Paulaner Oktoberfest Weisn

Paulaner Oktoberfest Weisn

      Don't mind the toys in the back, and, yes I love Futurama.  So it's October, and that means OKTOBERFEST!!!  If you're looking for a place then look online.  The only one I really know of is in Torrance at a place called Alpine Village. It's okay--supposedly the biggest in California--but it's too crowded, the beer could be better, and there's always a fight.  So do what I do and just drink on your own.  I'm going to try to only review Oktoberfest beers this month, but you know how life can be.  So today it's Paulaner Munchen Oktoberfest Wiesn.   This is a new label for us so I should probably elaborate.  Marzen means March in German, in which it was decreed long time ago that beer could only be brewed starting from the end of September until March.  Thus,  a certain type of lager was brewed to last through the summer (something about brewing in summer can be hazardous in a fiery kind of way), and any left over would be served at Oktoberfest.  Full detail from wiki.  Look at that, my explanation is crappier in hindsight.  On to the show.

Appearance

     Removed from the box the beer and glass is packaged like this--beer inside the can inside the glass.  Like a Turducken except less like taking a crap on mother nature and standing over her fecal ridden body and saying "I'm your god now."   The three gentlemen drinking with one hand in their pockets, I thought, was a nice touch and deserved some recognition.  It really adds to the Oktoberfest feeling of the packaging...graphic designers, take note. 












 And here it is when you remove the can from the glass.  The glass is heavy with a little 1 litre mark to remind you that you're going to get drunk.












 

This is what you've been waiting for. Few things:  glassy and translucent with a vibrant amber color.  Very little carbonation bubbles streaming from the bottom and the head was about an inch big and had a cloud-like texture to it with a tint of amber.
















Smell

     When I smelled this I was fully disheartened.  My chest got heavy and a bit of sadness crept in.  I smelled a little bit of hops and a little bit of floral, and, what struck me sad, was a smell of mold or something like it.  Actually, it was more like moss.  In other words, I was sure this beer was rank, or at least on it's way to being full blown rank.  In researching this type of beer, I found that refrigeration is very important to ward off any bacteria.  Maybe that was what was in here.  But it wasn't so bad that I knew I had to throw it out, so I soldiered on.

Taste

     Yeah, rank.  It smelled like wet moldy cardboard boxes that was out in the rain.  It tasted like it as well.  At times I tasted something that only extended my imagery to include the ink of the labels on a cardboard box.  Something oddly artificial came out of that beer.  But there are good points: a little hops and the malt was very much present.  The flavor was consistent and smooth, but overall, it only tasted like dirty water.

Mouthfeel

     Lack of bite and has a similar mouthfeel to drinking vinegar that has been fermented in chili.  It was wet and thick.  No bite from the carbonation.

Overall

     I was bummed and felt stupid by the way I handled this.  I got this beer close to a month ago and just left it out without thinking about what I was doing.  The small pluses that I put in the taste section gives me reason to believe that this is a good, nay, great session beer. The super dissipated tastes that faintly touched my tongue were great, but, unfortunately, the bad tastes will forever remain in my head.  So what did we learn?  Take care of your beer if you're storing it and drink it as soon as possible.  If you see this beer somewhere, buy it and tell me if I'm right.  Happy October people...  

Mischief

Mischief
      
     Children, villains, darkness, all cause mischief in one way or another.  So is the name of this beer, although, I don't know what's so mischievous about it.  Does the beer go out and kill people under the blanket of darkness?  Is it plotting to overthrow our government by spray painting propaganda on the walls of government buildings, slighting the elites and throwing an egg in the face of our leaders?  The website  thinks I should keep an eye out when I drink this.  Oh, maybe I'll be the one who causes mischief because I'm drunk; like now...I'm drunk.  Oh here we go, the text under the label says: Not quite evil, yet not to be trusted, this Golden Ale is effervescent, dry, hoppy, and crisp....  So it's mischievous because it has tricks up its sleeve aye...let's see.

     Yeah so, the pour sucked.  Three inches is okay, it's not the size of the boat it's the ... nevermind.  Anyway, ideal conditions is when it is poured into a tulip glass--if you don't know what that means, think of a tulip then make it all glass.  This beer was made by Orange County's own The Bruery located in Placentia, CA.  Let's get to it.

Appearance

     It has a very nice golden color--translucent and full of carbonation bubbles rising to the top to hold that head up there keeping it proud and strong.  The head was super creamy and thick and looked like ice cream completing a golden float.  The head retained very well (I'm starting to believe that's the sign of heavy tasting beers)  and was just overall pretty.  The bottling was nice as well, accolades to the graphic designer that did that...or whoever.


Smell

     Yummy hops hit me first.  Very lovely smell really, nothing else like it.  A little floral, mostly hay flavor or dried farm found plants.  I'm trying to smell other things but that hops is just wonderful.  It's like pot when you don't smoke pot.  You just keep smelling it.

Taste

     Sweet, hoppy, slightly salty.  That's pretty much it.  This ale showed as an ale and it was a well done ale.  Nothing fancy, nothing showy, just straight up ale.  It's what you expected.  The site says melon and pear and pepper spice are included, but all I tasted from that list is pepper.  There was a slight spice that hit my tongue but, truthfully, I don't taste anything of the other two.  I'll take the bullet and say I'm just unrefined in my tasting, but truthfully, eh, not there.  Also, this is a great beer to pair with food; it's in the same league as the Horny Devil Ale I reviewed recently.  Unfortunately, I didn't pair this with anything, but the site says pulled pork or something like that.  Good luck with that.

Mouthfeel
      
     There's not too much of a bite.  A nice dryness but not like gin.  The head is super airy (no one expects you to drink the head like I did, but for some reason it looked good so I "ate" it).  That's all I can say about that.

Overall

     Here's a suggestion:  if you want to review beer and put it online, don't review on an empty stomach, especially when the beer you're drinking is about eight percent ABV.  Since starting, I've been getting progressively more and more drunk, thus, now resulting in me mistyping all over the place--very unprofessional.  Wait, who the hell said I have to be professional?  Yeah, so what I'm drunk?  This is a good beer, though, seriously.  It's fundamental.  Not basic and cheap, but quality-wise a good ale.  Would I drink this again?  Yes--I'm having fun right now listening to music by myself (so I'm weird, I don't care).  So have some Mischief Belgian-Style Ale.  With or without food, it's a good beer and puts you in a good mood.  Thanks for reading,  get like me baby...

P.S -- For all you young guns out there who don't give a rats ass about tasting but think it's posh to drink craft beer here's some advice:  this beer is not, I repeat, NOT for tipping up over your mouth and pounding the drink like it's the last bottle of water in the world.  Seriously, I'm not discouraging you, I'm telling you that once you flip it over like that, the carbonation gathers and eventually explodes in your face. You've been warned.

       

Mana Wheat Beer

Mana Wheat Beer

     This beer is another brew I attained from a tasting at the restaurant I work at.  This is a wheat ale brewed with Pineapple--just in case you didn't read the can.  This is a mixed review beer, that meaning, some like it, some hate it.  A lot of reviews I read on Beer Advocate are good reviews, but I disagree, but I'll share that with you later.  It's a nice can.  It has a nice color, nice graphics, and this is the first beer I've reviewed that was in a can.  The back of the can states that it is better to can beer instead of bottle them to prevent oxidation and light damage.  It is also more environmentally friendly.   Umm, okay, anyway...

Appearance

     The color was a dark brownish amber color.  It was very cloudy and had a lot of carbonation bubbles streaming from the bottom.  The head was white with a slight hue of orange (although that could've been the lighting) and was about 1 1/3 of an inch thick.  It retained well and hung around until close to the end of the beer.  Again, one day I'll buy new beer glasses.

