Erin Reviewing Beer

Hi Fi Pumpkin Ale - HOLY COW

2013-09-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

Sneak peak:

OK...I was just given a sneak peak of Hi Fi's Pumpkin ale...and WOW!!

They use butternut squash in the boil, not the mash. Then, they use cardamon, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla bean to make this incredible flavor.

It smells and tastes like thanksgiving. One other regular patron described it as tasting and smelling like gingerbread.

Gingerbread in a beer?? You can get it at the main release on Oct 12th, at the "Welcome back the Rain" party at Hi Fi, starting at noon.

YES, PLEASE!

Hi Fi Brewing, Redmond, WA

2013-09-27T18:09:00.002-07:00

Redmond is becoming quite the hop stop.

Joining the list is Hi Fi Brewing, just outside of the main Redmond downtown, Hi Fi sits nearly across the street from another popular Redmond hop stop, Black Raven Brewing.

What's different about Hi Fi, is noticeable immediately upon walking in to the tap room (which is also where they brew their beers).

The aesthetics are very modern and clean, but also feel a bit retro. The lighting helps keep it feeling warm and inviting, while a wall of what look to be speakers keeps patron's chatter from bouncing off the polished concrete floors.

Being a chick, what I dig immediately about Hi Fi is their beers are SUPER flavorful, but lower in alcohol. So, I can have two or three beers without feeling completely out of it.

The owners of Hi Fi are fun people. They are usually at the shop, hanging out with customers, telling their stories about birthing their baby, and making sure everything looks in top-top-shape. They met at a homebrewers conference, all being highly experienced in the homebrewing game. You'll even find some of their homebrew recipes on tap here.

Ok, ok. Here's the beers:

Summer Ale: Meh. I don't like how pale-ale-ish this one is. As far as lighter beer goes, I'm a sucker for the realllly light stuff. Radeberger, etc. 4.6%, 25 IBU.

Vienna Lager: Yum. I love this one. It's a nice middle ground between an IPA and a pils. Most people I share this beer with are right with me. It's also super drinkable at 4.3% and 26 IBU.

English Pale: Come and try it and tell me what you think :)

IPA: Standard, decent session. I feel like the IPA culture is all the "knock your socks off" type IPA's, so this one that is a standard in all respects, but a few folks may think it's too light. IPA. 6.3%, 70 IBU.

Porter: Right now, it's on nitro, and it's DELICIOUS. I could drink this for a while. Not too hoppy, malty, super flavorful, feels like a "back to the roots" porter with coffee and caramel tones. 5.1%, 40 IBU's.

THEN - they have their Mixtape series. Mixtape beers are special edition blends of their other beers.

2013-06-23T22:42:00.001-07:00

Alpine Brewing Bohemian Pilsner

During our first visit to the newly-opened "The Collection on Tap" in Woodinville, I noticed this as the only pilsner on tap. At first, I was disappointed there weren't more light options, but after trying one sip of this beer, I was happy to drink it for the rest of the night. At 5.3% AVB, this was exactly what I was looking for on a muggy NW evening.

The first flavor is a light, lager-like taste, then the light malts, and finally light hops - more complex than a standard pilsner, but not too heavy for the weather. I would have gotten a growler of this if I was in need.

Fremont Seattle Week Organic Pale Ale

Super drinkable pale ale. Light and crisp, but with the usual hoppy finish. What made this beer different was how light it was for a pale ale. At 4.5%, this was absolutely a session beer, which is expected, but hard to find in a pale ale.

Great alternative to an IPA, a beer you can drink all evening long, with whatever you're eating. Likely not to last long, get it while you can, and tell me what you think in the comments.

Black Raven Beak Tweaker Citrus IPA

We ended the night at our usual spot, Black Raven brewing.

What an amazing IPA. I might actually crave this one in the summers. Black Raven released this beer just over two weeks ago, and bottles are already gone. It's phenomenal.

It tastes like a light IPA, but add in lemon flavor, and you'd think you've got a hef with a lemon it. At 6.5% AVB, you can only have a few, but you'll be refreshed all night.

