Sunday, August 8, 2010
WoW
Ok it's been a while, changed jobs last winter and that slowed me down... way way down. anyway I am back brewing ad tasting and will have three new reviews posted next week!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Leaf Burner Brown
OK I am brewing a brown ale from extract. I plan to call it "Leaf Burner Brown Ale" Brown ales always kinda reminded me of burning leaves in the fall for some reason. any way here is what is going on
Leaf Burner Brown Ale
IG 1.040
Arlington Texas water put through an activated charcoal bed
Grist
2 oz 55 degree British Crystal Malt
2 oz British Chocolate Malt
1 oz British black malt
Yeast
White labs British ale yeast WL005
Extract
6 lbs Muntons light
Hops
½ oz Carlsons Brewers gold pellet .7% alpha
½ oz Kent Goldings leaf 4.2% alpha
Adjuncts
21 oz pure maple syrup
1 tsp Irish Moss
Steep grist in ½ gallon water at 150 Degrees for 20 minutes strain off to boil kettle batch sparging the grist
Add about 2 gal water bring back to 150 add spray malt and dissolve. Add bittering hops. Maintain between 140 and 150 for 45 min
Add Maple Syrup and finishing hops sit 5 min then raise temp bring to a slow roll just below boiling (200 - 205) then reduce heat to between 170 and 180 for 20 min
Cool to 90 degrees and pour into brew bucket add water to 5 gal. pitch yeast after checking temp is down to below 80 degrees
Leaf Burner Brown Ale
IG 1.040
Arlington Texas water put through an activated charcoal bed
Grist
2 oz 55 degree British Crystal Malt
2 oz British Chocolate Malt
1 oz British black malt
Yeast
White labs British ale yeast WL005
Extract
6 lbs Muntons light
Hops
½ oz Carlsons Brewers gold pellet .7% alpha
½ oz Kent Goldings leaf 4.2% alpha
Adjuncts
21 oz pure maple syrup
1 tsp Irish Moss
Steep grist in ½ gallon water at 150 Degrees for 20 minutes strain off to boil kettle batch sparging the grist
Add about 2 gal water bring back to 150 add spray malt and dissolve. Add bittering hops. Maintain between 140 and 150 for 45 min
Add Maple Syrup and finishing hops sit 5 min then raise temp bring to a slow roll just below boiling (200 - 205) then reduce heat to between 170 and 180 for 20 min
Cool to 90 degrees and pour into brew bucket add water to 5 gal. pitch yeast after checking temp is down to below 80 degrees
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Home brew
Ah home brew! yup I do that to. Just been enjoying a cream ale I made last month and yesterday I put down a brown ale. Hopefully if it comes out well enough I will enter it into the Celtic coming up later this spring
Saturday, January 31, 2009
January 23 beer
The previous Friday we tried beers but we drank from pint glasses and were there for to lit to take notes for the blog. The only things I recall is that Avery Barley wine was universally hated, and that we decided that Spaten Optimator was a better Dopple than Shiner 100 Commemorator. The Avery I poured it in the compost heap the next day. This week we remembered to use smaller glasses so that we could avoid the hangover!
The Beers we drank from left to right
Delirium Noel
This is from Delirium brewery in Belgium. We liked it. over all it had a nice foam, good malt and a decent hop bite. the after taste was a bit smokey but not as much as others from this group of beers.
Next is Black Butte Porter from Deschutes brewery in Oregon. I had high hopes for this beer as their Obsidian Stout was one of the beers that started the beer blog. The Black Butte.. was not bad. good mouth feel rich though smokey flavor a bit of a let down after the Obsideon but over all a pretty decent stout. I'd buy it again if the mood struck me but it wouldn't be a regular.
In the middle we find Ayinger's Celebrator. Again a smokey flavor to the malt (It was a running theme tonight) Over all a good Dopple bock. (I still like Optimator better) Heavy on the malt light on the hops.. yup it's a hangover in the making. like all Dopple's it is a very heavy beer. serve cool and drink slowly.