Smell

     The smell of pineapple is immediate and strong.  You know there's pineapple in there, all other smells are subtle (or imaginary).  The smell of yeast comes in second place but focus is necessary to pick it up.  There's a little bit of grain present, which I assume is the wheat, but very subtle.  

Taste

     YUCK!  I earlier said I disagreed with the reviews, or average thereof, on Beer Advocate, which was a B+.  Yes, YUCK.  I just do not like this beer.  I suppose it's because I like beer and I like beer alone--not some mutant fruit/beer science experiment.  I've drank this three times from three different packages and they all tasted the same, so it's not skunked; also, remember, the can keeps it fresher for longer.  The taste was bitter, and not bitter like beer, but bitter like canned pineapple juice that kept some aluminum to share with your tongue.  Also, they took that pineapple/aluminum and threw beer in it.  Maybe this was actually beer that spilled in pineapple juice and someone thought it was good.  Or maybe Hawaiians love pineapple THAT MUCH.  Either way it was not good to me.  The tang of pineapple ruined it and you can taste the beer and pineapple fighting each other. 

Mouthfeel

     Going down it was slimy--slimy like the feeling of pineapple juice.   It dried out during the after taste but still left a bitter taste in your mouth.  There was little to no bite from the carbonation.  Overall, the feel of it was like drinking a rotten can of pineapple juice.

Overall

     This brew won a couple awards (see: Maui Brewing Co. ) and I honestly think that  it was only because it was either the only beer in its class or there was a real lack of competitors.  I've tried a raspberry brew in Berlin by a company called Berliner Kindle which was not bad, or not as bad (which I have to say went absolutely wonderful when mixed with Absinthe), but the Mana Wheat was terrible.  A lot of people have told me they really like it, and only two others say they didn't, not including me.  Look, I like pineapples.  I like pineapple juice.  But when you decide you want to put it in your beer, shoot yourself in the mouth.   So I guess this is proof that I have a tongue and an opinion and that this blog isn't a farce where I'm trying to get cozy with beer makers for a handout (but they are accepted and encouraged).  Anyway, it's up to you to taste and make your own decision, I just give you a heads up.  Anyway, what am I, the Pied Piper?

Horny Devil Ale

Horny Devil Ale

      I really need to get new beer glasses--a variety of them at that.  So I'm back and I am fulfilling my promise of continuing to record my beer experiences.  This time I've obtained a bottle of a Belgian pale ale from the company AleSmith that, judging from the website, likes to keep their beers on the upper end of the spectrum-- champagne like bottling, harder to find, more expensive, etc..  This beer goes for about 13 USD, but luckily I got it for free from a tasting that happened at the restaurant I work at (the labor is annoying, but it has its perks).  There's a new word I've learned when researching this beer (which some might say I should've known, but I've been out of it for awhile) which is "Brussels lace" or "Belgian lace."  This term refers to the foamy residue that hangs around on the beer glass.  Supposedly it measures the cleanliness of the glass and/or the freshness of the beer.  I kind of feel like it's a steaming load and is just another aspect for beer critics to talk about.  Thus, you won't hear anything from me about brussels lace.  And with that, on to the show.

Appearance
      
     This has a dark honey color.  It was golden but hazy and had a lot of bubble streams rising.  Oh and if you're wondering why the glass isn't completely full, it was because I had friends over and we shared and couldn't fill to the top.  Just pretend the lip isn't there.  The head was super thick and, from the top view, looked like the top of an ice covered mountain and had the color and texture of white sugar.  I read a few reviews that said otherwise and I suspect it was from age or transport or something of that nature.  The head was a little over an inch and had a lot of retention--no dissipation until I started drinking (and that was a good 10 minutes because there was good conversation going around.)  Now I said I think my bottle was really fresh, and I really believe that because you won't believe the strength of the smell.

Smell

     I don't know if anyone has noticed but my smell sections are usually short shrift and feeble.  Well, it's because I smoke so I don't trust that sense too much.  I've tried to stop several times' and, one day I will, but the disclaimer is here today.  With that said, this beer filled the entire room.  I mean strong, strong, strong.  This beer claims to be brewed with coriander and it really shows in the smell department along with a smell of meat, floral undertones, and citrus.  Sweet meat and citrus hit us all in a thick cloud that quickly shifted our attention.  

Taste

     This wasn't the first time I have tasted this beer.  I also had it at the tasting where I am currently employed.  Before I get into that, let's start with the taste alone.  Again, this beer was very full and robust.  The taste correlates to the smell almost exactly.  It was thick and sweet with a twist of saltiness.  The citrus flavors came out subtly and there was a floral sort of plant taste that hung around as well.  The salt and floral tastes lingered after swallowing while the sweetness was more immediate.  I'm convinced that the saltiness is the kind of saltiness you get with a juicy tri tip or ribs. 
     Now if you're into pairing your beers with food, which I'm not really into but at the tasting I couldn't refuse without looking like an ass in front of my bosses, this is a 'pair with a food' kind of beer.  Plus, after working a shift I'm usually damn hungry.  I work at a Hawaiian restaurant called Back Home In Lahaina and blindly grabbed this beer to drink with my meal.  I had a bacon wrapped loco moco (ground beef wrapped in bacon atop a bed of rice  and a fried egg on top of that and all covered in gravy.  Sorry for the lack of pictures and, yes, it's a fat boys paradise) and some pork gyoza (dumplings).  The beer didn't pair with the gyoza too well, but the bacon wrapped loco moco was perfect.  The saltiness and fat from the loco moco pulled and strengthened the flavors from the beer, and vice versa.  Again, I don't like pairing beer with food because I view beer as a meal already and mixing it with food not only makes me too full, but also dilutes the flavors; but, this time it really hit. 

Mouthfeel

     This beer is strong in smell, taste, and mouthfeel as well.  Strong carbonation, thick, and heavy.  The carbonation doesn't burn but bites the tongue and makes sure you don't forget about it by heating up the stomach upon impact.  Since the beer is full of flavor, I imagine the heaviness and thickness is due to the ingredients.  Not much dryness but the flavors coat your entire mouth. 

Overall

     I honestly give this beer an A+, but won't be drinking this again--not for a long while, at least.  It's just too strong and I only give it a '+' marking because it really popped out when paired with the loco moco. I'm sure it's good with succulent meats, but coming back to it, especially considering drinking it alone, seems like asking for a nap afterwards.  And at 11% it definitely knocks itself out of being a session beer.  But this really is the epitome of what beer drinkers want when it comes to craft beers--an experience.  I can talk about it, say I've enjoyed it, and move on to the next adventure.  So if you see this, have yourself some fun.  As a matter of fact, drink half for yourself, then cook a nice dinner for your loved one that includes meat, and drink it with that, see what you like or even if you like it.  It's your life, I don't care what you do with it. 

Sierra Nevada Summerfest

 Sierra Nevada Summerfest

     Okay, so I haven't been around for awhile.  The tastings haven't stopped but remembering to put down my thoughts as I'm tasting and putting my review on here within a day has.  My memory of the beer isn't as crisp and unreliable, thus, I leave it out.  And, frankly, that has been happening for the past year.  So I'm back, I'm starting light and working my way back into the heavy stuff.  It's summer--the days are warm, the breeze is warm and life is easy--if you're in a Corona commercial.  So here's Sierra Nevada's Summer Ale, and after review, I would say this is the beer I'd be drinking while I lay out on the beach.