Perfect for a hot summer night. Go try it out, and report back.

Here's to beers,

Erin

Funny Story

2011-09-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

I tried a few beers about two weeks ago, and wrote them all down. Then I was too drunk to remember where I put the list. That's funny, right?

So now I'm reviewing random stuff. this post will grow until I feel like it's done.

Starting with (drum roll) a collaboration brew from two of my favorite breweries...Boulevard and Deschutes. Maybe they met somewhere around Wyoming to figure this out. It's #2 of Boulevard's Smokestack Series.

This White IPA is 7.4%. Boulevard's description says:
"Combining Boulevard’s expertise at making Belgian-style witbiers with Deschutes’ skill at brewing hop-forward ales, this beer puts a new spin on the idea of collaborative brewing"
Smells like a Belgian. Tastes like a hoppy Belgian. Great mix. Awesome beer. I got my bottle at Pete's in Bellevue.

Happy beers to you,

Erin

Random Weeknight Beers at Tap House

2011-07-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

Shocking, I was at Tap House last night.

I wouldn't typically review a couple of beers from a random night at TH, but I had a seasonal from Anderson Valley that was just so different I have to share.

Anderson Valley, Summer Solstice
This beer tastes like a Cadbury Egg. Not an exaggeration. Only 5% but SO sweet, it tastes like you're drinking sugar syrup with a little carbonation. If you love sweet beer, try this. If you like hoppy or bitter beers, you will not like this. It was hard to finish.

Rating A: 2
Rating B: 1

Monday Night Movie @Lot 3!

2011-07-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

What a sweet surprise--Lot 3 in Bellevue plays a movie every Monday night at 10...last night was The Usual Suspects...fantastic! They had food and booze specials to go along with it...including caramel corn...YUM.

I drank: Racer 5 IPA (on draught) and an Allagash White, which was their happy hour beer.

This post isnt really about the beer, I've reviewed both of these before, just to share that Lot3 is now really really my favorite place vs. just mostly my favorite place.

Russian River Brewery, Santa Rosa, CA (a.k.a. "Mecca")

2011-05-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

It was happy hour on a great sunny Sunday in Santa Rosa, after spending the weekend celebrating Jason's Nannie's 80th birthday. Drinking, drinking and more drinking! The Irish, what can I say?

Erudition, Belgian series

IBU's: 32

A.b.v: 7.15%

Sweet, floral and hoppy...may have just been the Pliney I had first...kind of tainted this one for a few sips. Didn't leave a big impression, unfortunately. It was good, not great.

Salvation, Belgian series

I.B.U's:20

A.b.v.:9%

I. Love. This. Beer. Low IBU's, high alcohol...usually a favorite among my taste buds. What was also awesome about this was how cheap it was compared to what we pay for it in the bottle up here.

Blind Pig I.P.A.

I.B.U's: 72

A.b.v.:6%

I really liked this, a nice, kind of light IPA. Nothing super remarkable, but very drinkable, could have had a few. This was the last beer of the evening, and went very nicely with the uber famous beer bites (mentioned more on the Yelp reviews than the beer.)

Perdition, Belgian series

A.b.v.:6.3%

Very drinkable, pretty carbonated, medium body. Caramel in color. A little spicey.

Pliney the Elder

I.B.U's: 92

A.b.v.:8%

The IBU's tell you how hoppy this is--crazy hoppy. I was really hoping to see the Younger on tap, since I've had the Elder before, but no such luck. Bitter, sweet, floral. Yum :)

Believe it! Finally, a new post!

2011-05-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

During my travels researching all of the wonderful beers of the shoulder season, I've encountered some really, really good beers.

Victory Brewing, Yakima Glory Ale

Brewed with hops from Washington's Yakima Valley (also where Budweiser gets most of their American grown hops). Sweet, hoppy, red in color and very malty. Only available seasonally, I found it at Tap House. 8.7% abv. Read more and watch a video on the making of this beer.