Next is St Peter's Cream Stout. This is actually the one we started the evening with. It's a subtle taste for a stout. very drinkable very smooth, a stout for people who don;t really like stouts.. not necessarily for those of us who do like a more classic stout.
Last of the night was Sam Adams Cream Stout. This Cream stout has much more of the robust flavors and hops that the typical Stout lover ids looking for while still being mellow enough to call it a creamy. The boys at Sam Adams did good with this one. Good creamy head that last and last, nice full aroma, pleasant mouth feel. Really I don't have anything bad to say about this beer. I won't jump up and down and say "go buy it right now!" but it is a good beer.
The Beers we drank from left to right
Delirium Noel
This is from Delirium brewery in Belgium. We liked it. over all it had a nice foam, good malt and a decent hop bite. the after taste was a bit smokey but not as much as others from this group of beers.
Next is Black Butte Porter from Deschutes brewery in Oregon. I had high hopes for this beer as their Obsidian Stout was one of the beers that started the beer blog. The Black Butte.. was not bad. good mouth feel rich though smokey flavor a bit of a let down after the Obsideon but over all a pretty decent stout. I'd buy it again if the mood struck me but it wouldn't be a regular.
In the middle we find Ayinger's Celebrator. Again a smokey flavor to the malt (It was a running theme tonight) Over all a good Dopple bock. (I still like Optimator better) Heavy on the malt light on the hops.. yup it's a hangover in the making. like all Dopple's it is a very heavy beer. serve cool and drink slowly.
Next is St Peter's Cream Stout. This is actually the one we started the evening with. It's a subtle taste for a stout. very drinkable very smooth, a stout for people who don;t really like stouts.. not necessarily for those of us who do like a more classic stout.
Last of the night was Sam Adams Cream Stout. This Cream stout has much more of the robust flavors and hops that the typical Stout lover ids looking for while still being mellow enough to call it a creamy. The boys at Sam Adams did good with this one. Good creamy head that last and last, nice full aroma, pleasant mouth feel. Really I don't have anything bad to say about this beer. I won't jump up and down and say "go buy it right now!" but it is a good beer.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Rahr Brewery Ft Worth
Tour.. oh yeah they had one of those too! Saturday before the Dallas Stars Game I spent the Afternoon at the Rahr Brewery. A good time was had by all! This is clearly and presently a pleasant Saturday afternoon! $5 gets you a branded pint and having it filled 3 times with Rhar beers (the Storm Cloud IPA and Buffalo Butt amber are my preferred from Rahr) There is live music BBQ is catered in at $4 a plate of and if you are actually interested there really is a tour as well. If you want more than 3 pints that's fine just buy another glass. (or you can get more drink tokens with out buying another glass, but what the hell? You can't buy a branded pint glass for $5 most places empty)
Friday Night Beer 12- 26
Seasonal Beer night (mostly Christmas)
First up tomnight was the Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale from ... Michelob. An Anhieser Bush label Michelob is actually better than their parent at making seasonal and craft beers. This however is not there best venture. a thin head very little aroma and a corm sugar like flavor over powering the vanila tomes they advertised. not bad if you hav already had a shot or two and your toung is numb I guess.
Next was Dogfish head Raison d'extra. We chanced upon this as it is actually not currently on the market. WoW lot's of sugar lots of alchohol this will kick your ass and come back the next day as a sugar hangover from hell. Have one it's good but for the sake of the Children just one!
Next was Otter Creek winter Ale which they claim to be a Rasberry Brown. OK I read the label on this and some others here Friday night didn't. For those who don't know the seeds of a rasberry are way way way up there on Tannin level. the fruit has far more tanin than most realize this is important bacause english beers once upon a time were bittered with tannin from nutshells rather than the hops the Germans and Belgians guarded like virgin daughters. I was expecting a slightly fruity but faitly bitter brown and got what I expected. and if that is what you like then Otter Creek ha a beer for you.. if youare expecting a fruity beer when you pick this up .. sorry dude your out of luck
First up tomnight was the Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale from ... Michelob. An Anhieser Bush label Michelob is actually better than their parent at making seasonal and craft beers. This however is not there best venture. a thin head very little aroma and a corm sugar like flavor over powering the vanila tomes they advertised. not bad if you hav already had a shot or two and your toung is numb I guess.
