Label: Sap Suker Maple Porter
Type: Porter
ABV[%]: 5.5
Packaging: 750 ml
Brewery: Fernie Brewing Company
Smell: Maple! Wood
Head: Beautifully thick with a wonderful lacing
Color: almost black but not cloudy
Carbonation: medium
Kick: medium
Rating: 7/10
Notes:
This is a sweet molassesy beer with a maple flavour. It is worth getting just for the head itself. It leaves a slightly silky aftertaste and the initial flavour is slightly bitter. You can taste and almost imagine carmelized sugars when they were brewing this beer.
I only gave it a 7 but only because I'm not a huge porter fan. Having said that, the taste is fresh and it pours into the glass wonderfully. It also has a bit of hoppiness to it but in the end the barley flavours mixed in with the maple are teh tones that hit you. Nice.
The brewery is based out of -you guessed it- Fernie, who like many other breweries in BC are cashing in on the craft brewery explosion on the west coast. It won't be on my must-drink list but I am pleased to see a competitive porter from the interior. Besides Blackheart, there aren't many stouts brewed well from in the mountain ranges of BC... Or are there?
Feed the people, stay alive.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Calico Amber Ale
Label: Calico Amber Ale
Type: Amber Ale American
ABV[%]: ?
Packaging: 650 ml bottle
Brewery: Ballast Point Brewing Co. San Diego, CA
Smell: Hoppy with a citrus zing
Head: full with a thick lacing
Color: amber brown
Carbonation: medium
Kick: meh
Rating: 8.5/10
Notes:
What a citrusy and hoppy zing in the aftertaste! It is almost as if there wasn't as much flavour as there is aftertaste. It really wipes off the tongue... almost minty. It has a beautiful color to it, nice and clear. You can taste a bit of heaviness in the malt, but it isn't a heavy brew. These go down pretty fast! It has a mild but distinct spiciness to it that makes it a nice drink to chill out to.
This is the kind of beer that you know would taste much, much better out of a keg, but it ain't too shabby from the bottle. I had it slightly cooler than room temperature, which I think is ideal since you'd probably miss some of the spiciness if it was too cold.
It has, however, perhaps the second ugliest label I have seen on a beer bottle. The font and ugly looking fish on the label just look cheap. For a brewery so creative in their beer, they spared little imagination on the label. But I'm gonna look out for this stuff in SoCal, baby.
Apparently it was judged one of the best beers in the world, winning the world cup. Brew Hah!
Type: Amber Ale American
ABV[%]: ?
Packaging: 650 ml bottle
Brewery: Ballast Point Brewing Co. San Diego, CA
Smell: Hoppy with a citrus zing
Head: full with a thick lacing
Color: amber brown
Carbonation: medium
Kick: meh
Rating: 8.5/10
Notes:
What a citrusy and hoppy zing in the aftertaste! It is almost as if there wasn't as much flavour as there is aftertaste. It really wipes off the tongue... almost minty. It has a beautiful color to it, nice and clear. You can taste a bit of heaviness in the malt, but it isn't a heavy brew. These go down pretty fast! It has a mild but distinct spiciness to it that makes it a nice drink to chill out to.
This is the kind of beer that you know would taste much, much better out of a keg, but it ain't too shabby from the bottle. I had it slightly cooler than room temperature, which I think is ideal since you'd probably miss some of the spiciness if it was too cold.
It has, however, perhaps the second ugliest label I have seen on a beer bottle. The font and ugly looking fish on the label just look cheap. For a brewery so creative in their beer, they spared little imagination on the label. But I'm gonna look out for this stuff in SoCal, baby.
Apparently it was judged one of the best beers in the world, winning the world cup. Brew Hah!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Hop Circle IPA
Label: Hop Circle IPA
Type: IPA
ABV[%]: 6.5
Packaging: 350ml bottle
Brewery: Philips Brewery, Victoria, BC
Smell: Citrus, hops, and sweet
Head: pours heady and leaves thick lacing
Color: light clear
Carbonation: medium
Kick: bowzer
Rating: 8/10
Notes:
This is a well hopped IPA that does not taste as strong as the ABV content suggests. The carbonation has been hoptimized such that it barley distracts. I was hopping that it wouldn't linger on the tongue after a swig and was pleased that despite the hoplification, the aftertaste barley lingers. Or does is Barry Fingers? Anyway, the label says if will blow your senses, and whoah, there is indeed a citrusy hop explosion; however, it maintains a smooth finish and refreshes brilliantly.
You do not need a lot of this stuff to refresh yourself, and having 2 did give me a mild headache. Not sure of that was due to a lingering and persistent cold or flu or whatever H50N99 virus I had, or the fact that I swigged those babies down at a sprinters pace. But, as my moron friends say, irregardless, go buy it, drink it, and fluff your crotch.