Boulevard Brewing Company, Brew Boss Tom's Golden Bock

Only available April and May--get it while it's out. Light in color, but plenty of flavor. At 6.1% you can have a few and still walk around just fine (unlike the Glory Ale, above.) Found this at Tap House as well. Sweet, kind of heavy, would have paired great with a brat or something vinegary.

Stone Brewing, Cali-Belgique IPA
In a word: phenomenal. It hits your mouth like it's a much higher abv, but it sits at 6.9% abv. What makes this beer really unique, is that it's actually the regular Stone IPA, just with a different strand of yeast--it completely changes the beer. Definitely a Belgian inspired IPA, reminded me of the Allagash Tripel. I've only found this in one place--Bambino's Pizzeria in Belltown.

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Co., Triskaidekaphobia 13th Anniversary Tripel Ale
I have no idea how to say the name of this beer, but it was goooood. We bought a bomber and a growler of a beer I'll review next. Bought from the brewery after a long hike; great end to the day. Maybe because I compare every Tripel to the best of the best--the Allagash Tripel, and this one hit all the marks. Sweet, hoppy, refreshing. If I knew how to say the name I might talk about it more.8.6% abv.

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Co., Double IPA
I think this might be limited edition, because I can't find it listed anywhere online. I don't have much info about it, we got a growler directly from the brewery. I would guess somewhere around 9% abv. Strong and hoppy, bold, when served really cold it's really, really tasty. Drank it with a couple of good steaks off the grill.

Time Off for Research

2011-04-05T17:18:00.001-07:00

Hello! It's been a couple of months, I've been off researching beers. I have remembered to document some. I will be doing more research in the coming weeks and will report back at that time. Cheers! (literally).

Catching Up!

2011-01-24T17:01:00.000-08:00

Over the past few days I've taken some time off of work for some much needed rest...some of that rest ended up taking place at bars.

Scuttlebutt, 10 Degrees Below
I'm surprised I haven't had this winter beer until now--when winter beers are being phased out. This is a great beer. Molasses and licorice flavors. Reminds me a bit of Black Butte Porter. 7.4% abv.
Rating A: 4
Rating B:4

Pike Brewing, Monk's Uncle Tripel
I tried this beer at the Pike Brewery while I was killing time waiting for my hair appointment in Belltown. Really great Belgian Tripel, and the bartenders were very knowledgeable. 9% abv and 34 IBU's means this refreshing beer also packs a punch. Orangey after taste, bitter and sweet but hoppy and bubbly. Also had their steamed mussles...very good pairing.
Rating A: 4.5
Rating B: 4

Bayern, Oktoberfest
I had the option of drinking SO many other beers this weekend, while we were in Leavenworth...and I kept coming right back to this one. Perfectly balanced, malty, much darker than I anticipated an Oktoberfest, darker than a Dunkel I also tried. Brewed in Missoula, Montana by a true German brewery--the owner and brewer are originally from Germany and brew all of their beers in traditional styles. So rich, a little bit nutty, bold and lingering. I would buy this again and again, and at 6% abv, I did. Tried it at The Loft, the newest bar in Leavenworth, where we also enjoyed the playoff games and some great sausages and stuffed jalapenos.
Rating A: 5
Rating B: 5

Friday IPA

2011-01-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to welcome my good friend, Jason Golden, to my blog! Read more about Jason after you read about one of his favorite IPA's...

When the cumulative stress of the work week has finally exceeded my capacity to handle it anymore, I know it's Friday. To reset my mood for the brief respite that is the weekend, I join my coworkers in Beer O'Clock (otherwise known as an hour before we take off). In truth, the beer is usually average and exceedingly commercial, but good conversation is really the goal. Occasionally, though, we up the ante and reach for a beer that puts us in our perfect spot. For me, that's Indian Pale Ale (IPA).

There's a lot of IPA out there, but for me a classic Northwest IPA is ideal, loaded to the brim with hops, almost cloying-so. Casual beer drinkers typically reject the first sip of a loaded IPA, claiming it's too bitter or even acidic. But to me, the bitters give it edge, a sharp cliff that divides the floral aromas with the tang and long honey and copper flavor, with a hint of caramel and maybe some hazelnut.

