tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-664470148676854832024-02-18T22:00:05.206-08:00Mini Beer BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-62142705148015007492011-10-01T17:50:00.000-07:002011-10-02T16:42:33.956-07:00Blue Point Spring Fling Copper Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrxaz3K6H-IeiSgInqwoygR__7qODHBawLpHLHtjFc-iY-MvPk7PMjN5Zll_O3n6S143AfpPbNH8rxafhOCyR-X0cmAfNQQv-Yt0KFrY1UyE8MtH6Tn1zXpghNHiOgcfrwR3kxNotMQ/s1600/DSC_0852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrxaz3K6H-IeiSgInqwoygR__7qODHBawLpHLHtjFc-iY-MvPk7PMjN5Zll_O3n6S143AfpPbNH8rxafhOCyR-X0cmAfNQQv-Yt0KFrY1UyE8MtH6Tn1zXpghNHiOgcfrwR3kxNotMQ/s400/DSC_0852.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596720037496075282" border="0" /></a><br />I held on to this post for way too long since there are Autumn brews all over the shelves. Picking up this brew was a no brainer, Blue Point is one of my favorite locals and I would not hesitate to try anything they come out with. This beer is definitely on the bitter side with an acidic pucker. I would not say I would buy these again after finishing a six pack because of how acidic it comes off to me.<br /><br />It's now October, I tried a few seasonals and so far I haven't bought anything I disliked. Posts should follow soon with freshly updated beer labels of Fall seasonals.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-69449016567391510362011-08-29T12:22:00.000-07:002011-08-29T18:10:29.430-07:00Ba M'Ba Lager<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bAd6t3ZTRnKGbnc4oCw3eg2hUNAxZ7NUdQPMXqBnaM3GlbDkP8qN2PF9WXF7wqKs7gTm8UoRFKQz9GffnzwcRjNf6mrGAtBLECI2gk65U0VtvkkNsSuRmjZi3iMBxBzGNISy3rxmBA/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bAd6t3ZTRnKGbnc4oCw3eg2hUNAxZ7NUdQPMXqBnaM3GlbDkP8qN2PF9WXF7wqKs7gTm8UoRFKQz9GffnzwcRjNf6mrGAtBLECI2gk65U0VtvkkNsSuRmjZi3iMBxBzGNISy3rxmBA/s400/DSC_0198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604552039161232930" border="0" /></a>This is the last lager for a while, I promise. Lagers are a summer beer to me since they are so refreshing for some of my favorite spicy foods and heavy meals like burgers and fries. It seems as though Asia has no shortage of lagers and they are all pretty much the same. This one is a bit different, though, it has a bit of a sweetness I would attribute to fruit. I'm a big fan of Asian island foods and once a month I will drag myself to the nearest Thai or Vietnamese restaurant I enjoy and eat a full meal including an appetizer. I have never see Ba M'Ba served in the restaurants locally, it's usually Singha, but I would order this if it were on the menu. This is not a light beer, so I would classify it with the same weight as a regular Heineken. Sad to say, Heineken seems to be my default lager when I am uncertain of beer freshness at restaurants and I can measure lagers based on my default.
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<br />This summer has been eventful to say the least, a major heatwave, an earthquake felt upwards in the East coast, and a hurricane. I am glad when a season ends because another beer season begins. I look forward to the art of new Fall labels and trying new seasonals.
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-4707853558537668482011-07-04T12:24:00.000-07:002011-07-04T13:59:26.758-07:00Asahi Super Dry Draft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GPRDNhC1vbVlAxqCVll6zJIU0R_RGAsZfhyphenhyphennI8-68LhhjP6f240Vj8_1F3kfFapYpckyMKenOpd-nQXEeuRWRmSOBgZ1WnFv9H6fE05f8N6TLIUjyGpGEWCxRvwPMYigk9Du43PNGw/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GPRDNhC1vbVlAxqCVll6zJIU0R_RGAsZfhyphenhyphennI8-68LhhjP6f240Vj8_1F3kfFapYpckyMKenOpd-nQXEeuRWRmSOBgZ1WnFv9H6fE05f8N6TLIUjyGpGEWCxRvwPMYigk9Du43PNGw/s400/DSC_0150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604552546437112482" /></a>Whenever I go out for sushi randomly, I'm always thinking about the refreshing Japanese lagers to drink with the food. I'm not in love with sushi since it is pretty easy to get sick of compared to eating pizza or pasta. However, I do enjoy the beers since they always seem to go down smoothly between pieces of sushi. I think Sapporo is a lighter beer and a bit easier to drink compared to the dry taste of Asahi. I would say Sapporo is a beer for those who prefer just to drink beer, as much as they drink Budweiser whereas Asahi is a little more distinct in flavor. I'm always excited when a restaurant has Japanese beers on tap, especially this one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-20969249702802695152011-05-30T12:27:00.000-07:002011-05-30T16:07:42.588-07:00Long Trail Pollenator Spring Ale<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj1t5dTBdjLq5AnJm9qzkX8Jq7x1fF9JiD1diIXYi5ZvEySPWU55ccl7MLVK-y_M6-9TuitkNeXlTn35wnbg4QzENrgdeEkjPCZd8fpzLivoJIU4rV969wJ8GP_SboQUmpUOd0blpHQ/s400/DSC_0218.