Appearance

     Very nice golden sun color.  The translucent quality gives the consumer a refreshing sense and is, especially if you're tired from working in the hot sun, very enticing.   It had a small head but sufficient as far as looks go.  The head didn't have too much substance and dissipated before I would admire anything about it.  It was shy I guess.  

Smell

     I didn't smell much but a slight sweet steam kind of smell.  Similar to smelling freshly cooked sweet corn or something like that.  I admit I'm not too sure if my nose was working well, so maybe a future update is required.

*Update: also smelled lemon zest, that's it I'm not coming back to this*

Taste

     Great refreshing taste (wow, that sounded familiar, but not in a liar kind of way).  Admittedly not something that makes you close your eyes and savor the flavor so much that it locks into your memory so that right before you die you can remember that taste; but, this is a top session beer taste.  Not too strong, not overly carbonated, smooth going down but light and crisp, as opposed to Guiness, in which it can be heavy and thick going down the gullet.  There's a sweetness to it with the hops coming after the initial taste that creates a perfect mix.  I kind of look at this beer like a really fresh and well made salad.  Great session beer, great to have at a barbeque or a day out on the beach, or having a picnic kind of beer.  Forget Corona.  Corona is a salad too but made with only iceberg cabbage and cheap dressing.  There a juxtapose if you're reading this without references.

Mouthfeel

     Again, light, fresh, crisp with a slight dryness towards the end.  By the end of the beer it does tend to get a little "cow spit" like, but nothing like a BMC brew or a 40oz Malt, for that matter.  The carbonation helped with the light and crispness of it but there was enough of it to stop you from drowning.

Overall

     I like it.  I would drink this often if it were not the fact that my stomach is becoming a belly and I have to slow down on all of this consumption.  I don't blame the beer or anything, I just have to slow down.  Anyway, before I tell you to take this to the beach with you, I have to say that this is a good session beer, but after awhile (and I mean a good long while) it gets tiring and dulls your palate.  The buzz isn't strong although you do feel good drinking it without getting full on drunk, but there's a certain point where it just becomes a liquid and you realize you're just drinking to drink.  Also, a big part of why I enjoy this beer so much, besides taste, is that it is widely available (in summer months of course), not too expensive, and not intimidating to anyone (unlike Arrogant Bastard which says directly on the label don't drink this if you're a pussy, not exactly in those words).  Otherwise, have a couple with your girlfriend on a nice day.  Maybe she enjoys beer too, and maybe she'll enjoy this, and maybe, just maybe, I got you laid...maybe.

Russian RIver Consecration

Russian River Consecration

 

   

 http://www.russianriverbrewing.com/index.html

     This is a big name now a days, at least from looking around in the beer world.  Most reviews for this brewing companie's beer are A's and A+'s.  As far as popularity and rave reviews, this and Dogfish Head Brewing Company are at the forefront, amongst others of course.  I was at a beer bar in Redondo Beach and saw this on the menu and thought I should try a brew from this company.  I'm going to try their brews eventually anyway and it was either this or a bottle sitting in my pantry that seems mediocre, thus I wanted something to excite the palate.  This is a Californian brewing company that started in 1997, according to the website.  If you want more information, go there:  http://www.russianriverbrewing.com/index.html.  The big brew is their IPA, but it seems everything gets high reviews, so the IPA in the forefront may just be me being biased by association.  This is Russian River Consecration, let's begin.

Appearance

      What do you think?  I reviewed this with a friend and the descriptions of color were interesting.  But let's just be straight forward first.  This beer was dark brown and slightly amber.  The color reminded me of grapes or prunes (blech, prunes, don't worry, the taste wasn't prune).  It was opaque but not cloudy and had very minimal carbonation bubbles.  The color was actually eloquent in my eyes and put me in a place of sophistication and prestige.  There was barely any head, that of which was an extremely light caramel color and thick for what its size held.  The retention was somewhat strong, but I can't be too sure because it was filled to the rim and spilled over to top it off instead of filled with the head in mind.  The bartender didn't seem to care too much, maybe I shouldn't either.  Oh, and the "creative" descriptions:  leather color, brown leather.  My friend, Mike, said the color reminded him of the interior of a brown interior Cadillac.  Yeah, I like that, Cadillac; in other words, high class (before the pimps and gangsters took over the Cadillac world).  What does it smell like?

Smell

     The smell was very fruity.  I would liken it to cranberry, cherry, or raspberry--somewhere along those lines.  It had a sweet aroma and floral subtleties and a hint of alcohol (this is a 10 percent beer, so I figured I'd smell that.  Although, maybe I ruined my nose by thinking that).  The aromas were fresh and robust but not thick and verging on overwhelming.  

Taste

     Wow was the first thought.  Not wow like, "oh my god I love this beer," but wow this was a shock.  It shouldn't have been considering the smell but I guess I wasn't thinking.  So far this is the most complex and interesting beer I've tasted thus far.  Strong berry tastes, especially the tangy twinge that one can get from eating a berry.  The tangy taste really holds on in the finish.  The alcoholic taste was there but not an issue that merits dismay.  It actually added to the flavor and complemented the finish.  There was also grape involved in the assembly which added a tiny bit of sour flavor and the aftertaste held a subtle citrus wave goodbye.  This beer is close to wine, in my opinion, but still had that beer ruggedness that I enjoy so much.  I would say this beer tasted like a gold miner that really hit it big--a kind of nouveau riche beer that finally got over flaunting their jewels.  

Mouthfeel

     Not a lot of carbonation, thus, not a lot of bite.  The mouthfeel was similar to wine, even with the dryness.  Not overly dry and not dry while it's in your mouth, but once it goes down, your tongue gets dry.  That was enjoyable to me.  The tangy taste pinches the saliva glands but doesn't make you pucker, which is good because I hate that.   The drink was pretty refreshing but the alcohol reminded you it was a "big boy drink."

Overall

     First off, I have to say this isn't my go-to drink, nor is it something I love and hold dear (like the way I raved about the Dogfish Head brews), but this is a damn good brew.  Luckily, I wrote this review a day after I tasted it, you know, to think about it.  At first I would've said I didn't like it but maybe someone else would.  But I had to be more objective, for you, you know.  And after much contemplation, this is really a brewing wonder.  The complexities of this drink really got my mind going and the appearance and smell are awe inspiring to the senses, if only the senses!   Mike said "this is a good girl drink."  I have to agree, but in the sense that by 'girl' we don't mean female, and not in a derogatory way either, but in a newbie to beer way.  No, maybe that's wrong as well.  This drink is for everyone.  The subjectivity of tasting shows itself when I say what beers I like and compare that to this beer.  I just like strong, rough, wheat, barley, and hops beers.  I guess I'm new to the fruits in beers thing, especially when they're as complex as this beer.  So, overall, this beer is amazing.  As a beer drinker, I like it but I'd pass, but as a reviewer of beer, this is a wonder that everyone should try at least once and I guarantee a B rating and above.   Rich, sophisticated, elegant, all adjectives I would use to describe this brew.  Consecration is  apt  for this particular beer--it is a contender for the pantheon of beers, and is a trophy of dedication.

Afterthought

     American Wild Ale you ask?  Basically, it is an ale introduced to, as the site says, "wild" yeast of bacteria.  The rest of the paragraph describing this type of ale practically exclaims "absolutely American inventiveness."  I love that.  I love that the U.S is becoming a beer empire.  It's about time, especially how much we as Americans drink beer (and because I live here and love beer).  So now you done your learnin'.  Go drink with friends and enjoy life!