Ironically now that I'm in Colorado, I think I may have found the best Northwest IPA I've ever had. And that brew is today's Beer O'Clock IPA.

Great Divide Titan IPA

Aromas of young pine needle tips with a hint of lemon zest and maybe hazelnut, all infused in a deluge of hops, probably Cascade. Huge edge to the hops, almost abrasively so, but yields to rich malts and tangy hops, with a long, fresh, full flavor that is so clean and balanced. 7.1% ABV.

Visit Great Divide

Jason Golden lives in Denver, CO, surrounded by hundreds of Mile High breweries, including a dozen within a 30 minute walk. He prefers IPA, but is curious about pilsners and imperial stouts, and generally anything that's not a wheat beer. His wife loves wheat beer, naturally. When not drinking IPA, Jason's usually perfecting his palate at some foodie restaurant or over a glass of wine. Or he's out cycling. But usually not both at the same time. Except last week - it was awkward.

BCS Championship at Tap House

2011-01-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

Dogfish Head, Chicory Stout
The chicory definitely added a chocolate flavor to this stout. I've not tried many Dogfish Head beers, but will give some of their other beers a shot. I would have expected more complex flavor since chicory isn't typically called out as an ingredient in a stout...it was mostly just chocolately.

Rating 1: 2
Rating 2: 1

Anderson Valley, Black IPA
My first encounter with a black IPA...all of my favorite qualities in a porter, but a little bit hoppy--great combination! Anderson Valley has a great reputation, and this beer doesn't disappoint. I'll definitely be seeking out other black IPA's.

Rating A: 5
Rating B: 4

Maritime Pacific Nightwatch Dark Ale
I requested something from the bartender along the lines of what I'd been drinking. He recommended this delicious dark ale from Maritime. I had the pleasure of trying other Maritime beers at the Washington Beer Festival about a month ago, and was impressed. This tastes like a stout, with rich chocolate and coffee notes.

Rating 1: 4
Rating 2: 3.5

Ninkasi, Total Domination IPA
I am doing my best to get a more well-rounded tasting of beers, and that means embracing the IPA. I've discovered that I really like darker IPA's, as stated above with the Anderson Valley IPA, and this was along the same lines. Darker, malty but hoppy--great balance. I'm told their Tricerihops is unbelievable.

Rating 1: 4.5
Rating 2: 3.5

Brouwer's

2011-01-08T16:25:00.001-08:00

Cascade Fresh Hop Porter

It's hard to find Cascade on tap up here--Bottleworks has a few bottles, but was lucky enough to find this on tap at Brouwer's tonight. Great beer. Light body, complex taste. Smooth and warming, nutty, rich. Mmmm. Oregon made.

Rating 1: 4.5

Rating 2: 5

Long Ovedue--More Winter Beers!

2010-12-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

Hello! While I haven't been posting, I've definitely been enjoying plenty of great beers.
You'll notice I've started a rating system--read more about it here.

Bosteels Brewery, Tripel Karmeliet
Bosteels is legit, the real deal. Located in Belgium, they also make Kwak, that delightful golden Belgian ale.
The Tripel Karmeliet is bottle fermented, and you can taste the bitter/sweet fermented flavor...very unique and memorable. A little lemony, a little hoppy. It contains three types of grain--wheat, oats and barley. If you're in the mood for something a little different, that packs a punch, try this. 8.4% abv.
Rating A: 4
Rating B: 3

New Belgium, Lips of Faith, La Folie Sour Brown Ale
I'm not typically a sour beer drinker, but a good friend said that this was the best beer on tap at Tap House...so I had to try it. Definitely different, I thought it was well above the 6% abv because of the strong flavor...but that's just the sourness.
While I'm glad I tried it, I cant say it's my favorite. I've had other sours (a while back, when I wasn't taking notes) that I remember liking, but they were darker and more malty.
Rating A: 4.5 (although, I think I need to try more for my rating to be relevant)
Rating B: 4