Type: IPA
ABV[%]: 6.5
Packaging: 350ml bottle
Brewery: Philips Brewery, Victoria, BC
Smell: Citrus, hops, and sweet
Head: pours heady and leaves thick lacing
Color: light clear
Carbonation: medium
Kick: bowzer
Rating: 8/10
Notes:
This is a well hopped IPA that does not taste as strong as the ABV content suggests. The carbonation has been hoptimized such that it barley distracts. I was hopping that it wouldn't linger on the tongue after a swig and was pleased that despite the hoplification, the aftertaste barley lingers. Or does is Barry Fingers? Anyway, the label says if will blow your senses, and whoah, there is indeed a citrusy hop explosion; however, it maintains a smooth finish and refreshes brilliantly.
You do not need a lot of this stuff to refresh yourself, and having 2 did give me a mild headache. Not sure of that was due to a lingering and persistent cold or flu or whatever H50N99 virus I had, or the fact that I swigged those babies down at a sprinters pace. But, as my moron friends say, irregardless, go buy it, drink it, and fluff your crotch.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Red House Ale
Label: Red House Ale
Type: Ale
ABV[%]: 5.0
Packaging: 355 ml bottle
Brewery: Surgenor Brewing Company Ltd, Comox, BC
Smell: hoppy with citrus tones, slightly malty
Head: pours thick but settle thin with a bito lacing
Color: red baby, red
Carbonation: medium
Kick: goat
Rating: 7.5/10
Notes:
This beer has a hoppy and slightly sweet taste, maybe a hint of maple syrup I'm guessing. It covers the tongue well and leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste, likely from the hops. It finishes smooth and the hops linger for a while, but not unpleasant at all. Just tastes like a good ale. I'm sure this would get a better rating if it were pulled, but where am I gong to find a beer like this from the tap? Likely Comox, but our trip to Parksville did not include a trip to the bar. I was pleased to find something local in the Parksville liquor store that I haven't tried yet.
It is a decent ale, hand crafted and not pasteurized, giving it a fresh taste. It is not expensive either so I can understand why the brewery call it their signature beer.
The label art is quite boring... I could think of a few more exciting things than a barn to put on the label; having said that it likely it is of great importance. The beer stems from Northern Ireland descendants, but their really isn't much in this ale that makes me thing: oh yeah, this is an Iree beer... Apart from the standard ale-ish taste.
It has a great colour and, as I said, finishes nice. Nice.
Type: Ale
ABV[%]: 5.0
Packaging: 355 ml bottle
Brewery: Surgenor Brewing Company Ltd, Comox, BC
Smell: hoppy with citrus tones, slightly malty
Head: pours thick but settle thin with a bito lacing
Color: red baby, red
Carbonation: medium
Kick: goat
Rating: 7.5/10
Notes:
This beer has a hoppy and slightly sweet taste, maybe a hint of maple syrup I'm guessing. It covers the tongue well and leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste, likely from the hops. It finishes smooth and the hops linger for a while, but not unpleasant at all. Just tastes like a good ale. I'm sure this would get a better rating if it were pulled, but where am I gong to find a beer like this from the tap? Likely Comox, but our trip to Parksville did not include a trip to the bar. I was pleased to find something local in the Parksville liquor store that I haven't tried yet.
It is a decent ale, hand crafted and not pasteurized, giving it a fresh taste. It is not expensive either so I can understand why the brewery call it their signature beer.
The label art is quite boring... I could think of a few more exciting things than a barn to put on the label; having said that it likely it is of great importance. The beer stems from Northern Ireland descendants, but their really isn't much in this ale that makes me thing: oh yeah, this is an Iree beer... Apart from the standard ale-ish taste.
It has a great colour and, as I said, finishes nice. Nice.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Singularity
Label: Singularity
Type: Russian Imperial Stout
ABV[%]: 11.8
Packaging: 650ml
Brewery: Driftwood Breweries, Victoria,BC
Smell: caramel, oats, vodka, tad of coffee
Head: dark brown that fades quickly
Color: opaque brown
Carbonation: mild to little
Kick: was that a bullet in the head?
Rating: 8/10
Notes:
In physics, the word singularity describes the state of something when the mass of an object becomes so large that the gravitational force it exerts is immeasurably large. The word has fantastic imagery for a state of existence that is cannot be visualized, let alone conceived by most people. Thus it has a mystical spot in the shelves of science: a description beyond reproach.
In mathematics, the concept of singularity is perhaps more tangible: a mathematical expression where the divisor becomes infinitesimally small. The consequence is a number that becomes so large it doesn't make sense to think of it as a number, but instead a concept of something so large there is little value in counting it.
This is a stout that is (arguably) excessively strong, excessively thick, and excessively flavorful. This isn't yo mamas Cool Aid. This is a damn strong beer. It has a Carmel flavor with a vodka-like infused taste. It doesn't really compare with the scotch infused strong beer brewed by Russell Breweries. With such a high ABV content, you can't swig this back in your favourite beer glass (word to the wise, use a thin glass of ~4 oz or so). It tickles that back of the throat and leaves a burnt, oaty and alcohol aftertaste.