Next was Dogfish head Raison d'extra. We chanced upon this as it is actually not currently on the market. WoW lot's of sugar lots of alchohol this will kick your ass and come back the next day as a sugar hangover from hell. Have one it's good but for the sake of the Children just one!
Next was Otter Creek winter Ale which they claim to be a Rasberry Brown. OK I read the label on this and some others here Friday night didn't. For those who don't know the seeds of a rasberry are way way way up there on Tannin level. the fruit has far more tanin than most realize this is important bacause english beers once upon a time were bittered with tannin from nutshells rather than the hops the Germans and Belgians guarded like virgin daughters. I was expecting a slightly fruity but faitly bitter brown and got what I expected. and if that is what you like then Otter Creek ha a beer for you.. if youare expecting a fruity beer when you pick this up .. sorry dude your out of luck
Friday night beer 12 - 19
The grand Friday night beer adventure continues! on the 19th we tried not 3 or 4 but rather 7 different beers! this is a record for Friday night beer that will likley last a while.
First up on the block was Old Speckled Hen. An Ale that falls into the English Bitter type most folks would simply call this a Pub Ale. Realistically they would be right on the money. A good solid hop base note playing just a little bit louder than the malt melody. A good solid beer for playing poker or darts and carousing with freinds.
Next up was Hornsby Crisp Apple Cider. This is not actually a beer but since most beer drinkers I know like ciders.... we will taste them here! Hornsby is a Gallo label for any who didn't already know. If you are already a fan of theier "Hard Cider" do yourself a favor and try the Crisp Apple. A refreshing light cider not very over bearing with the malolactic flavor. This of course Belies it's alchohol content which like most ciders packs a pretty good punch.
After a fair bit of BSing and general socializing we moved on to the Belgian Grand Reserve St Sebastion Abbey Ale from Br. Sterkens Meer. Not a Cidery as many of its Belgian brethren we rather enjoyed it. nothing to right home about really but an outright pleasnt Abbey Ale.
Then whe hit the Kona Pipeline Porter... Oh ...My ...God.. this is good shit! A rich coffee Flavored Poret dr'ed up with genuine kona coffee from Hawaii this is just flat our what a Coffee porter should be. this is not a base line this is a role model. Well Done!
Next up was Genesee Cream Ale.... Wow what a let down after the Kona. With notes of Budwiser this cream ale comes in as a rather weak and insipid version of a cream ale. nuf said.
WIth a bit of trepidation and disapointment we moved onto Old Growler Porter from Nethergate Brewery. They claim their recipie is unchanged from the london recipie for porter found in 1750. and with the heavy handed hops I pretty well believe it. It's a god porter but for most yanks who started in on porters and stouts fromamerican craft brews... you might be taken of your mark. not unpleasnetly mind you... it's just not what you are expecting.
Last we tried Pinkus Organic Hefewiesen. after a disasterous atempt at sharing the yeast amounst all those trying this beer we all finally got a sop. Much better malt flavor than most Hefe's out there. they didn't try to hide the cidery nature of a wheat malt behind alot of citrus but instead treated us to a good solid well balanced beer. Good job!
First up on the block was Old Speckled Hen. An Ale that falls into the English Bitter type most folks would simply call this a Pub Ale. Realistically they would be right on the money. A good solid hop base note playing just a little bit louder than the malt melody. A good solid beer for playing poker or darts and carousing with freinds.
Next up was Hornsby Crisp Apple Cider. This is not actually a beer but since most beer drinkers I know like ciders.... we will taste them here! Hornsby is a Gallo label for any who didn't already know. If you are already a fan of theier "Hard Cider" do yourself a favor and try the Crisp Apple. A refreshing light cider not very over bearing with the malolactic flavor. This of course Belies it's alchohol content which like most ciders packs a pretty good punch.