Rogue, Santa's Private Reserve
Great picture, eh? I was being artsy with our tree.
Anyway. I really liked this beer. Rogue rarely disappoints, and you can't go wrong with the man of the season being on your beer bottle. This is a red ale, and tasted like Christmas...a little piney, actually. Their description online says "spruce" finish. Double hopped.
Rating A: 4.5
Rating B: 4

Ridgeway, Lump of Coal
This is interesting. Lump of Coal is brewed in England by Ridgeway, but imported by Shelton Brothers, a company dedicated to finding craft brews from around the world and bringing them here. Cheers! Lump of Coal is just as it sounds...dark, heavy and sticks with you for a while. At 8% abv, it's sure to cheer you up, if you were, say, to...have been bad :)

Deschutes, Jubelale Nitro
I really enjoyed this beer. Settles in the glass like a Guiness (because it's a nitro) and it's just as dark and smooth. Very malty, I would love another! Warming, but not too much, at 6.7%. It's only available for three months, October through December, so get it while you can.
Rating A: 3.5
Rating B: 3

Unibroue Trois Pistoles
Yummmm. Lot's of "m's" on that one. Dark, a little bit bitter, but mostly malty and smooth. Spicey but grounded. This was the one that may have put me over the top...9% abv. This is a top fermented Abbey Style strong dark ale.
Rating A: 4
Rating B: 4

21st Amendment Hop Crisis
Generally agreed, this was hoppy but not overbearing. I recognized, while with a group of beer snobs, that I couldn't very well write a beer blog and state that I don't like hoppy beers. I mean...what is beer made of? So, I'm stepping in to the world of hoppy beers and this was a great start. I've written about 21st Amendment before, when I had a Fireside Chat. Solid brewery, solid beers. I really can't wait to try their Monk's Blood Belgian Dark Ale, coming out on Feb 20th. Just in time for my birthday :)
Rating A: 3.5
Rating B: 4

Washington Winter Beer Festival

2010-12-11T19:18:00.000-08:00

I look forward to this every year...we just got home and I already can't wait for next year's event. We always meet very interesting people at the Washington Winter Beer Festival--brewers, patrons, and other vendors. This event takes place at the Hale's Palladium, at Hales Brewery in Seattle, and is sponsored by the Washington Beer Commission.We bought an extra set of beer tokens each, so I had 11. We each received a 4 oz taster glass.

Nuts! Literally...nuts. There was a great nut roaster called CB's Nuts at the event...with peanuts, and all sorts of other nuts. These were honestly the best peanuts we've ever had, and Tom, from CB's even let us have the very last package of their Pumpkin Seeds...not your normal seeds...so much better. We bought a few bags of nuts for stocking stuffers, and thoroughly enjoyed our experience at the nut station. Check them out at shop.cbsnuts.com

First: Elysian, Bifrost Winter Ale
Now, I'm not just going to be nice because the brewer asked me to email him my blog. Please excuse the gloating. Seriously; as many regular readers of my blog know...I don't like hoppy beers. Yes, I know I'm limiting myself, but I can't ignore my very obnoxious and opinionated taste buds. The Bifrost is an exception to the no-hoppy beers rule. I'd gladly drink an entire pint...especially during the holidays. Not only is this an exception to my no-hoppy beers rule, but it's also an exception to my no-dark Winter beers rule. It's assumed. C'mon...winter beers are always dark Except this one...just as the description reads, it's strong, hoppy and smooth. Complex hoppy flavor, but not overpowering like an IPA. 7.6% abv.

Elysian Oak Frost
This is the Bifrost, conditioned with oak staves. I definitely got hit with the Oak...right away. Then, it mellowed out to reveal the Bifrost, which you read about above. The description reads "just a taste of oak," which I feel is inaccurate...it was obviously very oakey at first. Great twist.

7 Seas Brewing, Saison
Great French Saison...from Washington! 6%, from 7 Seas our of Gig Harbor. I'm not too familiar with French beers, but after tasting this Saison, I think I'll try a few more. Not only was it poured by Santa, but it was mildly complex, like a white Belgian, but more hoppy.