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604553138083540002" border="0" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcUw5yAWJrMVxlO32AXzwipf3M_xXPCmHNRrfoi4VmUTvk4HZ8Fky_Tl4Ud5GuBLo1vpFDj_ZnKy6ym-38nWbMJ0o6PHFW1wbxnY5YvjMbF0poBfIepNg3zDS4ncZLiU6zqCMPNY3Dg/s400/DSC_0249.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604553427207956594" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My favorite beer seasons are Spring and Fall because those brews usually have the perfect combinations of flavor and carbonation. This Spring was definitely hard earned in the East coast this year, it was frigid all the way until early April. When the weather warmed up just enough, I was on a mission to gather the Spring brews. I am happy to write that I have sampled a handful of seasonals and none of them disappointed me.<br /><br />Long Trail's Spring ale is very light with a sweet hoppy aftertaste and would pair great with a salad or burger. One of the nice things about this beer was the sweet factor did not overpower the beer. This is something I would pick up again but since it is seasonal and something I have already tried, I would choose a new seasonal to try when having to choose how much to buy.<br /></div></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-70514871579752503592011-05-08T15:55:00.000-07:002011-05-08T20:32:52.904-07:00Wolaver's Pale Ale<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiln8tV76pKFociUmGYw6d6luWt2IkxCbBCfAGpH_9S2TTDmwmGGsv4mBwNui2egm-uZTWEk9Rfd0LR16fcMcNScseYa3J9Pn_JINstYJi_IQHMN_JAjncJbMakCq5kMI0Z6lQEOOZTDg/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiln8tV76pKFociUmGYw6d6luWt2IkxCbBCfAGpH_9S2TTDmwmGGsv4mBwNui2egm-uZTWEk9Rfd0LR16fcMcNScseYa3J9Pn_JINstYJi_IQHMN_JAjncJbMakCq5kMI0Z6lQEOOZTDg/s400/DSC_0139.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543717815419020578" border="0" /></a>Wolaver's is from Vermont and a small brewery specializing in organic brews. I see the organic label and I have to try it to see if there is a major difference. As crazy as it sounds and I have written this before, organic does make a difference in the taste. It's crisper and cleaner than non-organic like they've washed some of the starch away. I'm also a huge fan of pale ales, this one did not disappoint when it came to balance of flavors without too much of a bitter aftertaste.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-55216780154781472572011-04-27T17:52:00.000-07:002011-04-28T19:39:24.584-07:00Magic Hat Winter Seasonal Howl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4QBdoI4ZMJq0AG2dt_UddKYQheE8oP4Gud_W66zRJV8by_yRD-7WmJy1CPR-dt3PNte8dk4USmHO7fEOIaIfv7GhtuFCooUm3ELSy3t1C3PDCO3nrJClOliwaLLepeHb1csNPqJSlQ/s1600/DSC_1024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4QBdoI4ZMJq0AG2dt_UddKYQheE8oP4Gud_W66zRJV8by_yRD-7WmJy1CPR-dt3PNte8dk4USmHO7fEOIaIfv7GhtuFCooUm3ELSy3t1C3PDCO3nrJClOliwaLLepeHb1csNPqJSlQ/s400/DSC_1024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596720761249221842" border="0" /></a>Technically, Winter just ended about two weeks ago and I have kept this in my archive for a few months and wanted to put this up before Summer begins. Whenever I think of Magic Hat, I'm always going to think of lighter beers since this is the first Winter seasonal I have seen. The first thing I noticed was the the label. I thought I saw this combination somewhere once in my life before and I probably had thoughts about that moment of time in my life. This book was once required reading in my high school class:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0fCoUWGv9t0qXSWkZrRwErss3jZ6HX0Wk0kiZdajvsL2e6d1WehY45KLKO0Lv37LEItBjcCx3PIRDLot4Dp1MYkWORZoLSDbM3FFfVNvoca-J9I364spJHdFW-6jIvCNRESBpKJ-kw/s1600/great_gatsby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0fCoUWGv9t0qXSWkZrRwErss3jZ6HX0Wk0kiZdajvsL2e6d1WehY45KLKO0Lv37LEItBjcCx3PIRDLot4Dp1MYkWORZoLSDbM3FFfVNvoca-J9I364spJHdFW-6jIvCNRESBpKJ-kw/s400/great_gatsby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600828538924847874" border="0" /></a>Back to the beer, Winter seasonal brews are usually darker and higher in alcohol content and this Magic Hat brew fits that description. It's definitely more bitter and heavier than its usual brews like #9. I found it pretty easy to drink and despite being a heavier brew the balance was good with the alcohol content. When these come around again next year, I will pick it up again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-80623819210828086982011-04-22T17:28:00.000-07:002011-04-23T09:43:44.918-07:00Dale's Pale Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQprzLauKHE0aKtpMCl4WfXpTrrGpFTK05SrMkLLKFwQAnChOX-8wbRM-8Q1vnPhNDumYBCn1rXaYKkGg34U_gXA8kgUSukkOkBlNR1l7MUetdbxDQbTEOCgZmjCrwssIs3J0UF4ZnvA/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQprzLauKHE0aKtpMCl4WfXpTrrGpFTK05SrMkLLKFwQAnChOX-8wbRM-8Q1vnPhNDumYBCn1rXaYKkGg34U_gXA8kgUSukkOkBlNR1l7MUetdbxDQbTEOCgZmjCrwssIs3J0UF4ZnvA/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596714377742701730" border="0" /></a>I read some random reviews and knowing that I am a fan of the American pale ale, I had to pick these cans up to see what the fuss is about. I am shocked I was able to stomach down five of these over time and only had one remain in the fridge. With a lot of beers, if I have more than one, I really give it a curve on taste, slowly drinking them to ensure I'm not dismissing a great beer because of the food I'm eating. This beer stared at me every time I thought about pulling a beer out of the fridge and the thoughts of foul, bitter, aromatic crap bubbled in my gut. I must not be trained for the major hops league, but this beer is disgusting and acidic. I have not seen this served in restaurants or bars or on tap, it's no wonder, this stuff ranks high in beer that only a select few could appreciate.