Duchy Originals Organic English Ale

The brand of this ale sounds dirty almost but it's really just organic goodness. There's something about the water I'm going to say with these organic brews, they always have this crisp taste to it not found in non-organic brews it seems. I don't have any proof of this, but all the organic ales, pale ales, and the like all have this similarity to them. This is a good English ale to try, I like the weight of it and it is not overly carbonated. I can taste some bit of citrus with a really pleasant sweet aftertaste.

These types of brews are pretty hard to come by without really searching specialty shops for. I'm sure overseas where they are local, they probably come in cans or smaller bottles. It's hard to commit to those giant bottles without knowing what awaits inside. I've gone and dumped a few bottles right down the drain after taking a sip, a gulp, followed by another sip to realize acquiring a taste for it would not be much fun. For the most part, I've gotten some good ones without too much hesitation, I'd easy count this as a good buy.

Coney Island White Lager

I can't help but be drawn to these Coney Island labels, the artist really captures the color and flair of the carnival theme. I'm sure those who've never been to Coney Island may have this image in their heads that it is a smaller version of a state fair, but I assure you it is not. It is pretty run down but has its moments of being the first amusement park in New York. No childhood is complete for a native New Yorker without visits to this dirty beach and amusement park. I recall a summer two years ago where I made it to Coney Island and bought a corndog to only feel defeated by the deflated and staleness of it. Maybe I went at the wrong time, but it was light out, I would assume the lack of foot traffic may have attributed to idling of the corndog.

I thought I would like this white lager just all right and I did. I don't think I will buy another because I am not a huge fan of the style of beer. It's not a strong beer but there is a ton of flavor in it, there's definitely some essence of citrus and spices. I would recommend this to Belgian ale fans who love the tarty orange peel goodness.

Kasteel Cru Fine Lager

I've seen these in four packs and they're pricey at more than $12 for only four bottles. I managed to get a single to try since the label explicitly says made with champagne yeast. How fancy. I'm not much for the fancy besides loving some expensive cognac now and then. This beer does smell a bit like champagne and has the taste of champagne mixed with beer, the tartness of it, and the bubbles. I'm not a fan of champagne or white wine since it does a number on my intestines. However, I am a bit impressed with capturing the champagne feel right into a beer for those who enjoy that type of thing. This is something I would probably never buy or drink again, based on personal tastes, but it is a good beer to try, there is not anything else like it I've seen.

When I wrote about summer escaping too quickly, I did not realize it would be this quick as the weather has changed within a week to feel very much like Fall. I'm going to be pillaging some store shelves to find some brews I have not tried.