Black Raven, 2010 Bourbon Barrel la Petite Mort
Very big fan...which makes sense since it's a Belgian. Tastes like a french Abbey ale, it's aged in bourbon barrels. It won the 2010 World Beer Cup silver medal in the wood and barrel aged strong ale category. I could drink many pints of this. Not only was the beer great, but the brewery put tons of effort in to their display and that earns points here as well. To top it off, they are from where I spent most of my childhood...Redmond, WA. 8.8%.

Diamond Knot, Industrial HO HO HONot my favorite of the evening, but a standard ale. A little bit sweet, a lot hoppy...tiny bit smooth. Not much to note here. 8.5% abv.

Fish Head Brewing, Boulder Bend Dunkleweizen
Although highly rated by craft beer enthusiasts (so says the program) I didn't find anything outstanding about this beer. Well-balanced, I guess you would call that, medium hops, medium malt. 4.7% abv.

Fremont Brewing, Bourbon Abominable Ale
Wow. This was strong. Very good, tasted like a port wine. Would love to have a full pint. Dark, chocolaty, fruity, malty and kind of spicy. 8.5%

Hale's Ales Brewery Quadruppel Belgian Style Strong Dark
All of the words in the name of this beer are good. My favorite of the evening, as far as dark beers go. Very smooth, sweet, barley wine-ish. Bourbon barrel aged. 12%.

Southpoint Porter

Great porter. I love porters, and this winter beer did not disappoint. Toasted nutty flavor, slight coffee flavor.

Issaquah Brewhouse, White Frog Belgian Wit

Spicy Belgian, perfect for Winter. Big fan, I'll be trying this out at the brewery itself. Would have been better with an orange slice, to enhance the spices.

Pike Brewing, Auld Acquaintance Holiday Ale
Not a fan...this was my least favorite of the night. I've often thought Pike was more of a tourist destination than a great brewery. This confirmed that. Way too bitter, and not from hops...from either the orange or coriander.

Silver City Brewery, Imperial Stout
Sweet, not very "stouty" though...no traditional stout trademarks like coffee or chocolate...which are the reasons I like stouts. 9.2%.

Two beers Brewing, Cask Conditioned Jive Espresso Stout
WOW. This was amazing. It's infused with banana, cacao nibs and vanilla. All of those flavors were noticeable. It's like the everlasting gobstopper from Willy Wonka...the flavor keeps morphing, even after you're done drinking it. Very enjoyable experience, and very nice people.

Sam Adams Winter Beers

2010-12-06T23:26:00.000-08:00

This blog will be a work in progress, as I make my way through the four winter beers in this set. Available at the grocery store, or Costco (for a 24 pack), these daily drinkers are really very good.

Sam Adams Chocolate Bock
There's a great balance between malty chocolate and hops...a little coffee, a little caramel...overall very good. I definitely don't drink this with food...there are other beers in the set that are less complex that I would choose instead...this one's an after dinner drinker.

Rogue Hazlenut Brown Nectar...again

2010-12-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

I have to write about this again, because after my first try, I had it two more times and each was better than the one before.

Rogue, Hazlenut Brown Nectar
On tap, this truly earns the claim of being a nectar. I think the very first bottle I had was a little "aged," because the 2nd bottle, and then the draft were both so much better. I couldn't stop sipping from the pint, trying to extend the life of those 16 ounces...each sip was so delightful and savory. Hazelnut is clearly the star of the show, but the deep nutty aftertaste is so intense and yummy. I would drink this all the time if I could get it on tap at home.

Winter Ales Abound

2010-12-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. The weather, the feeling I get during this time of year, the decorating, food, lights, and winter beers make it all that much better.

Trader Joes, Unibroue Vintage Ale 2010
This is made by Unibroue, the well-reputed makers of La Fin Du Monde, Blanche de Chambly, and other amazing beers. Unibroue is in Chambly, Quebec, Canada. This year's Trader Joe's Vintage Ale (they custom make one each year for Trader Joe's) is by far my favorite of the past three years. Smooth, sweet and malty, three of my favorite adjectives when it comes to beer. 9% abv means you can enjoy a couple of pints of this delicious liquid. I like it after dinner with a gingerbread cookie.
Apologies for the terrible picture.