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-70566738761538259122011-04-17T17:22:00.000-07:002011-04-17T17:27:46.360-07:00Flying Dog Hefeweizen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3fkm1VBXtx2N3GXL3ctX3-Hahz1eBudeDGrjZH3HSH9lcLTruBT8LFJff75gyJ1uKcbR3FesfTn9CPs9aOAEJvfQnXDB-LzoBm_JSE5f10URYjp4ZZh0nMgcyNg3J_8kFnE0_yy7DQ/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3fkm1VBXtx2N3GXL3ctX3-Hahz1eBudeDGrjZH3HSH9lcLTruBT8LFJff75gyJ1uKcbR3FesfTn9CPs9aOAEJvfQnXDB-LzoBm_JSE5f10URYjp4ZZh0nMgcyNg3J_8kFnE0_yy7DQ/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596712803510446354" /></a>This is the first Flying Dog brew that I drank where I couldn't even bear to take another sip after the first. This was straight battery acid mixed in with sour funk. I'm not sure how this even passed a taste test. This is not something I can imagine drinking with any type of cuisine to stifle the taste. The only thing this beer has going for it was the label art, other than that, this is nothing more than a paperweight when filled and recyclable bottle when empty.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-78113236260932491432011-04-09T05:06:00.000-07:002011-04-09T07:12:38.060-07:00Harp Lager<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADNz_jrJeTrOQPzJS6Dk0ClC971QcJixJ3q6ezP1CUDps2W-cfTKxz3UOrZOHfjgpSpnR9cZqRsxydfd86R_tI0N4NpV-X2oKE7S5b2_29jHB7pqoVZ9tl7kbeX5bBrWNdL_LqIcmJQ/s1600-h/DSCN1338.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADNz_jrJeTrOQPzJS6Dk0ClC971QcJixJ3q6ezP1CUDps2W-cfTKxz3UOrZOHfjgpSpnR9cZqRsxydfd86R_tI0N4NpV-X2oKE7S5b2_29jHB7pqoVZ9tl7kbeX5bBrWNdL_LqIcmJQ/s400/DSCN1338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368908701521922466" border="0" /></a>Some folks would say any time is a great time for a lager, but I think lagers are beers designed for hot weather. They're usually refreshing and easy to drink a few at once without getting wiped out from it while eating. Harp lager is not much different than the other imported lagers, a lot of carbonation, not a light beer, and easy to drink. I wouldn't consider this a special beer but for what it's worth, it's part of the Guinness brewing clan which could make any beer pretty special.<br /><br /><div>I know I missed posting any St. Patrick's day related beer but this is it, a green bottle from last year sitting dormant in my archives.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-4489625572685745772011-01-30T00:19:00.000-08:002011-01-30T11:46:02.524-08:00Sam Adams Octoberfest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIEF8r5pJ41nss3miJV_cL19iLPbNW4dodqEC7jYszLDrgZLuMBOglRGckxmk83FVWGCcx2AwTTfZyAQPeFSb2DlGv7DqPPazMwhx-D0OztFXFqeDsDxx2fVZyh5raUSEEnq0ZOsLSw/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIEF8r5pJ41nss3miJV_cL19iLPbNW4dodqEC7jYszLDrgZLuMBOglRGckxmk83FVWGCcx2AwTTfZyAQPeFSb2DlGv7DqPPazMwhx-D0OztFXFqeDsDxx2fVZyh5raUSEEnq0ZOsLSw/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555969962848437586" border="0" /></a>I figured I would get these posts going before the next beer season rolls around. Samuel Adams is local along the New England area and I'm able to find most of the seasonal brews down in NY. Since there is no issue with variety, it's a brand I can't ignore when they have such great limited edition runs and specialty brews. I did enjoy this beer, it's a bit heavier than the regular Boston lager but not by much, and the bitter bite is pretty mild. This is a beer I wish they had all year round, it has all the qualities I look for in a brew, mid-weight, not too carbonated and on the darker side.