    

Great White Beer

Great White Beer

     Shivers and anxious paranoia is what that label elicits.  Why? Because the shark ate a surfer, accidentally bit the surf board, walked out of the water and onto the beach to stand the surf board in the sand, and have a beer without fear of repercussion.  Yeah, pretty scary right?  Not really, and neither is the beer.  I went to the store and needed a beer to review and thought "why not help out a brewery from California."  The turn out was not as good.  But that's for the overall.  Sorry for the late entry but I'm back and here we go.

Appearance

     So there you are--a light orange color that's more cloudy looking than what the picture relays.  A lot of carbonation bubbles made the drink look light and the consistency looked thinner than most of the other beers I've reviewed.  It was as cloudy as some Hefeweizens but more orange than yellow.  There was about an inch of head, again not represented here but that's my fault.  But in my defense, the retention was weak and it's receding looked messy and a little ugly.  By ugly, I mean one side went away faster than the other and the side that retained longer looked like spider webs.  That's all I got for appearances.

Smell

     The smell was sweet and full of citrus.  It was a good smell and prepared me for a taste that'd be equally strong.  Not overpowering, but clearly present with clear distinction as to what the smells were consistent of.

Taste


     So the smell was good, known, basically saying, this drink was aromatic.  On a scale of one to ten, this was a six or seven.  Thus, you'd think the taste would be comparable.  Nope, I was wrong in anticipating a strong citrus taste.  Maybe it was my fault.  Maybe I expected too much from this beer.  I bought the beer because it was made in California, had the shark on the label (not because it was a shark but because with such a corny label, maybe it'll make up for it through taste) and I didn't feel like trying something else.  The citrus was there but very very subtle.  There was a little bit of spice or herb and a little of citrus.  That was it though.  It was extremely light tasting and I have to say flavored water is stronger.

Mouthfeel

     This is where the beer had some complexity.  With such lack of taste, I couldn't help but review as if the mouthfeel made up for it.  The texture was not frothy and had a medium light bite from the carbonation.  The liquid was like drinking an ice tea made of syrup instead of brewed (ie. Black Mint or Mango iced tea).  It wasn't fulfilling and, again, very light.  I guess that's it.  I think I hyped this section up only to disappoint myself.

Overall

     What else can I say?  This beer was weak.  It wasn't bad nor would I absolutely refuse if offered and there was nothing else, but it was weak.  The profile of a Witbier is subtlety, but this was almost nonexistent.  The herbal taste was a peak for me and the citrus was plain.  This beer is comparable to Blue Moon if Blue Moon made a light beer.  I was thrown sideways because of the smell.  There is a disclaimer:  I've been really getting into strong beers.  I've been wanting stronger and stronger beers since I've been reviewing beer.  My palate (the point of this blog) is developing and becoming more and more jaded to light beers and beers that lean closer to BMC.  So I hope you fel the same, and if you enjoy this beer, then there's no problem.  Opinion people, this is opinion.


Afterthought

     So what's a "Witbier?"  You can go here: Witbier.  Or you can read on.  After reading the description of the what a witbier is, I've realized that this drink fits the bill.  Apparently, always spiced and usually with coriander.  Often brewed with orange peels and other herbs.  The name 'witbier' means white beer due to the cloudiness of the brew.    Also, witbier is a wheat beer; one type out of two common wheat beers, the other being Weissbier.  Witbier, though, is Belgian wheat beer.  Remember when I referenced Blue Moon.  Yeah, it falls under this same thing, Belgian White at least.  And sometimes, you go to a bar and ask for Blue Moon and they put an orange or lemon, that is an American favorite usually used for these beers, as well as hefeweizen.  So there you have it.  I have a beer waiting for me and I'm pretty sure it's going to be a flat review as well, be we'll see.

Ranger IPA

Ranger IPA

     This was a nice little find for me.  Not that it's hard to find, though, I mean, I got it at Albertson's.  But I didn't know that New Belgium had a twelve pack of beers with four different varieties of beer.  Pretty good deal if you ask me.  If you are unfamiliar with New Belgium, they are the good people that brew Fat Tire.  Still not sure?  I've got your back, you can read up on it here: Fat Tire!  Before we move on, might I suggest reading the history of the company.  It's not long and quite interesting, one such fact is that the name 'Fat Tire' refers to the bicycle owned by the creator of New Belgium breweries.  Okay maybe I didn't sell it well, but check the site out anyway.  A little story before I move on:  I bought the twelve pack because I trust New Belgium.  To answer your question of why: because this was my very first craft beer.  I mean they sell it at grocery stores (yes, I did a little research to make sure New Belgium isn't another pseudonym by the giant BCM [Bud/Mill/Coors] jerks).  When I first had a Fat Tire I was shocked at the taste.  No bland, piss taste present at all!  It was full and complex.  I'm not going to say that it changed my life.  I was still drinking to get drunk at the time.  But it left an impression.  So now, a few years later, there is a sampler pack from the New Belgium brewery and it didn't disappoint at all.  Thank you, all of you visionary beer enthusiasts out there.  I am in your debt.  So here we go, the Ranger India Pale Ale.

Appearance

     Like a solid piece of glass is what that is.  To make it prettier, the Lakers are playing in the background winning the third playoff game against the Jazz.  Yeah, you can't tell, but this blog isn't completely for you.
The head was a little higher before I took this picture, maybe at it's fullest it was three-fourths of an inch.  So far we've seen two other American IPAs and this is the lightest of them all.  In order, the darkness of the brew is the Ranger, then the 60 minute, followed by the 90 minute being the darkest.  We can assume that the darker the IPA is, the stronger the hops are--can we agree on that?   The head was eggshell white and retained for a good long time.  I counted about six carbonation streams, which is the most I've seen since reviewing, and it really made me think of the monsters from "War of the Worlds."  Hell if I know why.

Smell

     The smell was very very grassy or leafy.  If I knew what fresh hops smelled like, then I can tell you with complete confidence, but I don't.  Yet, instinct tells me that's what fresh hops smells like.  The smell was thin to medium and smelled very organic, very leafy or grassy.  I would liken it to walking on fresh cut grass after a rainy day and there is an ocean breeze.  If you're from middle America and have never been to the beach, then I have no other idea how else to describe it to you.  But then again, if you're from middle America, you probably grow hops don't you?  I kid (no I don't), on to taste!


Taste

     Yummy, I'm growing to really like these India Pale Ales.  I hear that all the time when I peek into the depths of the beer community (that they love their pale ales) but I always thought maybe they got brainwashed.  I mean, it's easy fall prey and say you like something because everyone else like's it.  But, from my experience, I'm growing to love the bitterness of India Pale Ales.  Really good stuff to tell you the truth.  Anyway, the taste was very similar to the smell:  very hoppy and fresh leaf tasting.  There was a hint of sweet and a slight sharpness, maybe a little citrus taste, but the headliner is the hoppy bitter taste.  That fresh cut grass taste is what I got out of the beer.  It was really good though.  I don't want to convey that I took a bite out of someone's lawn.  The balance of flavors is really the best I've had so far.  Yes there's a star, but without all the other compliments, the star is nothing.  The IBU is 70, and, comparing with the Dogfish beers, that's a good number to rate this bitterness without considering the other flavor notes found in the brew.  The bitterness is there and hangs around for you to have a conversation.  Maybe about the bitterness' childhood of growing in the fields, hanging out with his buddies.  I think I'm digressing so on to mouthfeel.

Mouthfeel

     Slightly dry coming in and after swallowing.  There was also a frothy and aerated mouthfeel but nothing like a smoothie.  Just frothy enough to lift the liquid off your tongue.  There was a bite in carbonation and then it let go as soon as it bit.  The bite was kind of strong but not annoying.  I guess that's why there was SIX streams of carbonation.