So yes, the gravity in this beer is high. And yes, the aftertaste lingers forever. But does it reach infinity? No. It is a hell of a treat that I'd recommend to the stout lover.
But not in a pint glass.
Type: Russian Imperial Stout
ABV[%]: 11.8
Packaging: 650ml
Brewery: Driftwood Breweries, Victoria,BC
Smell: caramel, oats, vodka, tad of coffee
Head: dark brown that fades quickly
Color: opaque brown
Carbonation: mild to little
Kick: was that a bullet in the head?
Rating: 8/10
Notes:
In physics, the word singularity describes the state of something when the mass of an object becomes so large that the gravitational force it exerts is immeasurably large. The word has fantastic imagery for a state of existence that is cannot be visualized, let alone conceived by most people. Thus it has a mystical spot in the shelves of science: a description beyond reproach.
In mathematics, the concept of singularity is perhaps more tangible: a mathematical expression where the divisor becomes infinitesimally small. The consequence is a number that becomes so large it doesn't make sense to think of it as a number, but instead a concept of something so large there is little value in counting it.
This is a stout that is (arguably) excessively strong, excessively thick, and excessively flavorful. This isn't yo mamas Cool Aid. This is a damn strong beer. It has a Carmel flavor with a vodka-like infused taste. It doesn't really compare with the scotch infused strong beer brewed by Russell Breweries. With such a high ABV content, you can't swig this back in your favourite beer glass (word to the wise, use a thin glass of ~4 oz or so). It tickles that back of the throat and leaves a burnt, oaty and alcohol aftertaste.
So yes, the gravity in this beer is high. And yes, the aftertaste lingers forever. But does it reach infinity? No. It is a hell of a treat that I'd recommend to the stout lover.
But not in a pint glass.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Black Widow
Label: Black Widow
Type: Mild Ale
ABV[%]: 5.0
Packaging: 750 ml Bottle
Brewery: Tin Whistle Brewing Co., Penticton, BC
Smell: spicy, cinnamon and fruitiness
Head: brown and thin
Color: dark brown, beautiful
Carbonation: medium
Kick: a mallet of feathers
Rating: 8/10
Notes:
In the beautiful Okanagan valley rests a small little brewery called Tin Whistle. Nicely packaged with a picture of the ole No.1 Kettle Valley line train, this beer has a nice balance of flavor for a mild ale. It has a sweet taste with a molasses aftertaste which isn't too overbearing. It covers the whole tongue, leaving a slight bitter aftertaste. It is probably the kinda beer that would give you noticeable beer breath, and you probably don't want to have too many of these. I bet this beer would be awesome on tap.
The brewery's name reminded me of that highly successful band David Bowie had after his serious moonlight tour... Anyone?
Type: Mild Ale
ABV[%]: 5.0
Packaging: 750 ml Bottle
Brewery: Tin Whistle Brewing Co., Penticton, BC
Smell: spicy, cinnamon and fruitiness
Head: brown and thin
Color: dark brown, beautiful
Carbonation: medium
Kick: a mallet of feathers
Rating: 8/10
Notes:
In the beautiful Okanagan valley rests a small little brewery called Tin Whistle. Nicely packaged with a picture of the ole No.1 Kettle Valley line train, this beer has a nice balance of flavor for a mild ale. It has a sweet taste with a molasses aftertaste which isn't too overbearing. It covers the whole tongue, leaving a slight bitter aftertaste. It is probably the kinda beer that would give you noticeable beer breath, and you probably don't want to have too many of these. I bet this beer would be awesome on tap.
The brewery's name reminded me of that highly successful band David Bowie had after his serious moonlight tour... Anyone?
Nasty Habit
Label: Nasty Habit
Type: Ale
ABV[%]: 6.0
Packaging: 650 ml bottle
Brewery: Mt. Begbie Brewing Co.
Smell: Hops, spices and fruit, and more hops
Head: thin
Color: Amber
Carbonation:
Kick: greased lightening
Rating: 8.5/10
Notes:
Spicy and fruity, followed by hops and little malty. Smooth, slight sweet aftertaste. Perfectly spiced and smooth. Looks like an English bitter.
Brilliance.
Type: Ale
ABV[%]: 6.0
Packaging: 650 ml bottle
Brewery: Mt. Begbie Brewing Co.
Smell: Hops, spices and fruit, and more hops
Head: thin
Color: Amber
Carbonation:
Kick: greased lightening
Rating: 8.5/10
Notes:
Spicy and fruity, followed by hops and little malty. Smooth, slight sweet aftertaste. Perfectly spiced and smooth. Looks like an English bitter.
Brilliance.
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