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-49777220920009657272011-01-28T21:17:00.000-08:002011-01-29T08:17:36.194-08:00Magic Hat Hex Ourtoberfest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TRjKolW8SkYAhbPA9lEeUnVPqvXMOGf0rLBKlLE5qFNgeBn7glBnVqcUYVu1Oo_BNmnKX6ugvNxx5JJMFTEeJu_BltazVzy4YN-h3GzHyqoeTSe2sGIQa3YcW1FIbDq5hkV7TbEeUg/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TRjKolW8SkYAhbPA9lEeUnVPqvXMOGf0rLBKlLE5qFNgeBn7glBnVqcUYVu1Oo_BNmnKX6ugvNxx5JJMFTEeJu_BltazVzy4YN-h3GzHyqoeTSe2sGIQa3YcW1FIbDq5hkV7TbEeUg/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555969414475046050" border="0" /></a>I held on to this post for a bit and an entire season managed to pass before getting around to it. October and November are usually busy months for people in general, those months seem to revolve around preparing for holidays and doing strange things like looking for things on sale that we don't really need but really can't pass up the opportunity to buy at a reduced price. Fortunately, I have managed to buy very little this shopping season in terms of random items, though it was tempting. Since the holidays passed, a handful of larger snowstorms hit the East cost and buried most of everything in snow. It seems as though layers and layers of snow piles on the same half melted or unmelted piles every other week making for ugly monuments and to no surprise, the loss of parking spaces. When it snows around here, it makes for pretty messy commutes and extends the day because public transportation will have some delays. At the end of the day, I feel less motivated to update despite still collecting and trying new brews.<br /><br />One of the things about Magic Hat is the variety and quality of brews that keeps me buying almost anything with its label on it. This year's Octoberfest brew is no different, it's got a bit of a bitter bite since it's a Fall beer and it's not too heavy. Fall is the time for darker brews, so everything that comes around this time tends to run along those lines of deep amber colors, heavier in alcohol, and a bit of a bitter kick to it. This one is very drinkable, it's lighter on a lot of the other brews in this category but it may be because that is the Magic Hat style.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-90996190082558747172010-12-28T19:24:00.000-08:002011-01-29T08:03:45.328-08:00Long Trail Blackbeary Wheat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsnx0c8KQwpmzDABo8xFtXbEweHlkL-ITRrImCwXSMFxXs3syOsN1Cpmbqh8IVz-Efb5eHisbNKpn22aqji_mp_cTGnxPcRrGhRYM26zepKaxembZSEDgTRRbqsTKJWS7OoK2LP3MSA/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsnx0c8KQwpmzDABo8xFtXbEweHlkL-ITRrImCwXSMFxXs3syOsN1Cpmbqh8IVz-Efb5eHisbNKpn22aqji_mp_cTGnxPcRrGhRYM26zepKaxembZSEDgTRRbqsTKJWS7OoK2LP3MSA/s400/DSC_0022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522898494277820146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1K6as40lh6BzEwp-I37gLEArhzNj1ivkMBZoT2C2PlJx92RFI0tqEt58OWxzOycZI_b3sQNo53qrZZVFWLij6-kmgIuvUWlY_Mg2LO6sR6TNxq_5KTu5269snMgOqgqQGgKPjdqZIQ/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1K6as40lh6BzEwp-I37gLEArhzNj1ivkMBZoT2C2PlJx92RFI0tqEt58OWxzOycZI_b3sQNo53qrZZVFWLij6-kmgIuvUWlY_Mg2LO6sR6TNxq_5KTu5269snMgOqgqQGgKPjdqZIQ/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522898483878066850" border="0" /></a><br />I have never been to Vermont (not a fan of winter sports) or lived there, so there was a slim chance I would have known or heard of this small brewery. I do have a love for discovering brews along the East cost and this beer really surprised me in quality. This beer definitely reminded me a bit of the weight of Blue Point's type of brews and I knew instantly, the light flavoring of blackberry and lager was a winning combination. I am never a fan of heavily flavored things which kind of explains why I dislike things that are too sour, painfully spicy, or so sweet the my gums sting, I look for brews that manage to pull off being flavored but not categorized as a fruit beer. Long Trail has several seasonals and year round beers, and they seem to do a bit of everything from india pale ales, pale ales, and even porters. I do want to try most of them and would look for a sampler soon.<br /><br />As I write this, the year is really closing in and winding down to the last days of 2010. Every year is important and profound as long as we make commitments to creating great memories for ourselves, loved ones, and communities. It's never easy to look forward without looking back on what could have been done better, more efficiently or handled more maturely, but overall, one the greatest things I have learned over the years is to always try new things, especially food - and beer happens to be a food item!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-31911559582187744962010-12-04T00:01:00.000-08:002010-12-04T10:51:30.597-08:00Sam Adams Light<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvm_rIpslJewLgUAWeJwC9NHGPVOqlH4VyT2Y4JKpqlKR5e3wmJ3IXciX51gidbgJBQxE6M_eRS6H9N3Nwj9WR9-ESVjkt1BxIsufdGTKELINC2b6HicxolHLjLXyvA6984fYbgFmYA/s1600/DSCN1619.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvm_rIpslJewLgUAWeJwC9NHGPVOqlH4VyT2Y4JKpqlKR5e3wmJ3IXciX51gidbgJBQxE6M_eRS6H9N3Nwj9WR9-ESVjkt1BxIsufdGTKELINC2b6HicxolHLjLXyvA6984fYbgFmYA/s400/DSCN1619.