Overall

     I enjoyed this beer.  I hope I don't offend anyone, but I would say this is a good beginners beer.  By that I mean if you have some friends that are interested in expanding their beer mind with craft beer, I would suggest this.  I would actually suggest the sampler, which is this IPA (part of their Explore series) and all their Folly line minus their Blue Paddle Lager.  Don't know what I'm talking about? Go to this site.   Before I end this, I have to say that I kind of skimped on you guys.  I lost the notes I took for this beer and went solely on memory.  So if you're thinking, "I'd like to hear some specifics buddy," then you're probably right, I would as well.  But what I thought about the brew is one hundred percent true.  I highly recommend a taste, especially if you want to get into the beer world and you, or someone you know, will probably gag when drinking something that's too bitter or too heavy or something like that.  Remember, take it slow, you have all the time to taste everything.  And don't take baby steps, that's a dumb saying.  Just take a step and go from there.  Easy as that.

Afterthought

     This isn't going to be educational.  Maybe it will be if you regard me, your narrator.  I recently watched a documentary called "Beer Wars."   This documentary gives a good sized window into the beer world, more specifically, the brewers and the difficulties they faced when breaking into the beer making industry.  I learned something from this:  I learned why I shouldn't buy BMC brands.  First, I should direct you to this site:  Real American Beers.  This site gives a list of beers that is owned by whatever company, DESPITE WHAT THE LABEL SAYS.  This is also revealed in "Beer Wars," when a certain beer, which I forget the name but who cares anyway, claims to be from a microbrewery in Fairfield, CA but is actually made by Budweiser. 
     So why am I saying this stuff?  Because at first I thought "you know what, who cares, you can't get away from the machine.  What I like isn't what everyone likes."  That's true still, but lesser than what I originally thought.  The truth is, when you're in your twenties, you just want to get drunk.  Taste doesn't matter as much as the social and physiological aspects of drinking alcohol.  So yes, I buy BMC every so often.  And I don't want to be that guy that villainizes the layman because he/she buys BMC.  But what I want to say is PLEASE buy craft.  Every time you can buy craft, buy craft.  Try to drink craft more than you drink BMC.  You're going to go to house parties, clubs, even bars, and they're not going to have craft beer.  And for the sake of having fun or social acceptance, your going to drink what ever is there.  There's nothing wrong with that.  But try to drink craft majority of the time.  Even if the bar you go to has one craft beer on tap, buy it.  These little breweries have people that have so much passion and are so intelligent that I couldn't help but side with them.  And so, I want to help pass the message along that the BMC companies are heartless and care nothing about quality.  It's just to get drunk.  That's all it's good for.  Thanks, I'm off the soap box, deuces.

Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA



http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/year-round-brews/90-minute-ipa.htm


     Do you remember him?  Our old friend from Dogfish Head?  Well if you don't then go here: 60 Min.  In this video we learn a little more about both the beer and the spokesperson.  For example, he apparently loves his malt mill.  Also, they continually added the hops using an old school football board game when Dogfish Head first started out.  See folks, you can do anything with a little research, ingenuity, and drive.  So how did it go?  Read on.
     It was a pretty cool day which actually ended in a steady drizzle.  It was my first time at Naja's Place in Redondo Beach on the International Boardwalk.  I heard good things about the place and some friends and I wanted to watch the Laker game there.  I arrived early, and so, got to review.  I looked at the whiteboard that had their list of brews and saw the 90 minute.  Well I might as well, I thought, especially since it's on tap.

Appearance

        Doesn't that look absolutely wonderful?  The perfect glassware at the perfect temperature with the perfect pour.  It was just perfect.  What you see is exactly what I saw.  Yes, I finally got a perfect shot with my phone, what a rarity!  So you see the dark amber color with the pretty white head.  The head had good retention and steadily disappeared after drinking and never before, which really boggled my mind.  The glass really does make a difference, not just in look, but in smell as well. Okay, on to smell.

Smell

     I'm regretfully going to skimp a little on this section.  The bar was pretty much an outdoor bar and the sea breeze was at my back blowing away smells and blowing around the aromas of french fries and various meats from the kitchen.  What I did smell, though, were scents of orange and sweet.  Part of the reason I smelled it the first try, though, was that the Snifter glassware really helped the aromas come out.  The smell was stronger than the 60 minute IPA and I think that's because of the glassware and not due to the drink.  Sorry, that's all I really got.  After the first smell, the wind started blowing hard and I lost it.  All I could smell was chili fries and ocean air after that.

Taste

     Damn this drink was in your face.  It was strong and full; really top of the line.  I tasted citrus flavors, a little bit of sweet that mixed well with the citrus.  Before I move on, I'm noticing that beers tend to have two strong flavors which are usually made by a combination of different flavors.  The two flavors are bitter and sweet.  Yeah, I know it was simple, but I got lost thinking about notes of nutty flavors and citrus flavors and what not.  Ultimately, at least to me, it's bitter and sweet and what's inside those two sections are the "notes" of flavor that reviewers taste.  Hopefully that makes it easier for you in picking out what you're drinking.   In this case, the sweet end was a fruity/citrus kind of taste.  On the other end, the bitter had notes of almond  and a bitter taste that I really can't articulate.  I checked Beeradvocate and the Dogfish Head for some help and here's what I got:  a brandied fruitcake with extra alcohol.  That's the best I can do.  That doesn't sound very appetizing but it's because I have no words!  That bitter taste is the centerpiece of the beer but is settled down by the other flavors and creates a nice blend that made me happy, at least.

Mouthfeel

     The mouthfeel for this drink was easy on the tongue.  It wasn't heavy on the tongue nor was it light; and, by light, I mean frothy.   By heavy, I mean thick like syrup.  Sure you have better words but I'm writing this and you need to give me a break.  The carbonation was middle high and added a nice texture to the brew.  There was a slight bite but nothing harsh.  There was no dryness and was rather refreshing to drink.

Overall

     Overall this was a great great beer.  I enjoyed this over the 60 minute, but I could pick the 60 minute over the 90 depending on how I feel that day.  Either way, they're both top of the line beers.  I also have to add that my friend arrived midway through my review and had a taste.  He said he liked the 60 minute more and that the 90 minute was too strong for him.  There you go--to each his own.  I do like the strength of the bitterness in this ale but I know it's not for everyone and, if you haven't destroyed your tongue as much as I have, you'll feel the same as him.  Also, like the 60 minute, the ABV and the IBU are alliterate to the number of minutes:  9.0 ABV and 90 IBU's from 90 minutes.  So there you go.  This is a beer I recommend you drink before you die, I think you'll like it.  If you don't like it then okay, I'm better than you, I get it. 

Afterthought

Glassware
      I've talked about glassware before and, since I'm lazy to look up anything with more meaning, I'll just let you guys know where to get it.  I recently went to Crate and Barrel and they have a great selection of glassware.  Some stores that specialize in libation may have some but often they cater to the wine drinkers.  Of course there's online, but if you really hate the idea that the mail man might destroy your glasses, you can go to Crate and Barrel.  Sorry for those reading outside of California.  I can't speak for you and you're, unfortunately, on your own.  Here's where you can learn about glassware:

                                            - Beer Glasses!