After a fair bit of BSing and general socializing we moved on to the Belgian Grand Reserve St Sebastion Abbey Ale from Br. Sterkens Meer. Not a Cidery as many of its Belgian brethren we rather enjoyed it. nothing to right home about really but an outright pleasnt Abbey Ale.
Then whe hit the Kona Pipeline Porter... Oh ...My ...God.. this is good shit! A rich coffee Flavored Poret dr'ed up with genuine kona coffee from Hawaii this is just flat our what a Coffee porter should be. this is not a base line this is a role model. Well Done!
Next up was Genesee Cream Ale.... Wow what a let down after the Kona. With notes of Budwiser this cream ale comes in as a rather weak and insipid version of a cream ale. nuf said.
WIth a bit of trepidation and disapointment we moved onto Old Growler Porter from Nethergate Brewery. They claim their recipie is unchanged from the london recipie for porter found in 1750. and with the heavy handed hops I pretty well believe it. It's a god porter but for most yanks who started in on porters and stouts fromamerican craft brews... you might be taken of your mark. not unpleasnetly mind you... it's just not what you are expecting.
Last we tried Pinkus Organic Hefewiesen. after a disasterous atempt at sharing the yeast amounst all those trying this beer we all finally got a sop. Much better malt flavor than most Hefe's out there. they didn't try to hide the cidery nature of a wheat malt behind alot of citrus but instead treated us to a good solid well balanced beer. Good job!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Friday night beer from 11/7
OK my wife has a spinning and knitting thing every Friday night and one of the ladies that comes over to do fiber type stuff also likes trying new beers! Lucky me! any way on the Friday of 11.7 we tried the following
MacKeson XXX stout
Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout
Melbourn Bros Cherry Lambic (not called Lambic on the label but by definition that's what it is)
Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre ( they claim this to be a 'mahogany' ale)
MacKeson
One of my favorites so no one should be surprised when I say glowing things about it. A triple malt Stout with a chocholated malt. Drink it cold and you will enjoy a rich cocoa after taste following up a well balanced blend of hops and malt. Darn near Opaque in color and having a rich creamy head without the need for a nitrogen widget, this is the unsung rival of Guinness. Stout drinkers every where do yourself a favor and try it (note ist is not as good warm the front taste gets a little acidic. )
Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout
What can I say it is a solid oatmeal sout. rich, complex and on the dark side of bitter. solid, good, but pass me a MacKeson.
Melbourn Bros Cherry
The first spontaneous fermentation beer on my blog! A Lambic by definition this stuff smells exactly like Luddens cough drops and taste like sour cherry gummi worms. if you like sweet grab one and enjoy but not for the "malt and hops" set. (My wife loved it)
Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre
From Dogfish head comes this "mahogany ale" brewed with beets and raisins. no really beats and raisins and it's also really good. a rich complex flavor well balanced with its hops. not something I would drink every day but it has a nice warm rich flavor that goes well with getting ready for thanksgiving and enjoying fall.
MacKeson XXX stout
Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout
Melbourn Bros Cherry Lambic (not called Lambic on the label but by definition that's what it is)
Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre ( they claim this to be a 'mahogany' ale)
MacKeson
One of my favorites so no one should be surprised when I say glowing things about it. A triple malt Stout with a chocholated malt. Drink it cold and you will enjoy a rich cocoa after taste following up a well balanced blend of hops and malt. Darn near Opaque in color and having a rich creamy head without the need for a nitrogen widget, this is the unsung rival of Guinness. Stout drinkers every where do yourself a favor and try it (note ist is not as good warm the front taste gets a little acidic. )
Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout
What can I say it is a solid oatmeal sout. rich, complex and on the dark side of bitter. solid, good, but pass me a MacKeson.
Melbourn Bros Cherry
The first spontaneous fermentation beer on my blog! A Lambic by definition this stuff smells exactly like Luddens cough drops and taste like sour cherry gummi worms. if you like sweet grab one and enjoy but not for the "malt and hops" set. (My wife loved it)
Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre
From Dogfish head comes this "mahogany ale" brewed with beets and raisins. no really beats and raisins and it's also really good. a rich complex flavor well balanced with its hops. not something I would drink every day but it has a nice warm rich flavor that goes well with getting ready for thanksgiving and enjoying fall.