21st Amendment, Fireside Chat
Had this at Tap House last night...very disappointed with their selection, as they were out of four of their more popular winter beers, including a Russian River I had my eye on. A little bit hoppy, but mostly malty, this dark ale lives up to the high standard that 21st Amendment has set with the rest of their beers (dont judge them by the can). Mostly IPA's, 21st Amendment brews out of San Francisco. Definitely recommend trying out the Fireside Chat. You could even go next door to Lot 3, in Bellevue, and try this brewery's Brew Free or Die IPA...in a can.

Big Al, Winter Warmer
I've never had a Big Al before, despite seeing them on tap fairly often...being from Seattle (brewed in White Center...probably wont venture over there.) Not terribly impressed...no distinct flavor stood out, a tiny hint of coffee, but other than that, a very basic dark ale. I presume you'd drink this if you were having a very flavorful meal that you didn't want to interrupt.

Sunday Night Football

2010-11-29T09:40:00.000-08:00

Firestone, Walker's Reserve Robust Porter
This one's from a bottle we grabbed at Whole Foods after our exploration of their Tap Room (see previous post). Tasted like a basic porter to me...a little coffee, a little smokey. The difference, I think, is that this beer is so smooth...without any of the usual flavors sticking out too much. Firestone is in Paso Robles, CA. 5.9% abv.

Whole Foods Tap Room

2010-11-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

Yep. I said Whole Foods...as in the grocery store.
I'm in Santa Rosa, CA, just north of SF, and the new WF here has an actual tavern in the back of the store. Better yet, their bakery is just behind the tavern, and they make amazing giant pretzels. Talk about heaven!

Stone Brewing, Lucky Bastard
8.2%
Escondido, CA
This one's a combo of their other three popular "bastard," ales, and definitely as hoppy. A little bit of a cherry flavor. If you're a fan of Arrogant Bastard, you'll like Lucky Bastard. The bartender told me this was the last keg they had, and they only got two, as did most of the other "select" pubs in CA. I dont like hoppy beers, so this one wasn't a favorite, but I knew some of my hoppy friends would appreciate a positive review. This is a positive review :)

St. Bernardus, ABF 12
WOW. I would drink this more often if I could find it. One of the few kegs of the ABF12 in the US, I would imagine...and was told. This beer is very sweet, but just yeasty and deep enough to still taste like beer vs. a barley wine or some other malt. Really really really good. Mostly just mellow and smooth, nothing too distinct. This is a 10.5%, another WOW.

Anderson Valley, Winter Solstice
6.9%
Tasted vanilla right away...but wasn't identifiable as such at first, until a few of us tried it and agreed on what "that" taste was. Vanilla is a very warming, comforting flavor in beer, when done right. This wasn't too sweet, it was more of a dark vanilla bean flavor, added just the right hints of that distinctive flavor. Very good.

Real Women Drink Porter

2010-11-28T19:04:00.000-08:00

Elysian Perseus Porter
On tap at SeaTac...great stuff...Smokey finish, smooth going down, a little sweet, a little coffee flavor. Great standard Porter...and perfect for a cold Thanksgiving day.
Happy belated Thanksgiving!

Friday night with friends

2010-11-22T11:05:00.000-08:00

We had some good friends over on Friday night, and had brats from Bill the Butcher, complete with kraut and German potato salad. YUM. Picked up 5 bottles that I had never tried before:

Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar
This is basically what I would think nectar tastes like. This beer was delicious--sweet and smooth, but light, not too sweet. Really great way to kick off the evening, especially with the Irish cheddar, salami and fig jam appetizers. I'm going to put this on our list of usuals.

Gouden Carolus Noel
Wow, this brewery is old. From Mechelen, Belgium, started in 1369. 10% alcohol. Really complex, deep flavor, I tasted a little bit of licorice and other spices. Warmed me right up.

Bridgeport Nightcap
Not my favorite of the evening--bitter and hoppy, really nothing more too it.