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496158552227044802" border="0" /></a><br />I cannot believe it is December already. Where did 2010 go? The hardest months are usually the ones where everything is rushed but at the same time there is just is not enough time to fit everything in one day. I could go on in length about the time aspect, being a commuter and dealing with transit delays and working on professional and personal projects that soak up every free block of time. I have to say, I have been pretty good this year with random beer purchases, stuck to my guns and did not buy anything that I knew I would just not like for the sake of trying it. I am, however, still a sucker for seasonal beers that are uninteresting but worth trying. The seasons have officially changed, the news reports snow in some areas, and the temperature has dropped considerably to warrant full winter clothing - all this leads to another seasonal beer run.<br /><br />I am not a huge fan of Sam Adams brews, nothing against them but they are not local to me like how Brooklyn Lager is the standard local brewery in my eyes. When I first saw this, I knew I had to get some to try them because it is pretty uncommon to find an amber colored beer that isn't heavy or a light beer that doesn't have a ton of carbonation. Sam Adams Light accomplishes being a lighter ale with just enough carbonation for a refreshing beer. This could easily be a good replacement for a burger and fries beer instead of a regular lager.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-80979851620204782772010-11-28T14:51:00.000-08:002010-11-28T17:06:35.149-08:00Hue Beer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMW3mxDU0ptT3zIOPfrzkEOGVmhi5Y3Jix1JZOqy3hK2Isi-Q-54L3MHeREogwmy8OSnVqvQZCatUlzqu16OzfGWJdwzUYFr3GhSGCHAqGJLBbMBdG9pa7884uQWRxiiAU0iO5jBX1Q/s1600/DSC_0384.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMW3mxDU0ptT3zIOPfrzkEOGVmhi5Y3Jix1JZOqy3hK2Isi-Q-54L3MHeREogwmy8OSnVqvQZCatUlzqu16OzfGWJdwzUYFr3GhSGCHAqGJLBbMBdG9pa7884uQWRxiiAU0iO5jBX1Q/s400/DSC_0384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543716861537302866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlPI4-jhYYpKHV23spQ0HUf0LSwsqUwCOUGQiavAFNFaSO5RsDHiFegS7gTDpI-Cw9_Wf5d5JNrZU2lsrSb9luKU2X6UzT7w6c_kVvEdDaKiPMyBFr_PLjfFOrVYOFQLNxlg4gBtvdA/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlPI4-jhYYpKHV23spQ0HUf0LSwsqUwCOUGQiavAFNFaSO5RsDHiFegS7gTDpI-Cw9_Wf5d5JNrZU2lsrSb9luKU2X6UzT7w6c_kVvEdDaKiPMyBFr_PLjfFOrVYOFQLNxlg4gBtvdA/s400/DSC_0383.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543717158520450130" border="0" /></a><br />I'm normally not to crazy about Asian beers because they're almost the same to me, they're light lagers with a fair amount of carbonation. Lagers are really refreshing and goes well with the types of food served in Asian kitchens. The fun part of trying these different beers is collecting the images of the bottles. Hue Beer is nothing more than a regular lager from Vietnam that I would classify as a middle of the road type of lager, it's not quite a light beer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-91155061849244965702010-10-08T17:48:00.000-07:002010-10-09T10:52:50.438-07:00Roscoe's Hop House Pale Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEcg8FSd3vlpAFB606pBei2HsPd_cpWI8zye8oE6bWugZNqSCvLpJg_xdz0SA1XyAn0mZagFpdCddjMUTZMcx2eMkeu-QNPJumf8BEqjTBFW0SAClf3rphkio_7m3QQ5dgSxqJaVRIA/s1600/DSCN1567.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEcg8FSd3vlpAFB606pBei2HsPd_cpWI8zye8oE6bWugZNqSCvLpJg_xdz0SA1XyAn0mZagFpdCddjMUTZMcx2eMkeu-QNPJumf8BEqjTBFW0SAClf3rphkio_7m3QQ5dgSxqJaVRIA/s400/DSCN1567.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496155554857078690" border="0" /></a><br />I checked the site for this brewery and found that they're very limited and only select stores carry these beers. I have never seen this beer before and like all beers I have never seen, I'm always curious where it comes from, domestic or imported, or limited editions. I have a soft spot for anything limited from a good brewery but most of all, I'm a fan of pale ales. Roscoe's pale ale is very refreshing as I drank them in the summer and was pretty bummed that I would need to take special trips to specialty stores to find this again. The balance of carbonation and weight was great and it did not leave a gritty aftertaste. They also make an amber ale I have never seen but would like to try.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-28169368271119906382010-09-29T19:14:00.000-07:002010-09-30T19:40:54.055-07:00Sierra Nevada Summerfest 2010 Lager<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHTDtM1TfkMGXC2vrk-JlYlybTn7K43rBGeMVeXVt3gA0yX-yB974E_9MmJKT0ouEsvKvMVtu8Xmnl5Ihs21nVMDKf3GRKBBk6RkQyMBpUC_nLwq-KJ6nM0u0MDQeIQEht7-2G1Oawg/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHTDtM1TfkMGXC2vrk-JlYlybTn7K43rBGeMVeXVt3gA0yX-yB974E_9MmJKT0ouEsvKvMVtu8Xmnl5Ihs21nVMDKf3GRKBBk6RkQyMBpUC_nLwq-KJ6nM0u0MDQeIQEht7-2G1Oawg/s400/DSC_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506567900294077122" border="0" /></a>I couldn't let the summer go by without picking some of these up. I'm biased. I like the Sierra Nevada brand and I personally feel that anything coming out of that brewery will be pretty good. Summer beers from Sierra Nevada are guaranteed to be good, refreshing and light. There's not much to not like about this lager, there isn't too much carbonation, the taste is light but still flavorful unlike generic light beers that taste mostly like water. Since these are seasonal it is really a race to get some and enjoy them before they're no longer fresh. My favorite seasons for beer are mainly Spring and Summer since the heavier brews end up in Fall and Winter. I do enjoy darker beers but there's really nothing like having a refreshing Summer brew.