buffalo Trace Review Appearance:  A more golden color of amber, with a ruby heart, not totally see-through. Smell:  Apple and cherry on the nose blended with the heat.  A hint of toffee sweetness lingers. Taste:  Honey right away, burn in the middle, cherry on the finish, a slight fruitiness and a definite oak-wood taste throughout. Score (out of 5) Devon: 4.0 Brian: 2.0   Brewhalla no 41:20 http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/11/episode-4-the-nearly-extinct-style-a-google-beer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-4-the-nearly-extinct-style-a-google-beer http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/11/episode-4-the-nearly-extinct-style-a-google-beer/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:19:56 +0000 yonbeastie http://www.brewhallashow.com/?p=122 Continue reading →]]> http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/11/episode-4-the-nearly-extinct-style-a-google-beer/feed/ 0 August Schell,Dogfish Head,Fruit Beer,Lambic,New Glarus,Sixpoint This week we discussed: Surly Darkness 2011 (2:45) Devon's Halloween costume (6:33) August Schell's resurrection of the nearly extinct English-style Burton Ale (9:50) The Google and Dogfish Head collaborative beer "URKontinent" (16:19) - This week we discussed: Surly Darkness 2011 (2:45) Devon's Halloween costume (6:33) August Schell's resurrection of the nearly extinct English-style Burton Ale (9:50) The Google and Dogfish Head collaborative beer "URKontinent" (16:19) We reviewed: New Glarus 'Raspberry Tart' (25:05) New Glarus 'Unplugged Cran-bic' (33:00) Episode Notes: If consistency of sound volume is again an issue (it is), fear not, we'll be picking up some monitor headphones so we can keep tabs on our levels as we record.   New Glarus 'Raspberry Tart' Review Appearance: Just gorgeously clear, this brew is a darker burgundy color.  It has nice head initially, but with little retention.  Nice carbonation, light but pleasant lacing. Smell: Super fruity, berry in abundance with raspberry prominent.  There is sweetness from fruit, to be sure, but also from malt.  Strangely, it almost smells like a slightly sour ruby port. Taste: The raspberry is tart, as the title implies, but isn't too tart or sweet, and though strong, not overpowering.  It has enough grain that coupled with the raspberry, it almost has a pie-like quality to it. Mouthfeel: Slightly sticky, moderately carbonated, nothing super polarizing anywhere here, but well done to open up the beer and capitalize on the flavor potential. Drinkability: Medium drinkability; I can't wait to refill my glass, though it is in danger of becoming cloying. Score (out of 5) Brian: 3.0 Devon: 4.0   New Glarus 'Unplugged Cran-bic' Review Appearance: Stunning clarity, very light in color, somewhere between orange and carnation pink, with a light ruby heart.  visible but very mild carbonation, with almost no cover or lacing. Smell: The cranberry smell is up front, and has a candied quality to it.  There is very little to the smell other than candied cranberry and a slight alcohol, as in a low gravity wine. Taste: Simultaneously sweet and sour, it ignites many tastebuds along the tongue and asserts an almost crabapple tartness on the finish, which is very unique.  Pleasant and interesting, but not amazing. Mouthfeel: Slightly sticky, the carbonation leaves a little to be desired, though it does 'pop' on the finish, and just a trace of heat is detectable. Drinkability: A couple of bottles would go down great; all the candied fruit, and the antipodal quality of the sweet and sour, can become overbearing. Score (out of 5) Brian: 3.5 Devon: 3.5   Brewhalla no 41:59 http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/10/episode-3-beer-de-nodak-the-knights-of-a-b/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-3-beer-de-nodak-the-knights-of-a-b http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/10/episode-3-beer-de-nodak-the-knights-of-a-b/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:00:41 +0000 yonbeastie http://www.brewhallashow.com/?p=55 Continue reading →]]> http://www.brewhallashow.com/2011/10/episode-3-beer-de-nodak-the-knights-of-a-b/feed/ 0 Anheuser-Busch,Belgium,Crispin,Darkness Day,Fargo Beer,Great Pumpkin Fest,Sake,Surly,Trappist In episode 3 we talk about Devon's visit to Elysian's Great Pumpkin Fest in Seattle and Brian's upcoming trip to Surly's Darkness Day in Minneapolis. We discuss North Dakota's "first beer" from the Fargo Beer Company and an unusual honor given to two A... In episode 3 we talk about Devon's visit to Elysian's Great Pumpkin Fest in Seattle and Brian's upcoming trip to Surly's Darkness Day in Minneapolis. We discuss North Dakota's "first beer" from the Fargo Beer Company and an unusual honor given to two Anheuser-Busch brewers. We finish off by reviewing two of Crispin's specialty ciders, "Cho-Tokkyu" and "The Saint." Brewhalla no 48:56