Friday night beer 11-14

Well we had 5 different beers last night. A few good and a few not so much. Those to face tasting and blogging by yours truly were:

Jacks Pumpkin Spice from Michelob
Belhaven Wee Heavy
Hacker Pschorr Weisse Dark
Orval Trappist Ale
and finally Bards Tale Beer, Dragons Gold

We'll start with Jacks

Michelob has been doing a little bit better job of reinventing themselves with the advent of craft brewing than most. which is surprising considering they are owned by A-B and there fore now a subjugated fiefdom of InBev.

Jacks Pumpkin spice is a drinkable novelty ale, and that is about the best description I can give of it. It had hints that it might one day want to grow up and be a rich spice beer but never really lived up to the promise. Over all the flavor fell a bit flat after the hint of spice it was ... well kinda like the flavor of an average light beer.

Next up on the chopping block, Belhaven Wee Heavy

This beer is right dead in the sights of my expectations from Belhaven. A solid representation of a Scottish Heavy Ale. Light (almost fruity) flavor to the malt and a very mellow hop. A good red color and it felt good on the tongue. Over all apretty good beer. If I was trying to explain a Scott heavy to some one I could use this as a good base line example.

Next: Hacker Pschorr Weisse Dark

Hacker Pschorr exports the same kegs they sell in Germany which means all their beer meets the very strict German purity laws. This is in and of itself pretty impressive, the beer however takes a bit of getting used to. For those out there who draw back a foamy pint of this expecting (as most Americans do) a heavy malt flavor with carmely notes.. you are in for a surprise. this despite it's ruddy color is a very citrusy light flavored beer with hints of apple. the hops kick in just after the citrus and are a bit on the flat side for my palate. It's a good beer but don't mistake it for a typical dark beer!

onto Orval Trappist Ale

As Newcastle is how I explain to some one what a good Brown ale is so Orval is a fine example of a Trappist Ale. Nice deep amber color pouring clean with a good head. It is very citrusy, Jan Described it as Tangerine in tone but I wouldn't know as I am allergic to oranges. We all agreed that though this type of ale would be an acquired taste this one would be the one to acquire it for.


and finnaly Bards Tale Beer, Dragons Gold

This is a very different beer. Based on a Sorghum malt it is a daring departure from what we normally expect. Trying something different is some thing bold and daring in any industry, that being said we didn't much care for it. Taste kinda like some one soaked a stale gingerbread cookie in a pint of Heineken then strained off the crumbs. I might hand one to some one as a party gag but I can't think of another reason to ever buy it again. Great name, cool label, less than average beer.