That's my favorite guide so far.  And here's some sites where you can buy glasses:

                                            - Amazon
                                            - Pub Glasses (good luck with this site, when I went on it, it was goddamn slow)
                                            - Crate and Barrel
                                            - True Beer
                                            - Mikasa

Well, there's some sites for you.  If you don't like those then stop being so lazy and do your own research, come on this blog is for free.  Anyway, the glasses can get expensive if you're looking for a particular kind or want yours engraved or something like that.  Also, there are a lot of boots.  So I've heard it's impossible to drink so fast where the bubble at the bottom of the shoe does anything (sorry frat boys).  And if you run into this thing called a beer "flight paddle" that's just a thing to serve samplers (no not for beer pong).  Okay guys, good luck and drink up.

Lazy Dog Porter

Lazy Dog Porter

If you live in Southern California maybe you're familiar with this place, particularly Torrance, Irvine, and, well, just click here.  I didn't expect this place to have craft beer at all (which they do have a pretty good amount) let alone craft beer with their name on it.  But I am glad they did.  So today, I got the Lazy Dog Porter made by Bay Hawk Ales brewing company in Irvine.  Well, well, well, it looks as if Bay Hawk Ales have a nice little site that details their brews--click here to see the scoop.   I am guessing I drank the Chocolate Porter, considering I had the porter, but the description is different from what I experienced with the Lazy Dog Porter.  What did I experience?  Well then let's have it.

     
Appearance

      I made this picture of the extra large persuasion because I wanted you to see that, no this picture isn't badly taken albeit through the camera on my phone once again, this porter is black.  The drink is completely opaque with a deep thick looking texture.  I wonder if this is as dark as it gets.  The color is comparable to motor oil.  I couldn't see through it at all so no telling if there were any carbonation streams, which I'm sure there were because there hasn't been a beer, minus this one, where I didn't see carbonation streams.  The head you see was the head I got.  This came from tap and was poured away from my supervision, thus, I don't know if the head was bigger or what kind of retention it had.  Hey you can't watch the bartender all the time, what are you a stalker!  No big deal, though, and they had a 22 ounce option as opposed to an American pint.  Don't remember the difference between the American pint and the English pint?  Here you go my friend, just scroll to the educational afterthought.  So how does that beer look to you?  Did you like that?  Did you think that was sexy?

Smell

     The smell was a nice chocolate smell with a little bit of a roasted nut or bean smell.  I really smelled the chocolate though.  If you are a baker, or know one, look for some semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Yeah, that's right, the kind you throw into a batch of cookie dough.  Open the bag (hopefully it's at least half full, but I'm sure you'll still smell it.  Especially if the batch is new) and stick your nose in the bag and inhale.  That's what this beer smelled like .  A thin breeze of semi-sweet chocolate.  The chocolate was the star of the smell show.  The supporting cast was a roasted smell of something.  I want to say coffee, but maybe that's because that's what the description on the menu said.  I don't really want to say coffee but more like just a roasted bean or grain of some sort.  Yeah, you're probably right in saying that's roasted malt.  Either way it smelled good.

Taste

     I have to say, as far as taste and smell going together, this one was right on the nose.  I might as well put this section and the smell section together. The star of the show was chocolate, but not like drinking chocolate fudge or being a fatty and drinking from a chocolate fondue fountain, more like drinking a more acidic Yoo-Hoo.  And if you don't know what Yoo-Hoo is, well it's a chocolate milk drink that you can never get enough of, and ma'am/sir, you're missing out.  The taste of coffee was present but stayed on the sides of the mouth.  Every time I drank, though, all I could think was chocolate, chocolate, chocolate.  The malts were on point in this drink.

Mouthfeel

     The mouthfeel had a nice variety or complexity, whatever adjective you'd like to use because I honestly am not fully confident in my use of 'complex' when talking about beer--not yet at least.  The brew was thick and creamy, similar to Guinness but more carbonated, which gives more texture that can keep your tongue interested.  I, and I imagine others, can grow tired of Guinness because the mouthfeel is so smooth and I begin to feel like I'm just drinking syrup.   I grow tired of drinking it and start to feel like I need a little more excitement in my life.   Nothing wrong with Guinness, though, and I love the drink--honestly--but I like carbonation and would pick a more carbonated drink rather than Guinness.  There was a dryness to the drink which made me think of chocolate ( if that's normal or not, I'm in space).  Lastly, which I think was a nice way to end my session, the brew made my breath smell like chocolate.

Overall

     This beer was good!  I don't want to make it a favorite.  Well, no, I don't exactly want to say that.  The explanation is that this beer is different.  I wouldn't drink it as a session beer because I think the texture is too rich.  It was a heavy drink and the flavors were very robust.  For me to call it refreshing would be wrong.  It was filling.   I can drink more bottles of Guinness than this (and remember what I said earlier about getting tired of it).  Can I go so far as saying this is a sort of dessert beer?  Just like a dessert wine is sweet, this beer is sweet and I could really end a good meal with this beer as a replacement to a cupcake or cookie or something like that.  I guess it can be a more tough dessert.  I mean really, how cool can you look when you bite into a cupcake?  Do I suggest it?  Hell yeah!!  Try it; the only reason I wouldn't pick this beer before other beers is because of personal preference.  There's quality present in this brew and I really don't want to take away from that.  So go out there and take it in.


Afterthought

     Yeah I'm labeling the afterthoughts now.  Not only for easier organization but also because when I refer you to something I'm talking about that is in another blog,  you can now just scroll to the bottom and look it up with an easier time at finding it (although I understand how hard it is to avoid reading the entire article, but you know, time dictates everything).  So what are we going to talk about today?  Malts of course. I'm in my mid-twenties and only recently have attained a full understanding of what 'malt' is.  I know, and now you do if you didn't, that malts contribute the sweetness to beer--as well as candy and milkshakes and et cetera.  So I looked some stuff up for you and good old Wiki gave this nice and clean explanation: MALTS!  If you were a good student and read the entire article, then you realized that malt is not a thing but the result of a process involving grains.  The product is sugar, grain, and/or malted milk (milk shakes!). 
     Here's another thing about malts--adjuncts.  When referring to beer (I don't really know if adjuncts are included in anything else) an adjunct is an unmalted grain that can add certain flavors for beer, create a kind of retention in the head, and it also helps with cutting costs.  Just read this if you're interested: ADJUNCTS!
     So there's a little preview of Malts and Adjuncts.  You now have an extremely (and take extremely generously) basic knowledge of malts and adjuncts in reference to beer.  Here's a list of malts and adjuncts you can find in beer:  MALTS AND ADJUNCTS! That page got a little thick for me and becoming an expert that fast isn't my thing.  This is fun remember?  If you want to go get a degree in Beer go to UC Davis.  Other than that,  let's take it easy and learn as we go along. 
 

Pyramid Haywire Hefeweizen

Pyramid Haywire Hefeweizen

     You like that label?  Apparently,  this beer makes you feel like you're climbing the side of a building.  I must be frank, this label is ugly.  That's probably my biggest gripe with a lot of American breweries--the labels are a little annoying to the eye.  But I can overlook if you make good beer.  So this is Pyramid Haywire Hefeweizen, a new name for the brewery according to their site.  Their original name was plainly Pyramid Hefeweizen.  Apparently, this beer was named to remind you it'll make you haywire.  So I bought this as a six pack from Bevmo! because, well, I don't really know why I picked this particular brand up.  I guess the label did me in.  What I thought you ask?  I got you friend.

Appearance

     As you can see (I think I always lead in with that now), it's a cloudy golden/orange color which references the wheat that it's made of.  A lot of carbonation streams rising to the top, which I thought looked cool (I  interject that because I don't see people talk about it too much in other reviews and sometimes I enjoy watching the bubbles rise, especially in lighter beers).   The brew looked like it had the texture of thick and creamy.  The head was slightly larger than what you see on the right, but it broke away quickly and left the beer looking less appealing.
  