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-23982843586354326132010-08-15T17:59:00.000-07:002010-08-17T19:25:35.911-07:00Speakeasy Untouchable Pale Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81AVLLa5Pw1e3mpaCn8um8eMug_TBMvKsnsWgALzEPMaVoe7AxmBHLpknysdBfLTrhV_WiRFx5WdgSiGAYeTiikJbxEGsKOiQxXc2hHNB2TVusxUtX5TcVDFxkzYb8aJpafqqcFN-kw/s1600/no-fear-eyes.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zT4zQ2BXC7yz1EiRsWJkHyfqdylGL9vuAxMYFb0i5OOnOS_lr02M3W9zgFIGBp8Hx5AuCv9EqJrP75qtLt9A0tKHE0GG4LLs0gb6U9QJjPth-SzQ921IIxHpoOfUlbDHCEXfi-rOsA/s1600/DSCN1574.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zT4zQ2BXC7yz1EiRsWJkHyfqdylGL9vuAxMYFb0i5OOnOS_lr02M3W9zgFIGBp8Hx5AuCv9EqJrP75qtLt9A0tKHE0GG4LLs0gb6U9QJjPth-SzQ921IIxHpoOfUlbDHCEXfi-rOsA/s400/DSCN1574.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496158225521814098" border="0" /></a><br />One of the things that obviously drew me to this beer was the label design. I've always liked the style of that era, from clothing, to cars, and the music. I even recall the time when the Dick Tracy movie came out in 1990 and there were all these toys and promo items related to it. I'm thinking back to the details when trading cards were huge in the 90's, with special cards tucked into packs randomly and when toys were ripe with jagged edges and not rounded like the ones today. Those were some seriously good times for toys where action figures ruled and comic books were found in newstands all over. I really do miss 90's, long before the internet, the vast amount of misinformation and the mobs of anonymous internet banter.<br /><br />The one thing the beer bottle reminded me of was this No Fear logo from the 90's:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81AVLLa5Pw1e3mpaCn8um8eMug_TBMvKsnsWgALzEPMaVoe7AxmBHLpknysdBfLTrhV_WiRFx5WdgSiGAYeTiikJbxEGsKOiQxXc2hHNB2TVusxUtX5TcVDFxkzYb8aJpafqqcFN-kw/s1600/no-fear-eyes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81AVLLa5Pw1e3mpaCn8um8eMug_TBMvKsnsWgALzEPMaVoe7AxmBHLpknysdBfLTrhV_WiRFx5WdgSiGAYeTiikJbxEGsKOiQxXc2hHNB2TVusxUtX5TcVDFxkzYb8aJpafqqcFN-kw/s400/no-fear-eyes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506569898644723586" border="0" /></a><br />This American pale ale is heavy without a bitter bite, and is not overly carbonated. There is less of a bite than Sierra Nevada Pale Ale but there is no less flavor to it. It is a bit on the sweeter side without leaving too much of an aftertaste. This is the type of beer to drink one or two of at once and that is it, it's carbonated and on the heavy side and doesn't leave room for much else.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-45819462361436269862010-07-20T13:07:00.000-07:002010-07-20T18:05:47.089-07:00Saranac India Pale Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3y1lm92jojuNfpuQniVqLJrPmz0hXkvVFSI4mUNa9TZhjtkR3JRI0CwCUSOtPleM5Imtahwu_fmi9rZnZg6wPLIh__D_Yz79fLZZy2q_COdJvTtQ6ckRijMSlXVu-M6OwrBH9Ml7fQ/s1600-h/DSCN1418.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3y1lm92jojuNfpuQniVqLJrPmz0hXkvVFSI4mUNa9TZhjtkR3JRI0CwCUSOtPleM5Imtahwu_fmi9rZnZg6wPLIh__D_Yz79fLZZy2q_COdJvTtQ6ckRijMSlXVu-M6OwrBH9Ml7fQ/s400/DSCN1418.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446156440132170482" border="0" /></a>This India pale ale came in the Saranac variety sampler that I picked up. Keeping with the promise this new year that I wouldn't buy an India pale ale or anything too acidic unless it was super light, I wasn't against trying one if it came in a set. Saranac is consistent with its brews, there seems to be a weight to most of its regular brews, where there is just enough carbonation in each one and no beer feels light but they're not overpowering, either. This India pale ale wasn't acidic nor had the taste of rust in the water, it was mild, almost like a regular pale ale but there were hints of citrus and very hints of bitterness. I thought this was a good one but not the type of beer I would normally buy since I've discovered the American style pale ale. This beer is very much drinkable and was a great addition to the sampler, it really shows that a brewing company can cater to all tastes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-82067562110048210342010-07-01T12:58:00.000-07:002010-07-01T17:44:51.952-07:00Saranac Black and Tan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuunjaP0ratSBPmnRZEH5n7yOSkJEiOpMaRztjzumXwTIYwk1A3r8L8pvAagzPhq6Ld1nf9WY5YuQKBYkGKED7REmsG4xGrXVsWy0_RtGCRhfYO1Qp_5TccAkhvqhT_pUWBcEsaPx0g/s1600-h/DSCN1387.