Bubwieiser American Ale
Yes I drank a Bud, but not just any bud, Budweiser American Ale. Seeing as I went into to tying this expedition into craft brewing by those who just sold their souls to Inbev, I expected little, so I was not disappointed.
While a bit more complex and bearing just a little heavier malt taste, it was over all ... A Budweiser. Even my son who I handed one to in an unmarked glass remarked that it tasted so much like Budweiser.
Turning off the chillers on the laggering bin and switching your yeast from bottom to top is not craft brewing. Maybe that mis understanding is why they got bought out?
While a bit more complex and bearing just a little heavier malt taste, it was over all ... A Budweiser. Even my son who I handed one to in an unmarked glass remarked that it tasted so much like Budweiser.
Turning off the chillers on the laggering bin and switching your yeast from bottom to top is not craft brewing. Maybe that mis understanding is why they got bought out?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale
Well I do very few trendy seasonal ales much less anything that hails from Golden Colorado, but I went ahead and grabbed a six of Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale. It's... Different. Reminiscent of a spice beer with a little bit of pumpkin pie muddled in the some where around the after taste. Over all not in the least a negative experience yet not one I would necessarily chase down either.
Overall, a novelty this one began and a novelty it shall stay.
Overall, a novelty this one began and a novelty it shall stay.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Hagan Haunt
OK for those who don't know I am a Halloween Nutcase. I build corpses in my garage and haunt my house because it is a blast to do. This year one of the top 10 haunted houses in the nation may not happen because of some pussy dickweeds who are willing to steal from kids.
see the story about the theft here http://www.kcra.com/news/17613546/detail.html
Stealing from a business is one thing but stealing from a charity that helps kids?
I have been in contact with the co-ordinator Jerry Jewell (As nice a guy as any one would ever hope to meet) Jerry runs a special effects business and is taking a pretty hard personal hit trying to keep Hagan ging after this robbery. this is what he sent me
"Hi Don,
We’ve had some good donations of computers and vide projectors and a little bit of cash. So right now cash is king. We now have to hire a guard to stay there each night. If you can hit the Halloween forums and help fund raise that would be great.
Contributions can be made by check to
Jewell Performing Arts Center Inc
10457 Ambassador Dr
Rancho Cordova CA 95670
916 600-2295
Paypal payments to info@skulltronix.com will be forwarded to the non-profit.
Best regards
Jerry"
I have already posted on www.Halloweenforum.com but I figure why stop there these are kids that were stolen from so pass it along to any one you know who might be willing to help a worthy cause. (Wish we could give them some of that bail out pork!)
see the story about the theft here http://www.kcra.com/news/17613546/detail.html
Stealing from a business is one thing but stealing from a charity that helps kids?
I have been in contact with the co-ordinator Jerry Jewell (As nice a guy as any one would ever hope to meet) Jerry runs a special effects business and is taking a pretty hard personal hit trying to keep Hagan ging after this robbery. this is what he sent me
"Hi Don,
We’ve had some good donations of computers and vide projectors and a little bit of cash. So right now cash is king. We now have to hire a guard to stay there each night. If you can hit the Halloween forums and help fund raise that would be great.
Contributions can be made by check to
Jewell Performing Arts Center Inc
10457 Ambassador Dr
Rancho Cordova CA 95670
916 600-2295
Paypal payments to info@skulltronix.com will be forwarded to the non-profit.
Best regards
Jerry"
I have already posted on www.Halloweenforum.com but I figure why stop there these are kids that were stolen from so pass it along to any one you know who might be willing to help a worthy cause. (Wish we could give them some of that bail out pork!)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Cap Scores
I am discontinuing "Cap Scores". I initially created this scale to be an objective measure to grade beers but in the end I am still giving my very subjective opinion therefore enough of numbers and let's just talk about beer. For any reading my older reviews here is the criteria for the cap scores.
I have arbitrarily created a scale of 0 to 10 caps. I will grade my beers in three categories, and average the three for a final score.
Type: How true it is to it's claimed type of beer.