Smell

     The smell was slightly sweet and a little bit smokey.  The sweet smell was not sweet like candy but of something like honeysuckle pig sweet, thus the smokey barbecue smell.  Yeah, I said barbecue, is that weird?  It probably is, but that's what I smelled.  Again, it wasn't strong.  It was actually quite light in smell.  The smell waved in and out but wasn't present the entire session.

Taste

     I was pretty disappointed with this beer as far as taste goes.  There was a complexity in smell, although light, that made me expect more from the taste.  Yes, it was a little bit sweet, the basic taste of a Hefeweizen.  There weren't any strong tastes that set it apart from anything else.  Actually, it tasted like the breweries skipped out on putting any other taste in the brew.  There was a little bit of a bitter aftertaste that may have been due to aging (a good amount of dust on the bottle when I bought it), but I don't think that's the reason for the bitter.  Overall taste was disappointing.  Especially if you've had a lot of Hefeweizens prior to drinking this.  One taste that came out was a slight twinge of an unripe orange.  The orange taste being a flavor I taste in many Hefeweizens.  I should probably say 'citrus' rather than orange because that's what the flavor is closer to.  Also, there was a sweet taste but, again, nothing that wows the palate.  Otherwise, the entire flavor canvas of this beer was light like the smell and didn't impress me much. 

Mouthfeel
     
     The feel was pretty aerated and frothy.  The end of a drink would have a slight dry sensation on the tongue.  No refreshing taste and it was pretty bland to drink.  I was pretty distracted with the frothy feel that I didn't get much out of taste.  Overall, the mouthfeel was plain.

Overall

     Eh...that's all I can really say.  I'd drink it again only if someone bought it for me.  It wasn't bad, but the taste is like my opinion of the beer--plain.  At 5.40% ABV this could be a session beer.  I didn't feel much and, yeah, I can drink this all day.  There was nothing robust about this beer so I can't give you something to hold on to about this beer.  I automatically give Bud Light a shit rating.  You need letters? A damn 'F' for Bud Light.  This beer would be a C.  I don't like giving letter grades because of the subjectivity of taste, but there are beers that I can definitely grade; and, this beer is a definite C.  It's just there.  Don't be afraid of it, but don't go out of your way for it.  Then again, the great thing about opinion is that it's not truth and you, you, or you, can just tell me to go fuck myself.

     If you were keen enough to check the label I put on these things--a label I make by type of beer--then you'll notice that this beer is labeled American Pale Wheat Ale.  But the label on the bottle says Hefeweizen.  Well, American Pale Wheat Ale is another way of saying "American Hefeweizen."  If you want a definition of  a Hefeweizen, then go here.  If you weren't lazy and clicked on the links, you'll notice that at the end of each definition states that adding a lemon wedge is an American popularization and can be a nice complement or a slap in the face of beer makers.  My opinion of the lemon wedge is forget about it--in most cases.  I would actually put a lemon wedge on a Pyramid Haywire.  It would probably add a nice flavor, but I didn't try it.  For me, most Hefeweizens have enough flavor, especially German Hefeweizens, that the lemon just cancels all the strong flavors out.  Here's a little rule you can follow that I just made up right now:  if it is an American Pale Wheat Ale, or Hefeweizen made in America, then sure, you can put a lemon if you really need to, but try it without one first.  If is is a Hefeweizen from Germany: DON'T PUT A LEMON.  That's just my opinion.    I don't know what I"m drinking next but let's hope it's a good one.  Deuces!

Dixie Blackened Voodoo

Dixie Blackened Voodoo

     A surprise trip to the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, shoot up to the top floor and stroll down the stairs into the Bona Vista Lounge--a revolving lounge that has a spectacular view of Los Angeles (might I add the best time to go is sunset).  Well, well, well they have some craft beers available.  I stupidly forgot to remember the entire collection, but I'll return for reviews.  Today's pick, though, was the Dixie Blackened Voodoo Lager.  This site appears to be their distributor and, if I can recall correctly, their description is the same as the one on the menu.  To be honest, though, I picked it because of the name.  Before you get angry and claim I was being reckless with my decisions, I want to add that I've never heard of any of the other beers and they all seemed the same caliber with different names.  When the period appears, shoot.

Appearance

          Oh yeah, another reason I picked it was because the word 'Blackened' inferred that it was a dark beer, and if you're new, I pick dark over light ninety percent of the time.  See, I didn't forsake you as your guide, you're tester, you're "first stone thrower."  So the head was tiny on this one.  It didn't dissipate too fast, but it didn't add to the physique of the beer.  The color, though, was pretty wonderful.  The liquid was relatively thick with a dark brown roasted coffee color, giving a leather-like texture.  There were a couple of carbonation streams but it wasn't really noticeable.  Have you been looking closely?  You see it now?  Yup, frost, and not light frost.  The damn glass is sweating.  Makes the beer look more enticing, more tasty, I can go so far as saying it's a little more sexy.  Did I mention that the beer was served in a cold bottle with a frosted glass.  No don't!  It's a ruse!  It's a Siren song to the untrained;well, most of the time. I'm not completely sure about that yet.  Read on, you'll see why.



Smell

     This lager--yes, my first lager review, exciting isn't it--  has a lot of fruity attributes to the smell.  I smelled the sweet of malt and a nice cherry smell.  I didn't smell hops; and, if I did, I didn't notice it.  It wasn't strong but it was stronger than the Samuel Smiths that I had a few weeks ago.  Alright, on to taste.

Taste

     It was a nice beer.  I did run into a problem--remember when I mentioned that the glass was sweating?  Yeah, it was served pretty damn cold.  At first, I tasted hardly anything.  It was kind of a job trying to figure out what was wrong with the beer.  I kept thinking "damn did I ruin my taste buds somewhere today?  I can't blame it on the food because it hasn't come out yet."  Then I finally realized it was too cold and it numbed my tongue.  I let it sit for awhile and held it in my hand sporadically.  About fifteen to twenty minutes later and I was good to go.  A minor inconvenience but a lesson learned.  The taste is light with a nice malt taste (I'm tired of saying "hint of chocolate."  Let's just say it's malt from now on. I'm convinced that's my idea of malt.  And it's not like I taste a Hershey's bar.  It's more like a Whopper ball after getting through the chocolate.  Oh yeah, BECAUSE IT'S A CHOCOLATE MALT BALL.  Go try a whopper ball, then try a 'malty' beer.   Here's a little site that helped me).   There was no strong aftertaste nor did any of the flavors linger.  The taste was there, said a salutation, and then left down the tube.

Mouthfeel
      
     It may just be solely my opinion, but I'll go out there and say that the mouthfeel was more spectacular than the taste.  What, do you wanna fight about it?  The texture was thick and frothy.  I enjoyed that--almost like melted ice cream.  The carbonation contributed to this by adding gas to the liquid.  The carbonation had a slight bite but wasn't passive; meaning, I felt the carbonation but it didn't bother me.

Overall

     I wouldn't argue with you if you said that this review was a little short.   I'd agree with you and I would also say it was because this beer wasn't all that impressive.  But, and that's a big 'but,' this is a lager--my first craft lager that I reviewed.  The 'but' gets bigger because most BMC beers (it used to be all, but Budweiser came out with an ale and I'm sure there are more but I can't think of them off the top of my head) are lagers.  I'd like to make this beer my base.  I can't use BMC beers because they're just so bland. There's a taste that I can agree with and I can describe.   If I were forced to compare this beer with a more widely distributed beer, I'd use Heineken.  Dixie Blackened Voodoo does not have that sharp acid taste that Heineken has.  It is thicker and sweeter.  Does that put it more into perspective?   This beer is also a good session beer.  About a 5% Alcohol by Volume, which means I can drink this for days without getting ridiculous.  I had two of these at the lounge and, yes, I just felt good and sober.