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuunjaP0ratSBPmnRZEH5n7yOSkJEiOpMaRztjzumXwTIYwk1A3r8L8pvAagzPhq6Ld1nf9WY5YuQKBYkGKED7REmsG4xGrXVsWy0_RtGCRhfYO1Qp_5TccAkhvqhT_pUWBcEsaPx0g/s400/DSCN1387.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446154322346457442" border="0" /></a>More than half the year is over already and it's officially Summer, which means the Fall brews are just around the corner. Normally, I would focus more on summer brews but I have had this post half written for a while. One of the nicest things about warm weather in New York City is that this place is really meant for walking. Most of the fun stuff is really discovering new places to hang out and new places to try new foods. As always, any place that serves a bit of good food usually has a good list of beers to go with it.<br /><br />The first time I had one of these, I was in a very crowded restaurant that was known for its greasy greasy burgers. I lacked a camera on me and my hands were pretty grimey to get a cellphone picture of this. I remembered this beer and remembered the brewing company that I ended up buying the Saranac variety sampler to try their regular offerings. I'm a big fan of lightweight stouts like Guinness because the dark color and the weight fools you into thinking that it would this heavy bitter mess, but it's not. I've tried other stouts that were heavy, bitter, and some were downright foul tasting. This one is not any of those things, it's got the perfect balance of weight, bitterness, and carbonation to make it easily one of my favorites for the category. This is something I'd pick up regularly if I could find it near home without making a trek to specialty shops to pick it up.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-88880794527105059552010-05-16T00:00:00.000-07:002010-05-16T11:58:50.732-07:00Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJpVhLo4bSQUeZGS5eOvRamgdqRvnP_tNpK0Sqf72rLaP5gcl2vh928cEqctPc5mrSZRu7XM40IsWTbQCUIKGgg_BC_L2XcghS_ioGbDy13VT7kHDq91bNjbJ6HjBVXXFtkqoPoR9jw/s1600-h/DSCN1417.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJpVhLo4bSQUeZGS5eOvRamgdqRvnP_tNpK0Sqf72rLaP5gcl2vh928cEqctPc5mrSZRu7XM40IsWTbQCUIKGgg_BC_L2XcghS_ioGbDy13VT7kHDq91bNjbJ6HjBVXXFtkqoPoR9jw/s400/DSCN1417.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446154667059080514" border="0" /></a>When I think of Hawaii, I think of beaches, resorts and Kona coffee, but definitely not beer. It turns out there are a few brewing companies in Hawaii and one of them is named Kona. Seeing this at the store, I had to pick it up and try it. I had to pass on the Kona lager since most lagers are really the same with a few exceptions here and there. I can almost say most lagers aren't distinguishable from each other but when dealing with pale ales, india pale ales, and other variations between the two, there's definitely a noticeable difference.<br /><br />What I liked about this beer was the golden color and the crisp taste, it did not have any harsh bitter aftertastes or the overuse of citrus and zest. I'm putting this one in the list of great beers I'm glad I was able to try since living in New York meant being able to try almost everything. If I see other varieties of Kona brews, it's very likely I'll pick them up based on this good experience.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-23139914080000526092010-05-01T15:02:00.000-07:002010-07-01T17:43:53.826-07:00Sugar Hill Golden Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnDUutNuCVS_tFDbZbvy9YAqN96QWrRkFYEdjgpXiM-Md2rsrK38qc7ZeimEey-BBFOQ18_NdDCUgwhfEmgT-Vbv9ijVjsAj543gGnA5nYlrtXH7W0wX3SW3rGE3zn1aBA4SxewZFwg/s1600-h/DSCN1423.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnDUutNuCVS_tFDbZbvy9YAqN96QWrRkFYEdjgpXiM-Md2rsrK38qc7ZeimEey-BBFOQ18_NdDCUgwhfEmgT-Vbv9ijVjsAj543gGnA5nYlrtXH7W0wX3SW3rGE3zn1aBA4SxewZFwg/s400/DSCN1423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446154954861740578" border="0" /></a>A brewing company from Harlem? That's something I don't think many native New Yorkers even know about. Harlem is really known for its musical and arts culture, some great foods, but not exactly beer. Anything from New York City, I've got to try it once, and since New York City is the place to try everything that really isn't from New York, it's even more of a calling to try something local. The first thing that got me to look at this beer was the art on it and I'm a sucker for beer labels that are either psychedelic or just plain awesome. I like how the saxophone hugs the drum and the keys say Sugar Hill, there's something really thoughtful behind the label.<br /><br />The real question is: How does a beer from New York with a great looking label taste? It's a heavier ale with a really sweet flavor to it, almost like honey, and there is very little tart or zest to it. There is very little carbonation to this, there is nothing light or lager about this ale, it's really a golden wheat ale. I can safely say this is a beer for the sweet-tooth who is really looking to try something new and different.