Drinkability: this is based on how many of my friends would try to walk off with my beer after tasting it. This of course is taking into account tasters preference for the given type of beer.
and finally
Value: Is it worth the price per six pack equivelent. (Typical price for a craft brew in this area is about $8.00 a six.)
The total out for an Average "import" or "craft beer" is around a 7.00 with typical American beers coming in closer to a 5.
I have arbitrarily created a scale of 0 to 10 caps. I will grade my beers in three categories, and average the three for a final score.
Type: How true it is to it's claimed type of beer.
Drinkability: this is based on how many of my friends would try to walk off with my beer after tasting it. This of course is taking into account tasters preference for the given type of beer.
and finally
Value: Is it worth the price per six pack equivelent. (Typical price for a craft brew in this area is about $8.00 a six.)
The total out for an Average "import" or "craft beer" is around a 7.00 with typical American beers coming in closer to a 5.
Murphy's Irish Stout at Humperdinks
When asked for a bench mark to compare stout against most folks will say Guinness. In most ways and days I would make the same recommendation if nothing else because it is a well known name and readily available for sampling.
However for at least a little while I would instead direct those wishing to try a stout for the first time to pull up a bar stool at Humperdink's and try their seasonal "Murphy's Irish Stout"
This beer was a delight to look upon as the Barkeep pulled the draught. The gleam of the lights upon the dark malty liquid forming a creamy resilient head. The Delight continued as I tried my first sip. Though I was braced for the forced, over hoped bitter that many insist is just "part of a stout" I was treated instead to a well balanced complex flavor worthy of a second round (and possibly a third or fourth)
Rich, almost coffee like, tones of malt matched with a well calculated dose of hops. A harmonious blend and representation of how a stout Porter ought to be made!
However for at least a little while I would instead direct those wishing to try a stout for the first time to pull up a bar stool at Humperdink's and try their seasonal "Murphy's Irish Stout"
This beer was a delight to look upon as the Barkeep pulled the draught. The gleam of the lights upon the dark malty liquid forming a creamy resilient head. The Delight continued as I tried my first sip. Though I was braced for the forced, over hoped bitter that many insist is just "part of a stout" I was treated instead to a well balanced complex flavor worthy of a second round (and possibly a third or fourth)
Rich, almost coffee like, tones of malt matched with a well calculated dose of hops. A harmonious blend and representation of how a stout Porter ought to be made!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Saving energy by drinking beer
Yes I am taking a positive step in cutting fuel cost and conserving natural resources. This afternoon I pick up the co2 tank for a keggorator that was given to me last year and then a pony keg of Texas Blonde from Humperdinks here in Arlington Texas
How is getting a Keg at home environmentally friendly and a cost savings you ask?
First it will save me money Buying a Pony Keg cuts the cost of beer by around 50%. A Pony Keg is 7.75 Gal. This equates to about 6.88 12 packs. with a Pony of Shiner Bock running at about 50 to 55 dollars this means I am paying about $7.50 to $8 a 12 pack. If you can find it in bottles for that kind of price I want to know where. A pony of Texas Blonde from Humperdinks actually only costs me $40 giving me a solid tasty premium lager on tap for the price of $5.80 a 12 pack
You can get Kits to install a keg tap in almost any old fridge (It does have to be big enough for the keg) for $100 to $150 http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/kits/fridge-kits.shtml a used fridge to stick in your garage can be found pretty cheap usually looking at the classifieds in the news paper or asking around some appliance stores. I figure I am saving about 25 to 30 a month so the set up has less than a six month payback on your investment.
It also saves on my impact on the environment and our energy resources. No more runs to the store for a 12 pack, though I will still be buying the occasional six pack of beer for my hobby of trying and reviewing brews.
But the reduction of impact doesn't actually stop at emissions from my truck (which also saves money on gas). Fewer bottles means the energy I indirectly consume goes down as well. Think about it. Even though I recycle my bottles they still have a cost associated with the recycling process as well as the paper labels which are lost when a bottle recycled. Same for the chipboard pack itself, yes it is also recycled but at what cost and both glass and paper products when recycled are mixed with a given percentage of "virgin material" meaning My 12 pack still requires trees to be cut down, and minerals to be mined, not to mention the fuel for the furnaces and paper mills. Sure there is still an indirect energy consumption involved in me buying a keg but it is allot less than continuing to buy 12 packs.