Port Old Viscosity
This reminded me of Ten Fidy from Oskar Blues out of CO. REALLY dark...the name says it all...this stuff will coat your insides for a while. I should have stirred the bottle a little bit, I had the last pour and got much of the yeast I was tasting.

Ninkasi Sleighr
I've been seeing more and more Ninkasi beers and wanted to try one...so I picked a winter ale that has a rock n roll name. From Eugene, OR, It's a dark double alt ale 7.2%, very drinkable for a dark winter beer. Your basic ale taste, a little bitter, a little hoppy, but still sweet and smooth.

Monday Night Football

2010-11-15T19:06:00.000-08:00

Traffic was nuts tonight, I'm sure due to the wind. Beef stroganoff and a Sam Adams Winter Lager waiting for me when I got home made it all better.

Sam Adams Winter Lager
This is a classic winter daily drinker...nothing super fancy going on here, but definitely different than your standard lager. A little bit spicey, almost hoppy, and finishes a little bitter. The label says it's got ground cinnamon, orange peel and ginger--I'm inclined to believe those are all in there, while I only taste the cinnamon and ginger. Definitely the ginger.

I think you can even get it as part of the winter beers pack at Costco...be careful of the cranberry lambic, though...that's a terrible beer.

Howe Sound, Father John's Winter Ale
Now this is the stuff. In a 1L bottle with a resealable top, this spicey, almost pumpkin ale is a great go-to. At only 7%, it tastes a lot higher than that, with so much body and so many flavors happening at once. It has nutmeg, cinnamon, molasses, honey, and sugar and you can taste all of them. Really rich, really warming :)

Lazy evening at home

2010-11-13T19:18:00.000-08:00

My husband and I had a fun day in Seattle today being tourists at Pike Place Market. I bought fresh radiatore pasta, pomodoro sauce and Parmesan from DeLaurenti's, and mixed it all up with fresh hot italian sausage from Bill the Butcher. Fantastic meal. Now on to college football and movies.

Allagash Tripel Reserve
9% abv, 1 pint
Bought at Pete's Wine Shop, Bellevue, WA
Perfect bottle size for two very full glasses. Smells great. Sweet, honey flavor but I definitely taste the hops and spices. Sweet aftertaste, perfect for drinking after our spicy dinner to clear the palate. 9% is usually where I start feeling it after a few sips, and this beer is no different. We were planning on drinking an Elysian Night Owl after this, but I may only finish this one beer...since I also had a Hoegaarden before dinner. :)

Friday 11/12 at Tap House

2010-11-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

Ahhh winter beers are in at Tap House. T.H. has over 100 beers on tap, standard, including many good rotating handles.

Last night, I was in the mood for darker beers, I was still full from trying Taiwanese food for the first time for lunch, so I wasn't hungry enough for dinner, but knew a full-bodied porter would do the job.

Kona Coffee Porter
The first time I tried this, I met a good friend at Tap House and he was having it. He claims I didn't like it because I had just demolished a plate of sushi and the fish was tainting the flavor of the beer. That may be true, because this time, I really enjoyed it. I love coffee, and the smooth porter and coffee blend really well together and are kind of smokey. Lower alcohol content, but really great, strong porter taste.

Maredsous 8
I went in a different direction with this one. The Maredsous is made by Duvel, and is fairly low alcohol (8%) for the fancy specialty glass it comes in. Definitely a black cherry taste, a little bit sweet, a little bit bitter. Very unique, not sure I'd choose it over Chimay, if I'm going to drink a beer in this category.

Left Hand Milk Stout
YUM. Had this for the first time a few months ago at Brouwer's Stout Fest and it was love at first sip. I actually haven't had a Left Hand beer that I didn't like, and I also have yet to meet a milk stout I don't like. This may satisfy my craving for the Snow Plow that Widmer discontinued. Definitely going to be going back to this one a few more times before it leaves the wall. Super smooth, chocolately, carmely, but since it's a stout, and a milk stout, it's lighter, so you're not getting the porter molasses/smokeyness.