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-13170516786212697862010-03-09T17:06:00.000-08:002010-03-09T20:03:54.858-08:00Blue Point Winter Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWoKTV-cqwEXVTkucMx9npipGs__cTMeHvV4t5hD6P4WPHchz4sgUK3wWEGR8OhFX_PCyK993seQAIh4E2Z-A7GyV-Pkw78lA672rGiQjzoVhnK_fm_6JLF6PzXeHjH8QQef1He0xBA/s1600-h/DSCN1441.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWoKTV-cqwEXVTkucMx9npipGs__cTMeHvV4t5hD6P4WPHchz4sgUK3wWEGR8OhFX_PCyK993seQAIh4E2Z-A7GyV-Pkw78lA672rGiQjzoVhnK_fm_6JLF6PzXeHjH8QQef1He0xBA/s400/DSCN1441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446156151425525634" border="0" /></a><br />Can you believe it's March? I almost can't. The last two months managed to squeak by without leaving too many scars and stains but I've managed to persist in keeping notes on new beers I've stumbled across. I'll try to be better at collecting seasonal brews and post them in a timely manner.<br /><br />I'm not the Winter ale variety type but whenever a brewery I like does a seasonal beer, I'm usually inclined to try it at least. Blue Point is one of my favorite local brewing companies and I feel as though most of their brews are pretty good, and good enough to warrant a purchase of anything they come out with. This Winter ale is what it is, a Winter ale, a dark beer with a hint of bitterness and a lot of roasted flavor. The bitter part of the beer is not overwhelming but I do classify this beer for having the proper label, it is dark, heavier on alcohol and has a roasted bitter bite. Like all dark beers, I never recommend these types of brews for folks who only usually enjoy just lagers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-42871066051788611472009-12-27T12:43:00.000-08:002009-12-28T13:02:03.123-08:00Newcastle Brown Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdcJMQRc8_91SJbmSPBWPCosJ2a5C8-qh32ZErK3-wRhh_LW80dCEFLqatKYo93C6igLveMxjn1drNhm3TTUVjOkxrEgMEdf0MNkDHikFlnAaSRzZBf1hNBmTbeY6_OKF3aMALqknUA/s1600-h/DSCN1370.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdcJMQRc8_91SJbmSPBWPCosJ2a5C8-qh32ZErK3-wRhh_LW80dCEFLqatKYo93C6igLveMxjn1drNhm3TTUVjOkxrEgMEdf0MNkDHikFlnAaSRzZBf1hNBmTbeY6_OKF3aMALqknUA/s400/DSCN1370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368902644201783202" border="0" /></a>Wow, time really does fly. The holidays are over and the presents have been doled out. All that is left is the New Year's and then another year ahead. Last year, I resolved to buy less beer that were not really my taste and stick to the types of beers I like instead of attempting to try it out. So far this year, I have kept that resolution to a greater extent. I have not purchased crazy IPA's just to try knowing that they really are not my favorite type of beer. This coming new year, I'm on the prowl for organic brews and rediscover beers that I thought were just fine, but trying them again years later, I realize they're more than just fine. Like this easily overlooked brown ale:<br /><br />Although not American, Newcastle Brown Ale is definitely a classic beer without a lot of carbonation, refreshing taste and a caramel hint to it. I really like this beer for its simplicity, there really isn't a lot of favor going on, it is not a heavy beer, but it does a lot of things right in terms of balance. Usually when I read the label, Brown Ale, I have a pretty close idea that it's going to be on the heavy and bitter side. This is untrue for Newcastle, this beer is as light as they come, the only thing dark about this is the color which is attributed to the caramel coloring I think. This is a great entry level type of brew away from lagers without being heavy or intimidating to drink.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-5706512101331565202009-09-27T20:08:00.000-07:002009-10-01T17:46:21.897-07:00Duchy Originals Organic English Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADB8yXHK2MIg5F-wXEuyuDOeqwY_VTuoMmAkBHtsiLU5lHhNIp-yU7LfmRmemxb80lTiicP1rrtTXG6EFMu4AlHNERUudNi0ETaN_HapDyWO1j6q6eDi2zuIqDzT-c3SEweadPc_HUA/s1600-h/DSCN1340.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADB8yXHK2MIg5F-wXEuyuDOeqwY_VTuoMmAkBHtsiLU5lHhNIp-yU7LfmRmemxb80lTiicP1rrtTXG6EFMu4AlHNERUudNi0ETaN_HapDyWO1j6q6eDi2zuIqDzT-c3SEweadPc_HUA/s400/DSCN1340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368909147483238642" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66447014867685483.post-52049466931760876312009-09-19T14:05:00.000-07:002009-09-19T19:36:31.938-07:00Coney Island White Lager<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtuxsB9sdGuC041dkkD1nZS_hN_BAPcfCN57bGQmIH57gOddcwYpCFp-1AR8vEHzo08N4VKDAvg7cJ1F-p8hCBLMVkYwvOf0fTEbPKviBE0492Rs99ckKT4emrRi33d-ygDX9IE5Bnw/s1600-h/DSCN1371.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtuxsB9sdGuC041dkkD1nZS_hN_BAPcfCN57bGQmIH57gOddcwYpCFp-1AR8vEHzo08N4VKDAvg7cJ1F-p8hCBLMVkYwvOf0fTEbPKviBE0492Rs99ckKT4emrRi33d-ygDX9IE5Bnw/s400/DSCN1371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368908394024362658" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1