Toping it off is the fact that a large thermal mass once chilled is easier to keep chilled than smaller individual portions (it has to do with surface area and heat transfer) this thermodynamic principal combined with less opening and shutting of the fridge (another big energy suck as you have to now cool all the warm air you just let in) In fact since my keg-fridge has a tap on the outside the opening and shutting of the door is virtually eliminated.
So beer drinkers unite and go green! Buy a keg!
How is getting a Keg at home environmentally friendly and a cost savings you ask?
First it will save me money Buying a Pony Keg cuts the cost of beer by around 50%. A Pony Keg is 7.75 Gal. This equates to about 6.88 12 packs. with a Pony of Shiner Bock running at about 50 to 55 dollars this means I am paying about $7.50 to $8 a 12 pack. If you can find it in bottles for that kind of price I want to know where. A pony of Texas Blonde from Humperdinks actually only costs me $40 giving me a solid tasty premium lager on tap for the price of $5.80 a 12 pack
You can get Kits to install a keg tap in almost any old fridge (It does have to be big enough for the keg) for $100 to $150 http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/kits/fridge-kits.shtml a used fridge to stick in your garage can be found pretty cheap usually looking at the classifieds in the news paper or asking around some appliance stores. I figure I am saving about 25 to 30 a month so the set up has less than a six month payback on your investment.
It also saves on my impact on the environment and our energy resources. No more runs to the store for a 12 pack, though I will still be buying the occasional six pack of beer for my hobby of trying and reviewing brews.
But the reduction of impact doesn't actually stop at emissions from my truck (which also saves money on gas). Fewer bottles means the energy I indirectly consume goes down as well. Think about it. Even though I recycle my bottles they still have a cost associated with the recycling process as well as the paper labels which are lost when a bottle recycled. Same for the chipboard pack itself, yes it is also recycled but at what cost and both glass and paper products when recycled are mixed with a given percentage of "virgin material" meaning My 12 pack still requires trees to be cut down, and minerals to be mined, not to mention the fuel for the furnaces and paper mills. Sure there is still an indirect energy consumption involved in me buying a keg but it is allot less than continuing to buy 12 packs.
Toping it off is the fact that a large thermal mass once chilled is easier to keep chilled than smaller individual portions (it has to do with surface area and heat transfer) this thermodynamic principal combined with less opening and shutting of the fridge (another big energy suck as you have to now cool all the warm air you just let in) In fact since my keg-fridge has a tap on the outside the opening and shutting of the door is virtually eliminated.
So beer drinkers unite and go green! Buy a keg!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Saint Arnold's Brown Ale
From Saint Arnold Brewery in Houston Texas comes a brown.
St Arnold's Brown is a bit heavy on the malt with the hops favor coming through only at the end with a citrus bite leading into an _almost_ pleasant bitter aftertaste. Not the best balanced brown I have had by a long shot. Still yet it has it's good points the strong malt flavor is just the thing for those around who want a heavy sweet to the leading edge of a brew. Over all darn close to unimpressive.
Cap Scores:
Type: Yeah it's a brown but hardly what I would recomend as an example of the type 6
Drinkability: To heavy on the malt with the hops coming to little to late - 6
Value: a little above average price available at some grocery stores.. almost pretty average value 6.25
Total 6.08 Caps
St Arnold's Brown is a bit heavy on the malt with the hops favor coming through only at the end with a citrus bite leading into an _almost_ pleasant bitter aftertaste. Not the best balanced brown I have had by a long shot. Still yet it has it's good points the strong malt flavor is just the thing for those around who want a heavy sweet to the leading edge of a brew. Over all darn close to unimpressive.
