Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale

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.

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.

Sugar Hill Golden Ale

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.

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.

Blue Point Winter Ale

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.

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.

Newcastle Brown Ale

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:

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.

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.