     Before I go, I want to remind you that the difference between Lager and Ale is just how it's made.  Lager is bottom fermenting and Ale is top fermenting.  I wanted to tell you that there is a big distinguishing taste between a Lager and an Ale, but after trying this--no.  You could probably make an ale taste like this.  Perhaps ales are more bitter, but I'm sure I'll run into a bitter lager.  So I'm with you in saying I have no clue what sets these apart other than the way it's made.
     Furthermore, this is a "Munich Dunkel Lager."  Which is explained in detail here at the top of the list, as well as a link that leads you to what the top Munich Dunkel Lager beers are.  I have to admit, I feel a little lost with the lagers.  The learning never ends.  Drink up!

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA



http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/year-round-brews/60-minute-ipa.htm

      Did you like that video?  Did you check out the site?  This company cannot cater to beer lovers any more perfectly.  A video, an explanation, and genuine enthusiasm is what I see.  They even have beer porn!  I gotta say, the cups full of hops...pretty sexy.  So let's get to it shall we?

     In the last entry I talked about Samuel Smith's India Ale as a good base for India Pale Ale's.  This beer seriously smashed through the ceiling.  This was seriously a damn good beer.  But maybe I should save the cocksucking for later.  Last night I tasted this before a party that was going to happen at my house.  Smells of food filled the entire downstairs, so I hid upstairs and locked myself into a room that hasn't been permeated by distractions.  I poured, I smelled, I drank, I enjoyed, and then I went downstairs and had a good time with my peoples.  I bought the 60 min IPA as a six pack from Bevmo! in the craft beer section (for those of you who haven't been to bevmo) at the Torrance location on Hawthorne Blvd.  There's no doubt in my mind that this beer set the mood for the rest of the night.


Appearance

      Sorry for the picture.  It's grainy because it was taken from my phone.  Do you really care?  You better not.  Also, sorry for the lame print on the glass, I really need to stop being lazy and go get something less tacky.  So you can see the nice gold color.  A little darker, deeper amber than the Samuel Smith, but still had that glassy look but with more noticeable streams of carbonation rising to the top--a real classy looking beer.  The head was small but retained well.  It didn't crumble away like Samuel Smith's IPA.  In the words of Akon "...damn you a sexy bitch."


Smell

     Oh the smell was stupendous!  This was hands down the best smelling beer I've had so far.  At first I thought it was just my weak nose that made me review previous beers as light smelling, or something to that effect, which still might be the case except to a lesser degree, but this beer smelled sweet and, oh I don't know, pine like?  Not like Pinesol cleaning agent, but more grassy, to use the words of the man in the video.  It also had a sour twinge, maybe orange or something citrus flavor like that.  It really smelled great, and gathering from how it's made (did you read the blurb on the website?) that's the smell of hops.  It really does smell nice.  It wasn't strong and overwhelming but like a pleasant scent that lingers in the air when you walk through a forest--how fanciful.  Also, I usually lose the smell after drinking it for awhile, but this stayed the course.  I didn't have to aggravate the beer too much to unleash the smell.  It just hung out with me until I finished my session.

Taste

     The taste was yummy.  Super balanced like a high end Le Mans race car.  Many IPAs tend to be bitter throughout the drink.  To me, I don't know if this is consensus, the strong bitter hops taste is a marker of an IPA; but, this beer was very light and sweet which got punctuated by the bitter hops taste rather than the bitter taste taking center stage.  The beer was clean and refreshing with light carbonation.  The taste was less dry than Samuel Smith's IPA and left my palate feeling clean afterward.  I had questions about the Doghead Fish Brewery site claiming it was a "session" beer (that I'll explain at the end), but the lightness helps with making it a session beer.

Mouthfeel

     Again, the brew was dry to the tongue but not so much where it felt like it sucked all the moisture from my tongue.  The carbonation had no sting and really did a good job at aerating the beer to make it fresh and light.  Often too much carbonation ruins drinks (beer and soda) for me because the sting it gives distracts me from what I'm tasting.  Instead of tasting the sugars and whatnot, I feel the bubbles bursting on my tongue and I focus most of my attention on that.  The drink was not at all thick and not too watery.  

Overall
     

     The opinions I heard about this beer and the reviews that I've read are all raving glory for this beer.  I am officially jumping on that wagon because there is nothing bad about this beer.  Sure, I'll try to think of one:  the bottle was too small and a six pack is not enough.  That actually sounded like alcoholic phrases.  Anyway, it is true that this beer is high end and a real prize for American IPAs.  There's nothing bad about it and should, or will, become a regularly bought drink in this household.  The site says that this beer has an ABV (Alcohol by Volume remember?) of 6% and an IBU (International Bitterness Units) of 60.  Sixty is a really high number and if I saw that  before I drank the beer I would have braced myself for a face cringe, but it really was not as strong as 60 IBUs would lead one to anticipate.  The mix of malt with hops is so well put together, despite adding and boiling hops for sixty minutes (yeah that's where the name comes from, but you should've known that after you clicked on the link under the first picture!), that the bitterness shows as a friendly face instead of a punch in one.  Also, if you needed to review the IBU and ABV terms again go to the afterthought of this entry which will also have good links that will lead you to education, or this site.  Also, as a kind of side note, I poured the other five bottles for friends and they loved it.  A good friend of mine, who loves Hefeweizens, really smiled wide when he drank this one.  So go out and have a taste, I really encourage this one.






     Okay here's the educational afterthought.  Two things: what "session beer" means and an explanation on IPA.  First off, when you hear that a beer is a "session beer," that beer is a beer that can be drunk in large quantities without becoming tiresome and/or getting too drunk.  According to Beeradvocate.com's definition of "session beer,"

Any beer that contains no higher than 5 percent ABV, featuring a balance between malt and hop characters (ingredients) and, typically, a clean finish - a combination of which creates a beer with high drinkability. The purpose of a session beer is to allow a beer drinker to have multiple beers, within a reasonable time period or session, without overwhelming the senses or reaching inappropriate levels of intoxication. (Yes, you can drink and enjoy beer without getting drunk.)

  but this is Beeradvocate's definition and, thus, is not accepted by the world, at least not yet.  I personally like this definition.  The Doghead site claims that their 60 Minute IPA to be a session beer, but after drinking one, I had a nice buzz.  Also, since I subscribe to Beeradvocate's definition, the 60 Minute IPA has an ABV of 6%, which really makes a difference albeit is only one percent.  I couldn't drink the whole six pack and be sober.  Click the Beeradvocate for more information, though, there's some history about the term and a better explanation than I care to give at the moment.  See, I like that I have the resources to teach you without saying a damn thing.
     Now, since this is the second IPA, I realized I didn't even explain really the term IPA or India Pale Ale.  I thought it originated in India by the English, but I'm not entirely correct.  If you have time or if you are really interested in IPAs read this article on India Pale Ales.  It gives the history and the characteristics and even some suggestions.  Things I can't really explain because, I mean let's face it, I'm pretty stupid.  Self deprecation is only sad if you let it be, I'm not!  I'll find articles on the other beer styles when I get to them.  Sorry for neglecting to do that in the previous reviews.  Share a drink with friends and make lots of jokes.  Beer is the absolute best when you're laughing with friends.