Cap Scores:
Type: Yeah it's a brown but hardly what I would recomend as an example of the type 6
Drinkability: To heavy on the malt with the hops coming to little to late - 6
Value: a little above average price available at some grocery stores.. almost pretty average value 6.25
Total 6.08 Caps
Friday, May 16, 2008
new blog in town
A buddy of mine, Justin, has started a new blog chronicling his reviews of Irish pubs in DFW read it here http://dfwpubs.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
BJ's Brew pub in Arlington, TX
Last Saturday I went down to BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse in Arlington (right off of I-20). Overall I found the experience satisfactory. The Service was good, the food was a little better than average and a couple of the beers I tried were worth writing about.
Now once you get to know me you will realize that I will actually judge a restaurant by their burger. In this vein BJ's is just flat out trying to hard. I had the BJ's Burger with Bacon and a side of fries. It wasn't bad, it was clearly better than fast food, but it wasn't great. It was however large and very filling.
My wife had the jumbalia. It did have pretty good flavor though it was served more like a Pasta Dish, sort of a thick Gumbo Served over rice Pilaf. Good flavor, big serving but a bit off to what I expect of creole cooking.
For beer we got a Sampler we tried the BJ's Jeremiah Red, the Nutty Brewnette, the PM Porter, and the Tatonka Stout.
Of the 4 we found the Stout to be disappointing and the Brewnette to be .. well kinda unimpressive. the Porter and the Red though were worth more study and research. The wife had a pint of the Porter and I indulged in a couple pints of the Red, my review of the red is as follows:
Irish Reds are a variant of the basic Pale Ale. not necessarily made in Ireland or even using Irish recipes the type _Usually_ implies using a roasted Barley or other grain which gives it a rich flavor and a reddish color.
BJ's beer info doesn't say if they are using roasted grains or not but it sure tastes like it. It has a rich malty aroma and a clear, almost overstated, sweet character to the malt flavor. The Hops pairing up with the malt works but could be a bit better balanced. It does have a nice soft mouth feel not astringent in the least which is surprising since it comes in at 7.3 % ABV.
Cap Scores are as Follows:
Type: Seems to follow the guidelines of an Irish red pretty well though I am unsure that I would come any where close to matching it with the archetype I give it a 7.5
Drinkability: A bit on the sweet side for a red and that would turn of a few but over all an enjoyable beer to watch a game with. I give it an 8
Value: Available only at the BJ's and runs 4.50 a pint. Not bad for a restaurant beer really but since my standard is a six pack equivalent, I'll give it a 7 and call it average.
Total Score: 7.5 caps
Now once you get to know me you will realize that I will actually judge a restaurant by their burger. In this vein BJ's is just flat out trying to hard. I had the BJ's Burger with Bacon and a side of fries. It wasn't bad, it was clearly better than fast food, but it wasn't great. It was however large and very filling.
My wife had the jumbalia. It did have pretty good flavor though it was served more like a Pasta Dish, sort of a thick Gumbo Served over rice Pilaf. Good flavor, big serving but a bit off to what I expect of creole cooking.
For beer we got a Sampler we tried the BJ's Jeremiah Red, the Nutty Brewnette, the PM Porter, and the Tatonka Stout.
Of the 4 we found the Stout to be disappointing and the Brewnette to be .. well kinda unimpressive. the Porter and the Red though were worth more study and research. The wife had a pint of the Porter and I indulged in a couple pints of the Red, my review of the red is as follows:
Irish Reds are a variant of the basic Pale Ale. not necessarily made in Ireland or even using Irish recipes the type _Usually_ implies using a roasted Barley or other grain which gives it a rich flavor and a reddish color.
BJ's beer info doesn't say if they are using roasted grains or not but it sure tastes like it. It has a rich malty aroma and a clear, almost overstated, sweet character to the malt flavor. The Hops pairing up with the malt works but could be a bit better balanced. It does have a nice soft mouth feel not astringent in the least which is surprising since it comes in at 7.3 % ABV.
Cap Scores are as Follows:
Type: Seems to follow the guidelines of an Irish red pretty well though I am unsure that I would come any where close to matching it with the archetype I give it a 7.5
Drinkability: A bit on the sweet side for a red and that would turn of a few but over all an enjoyable beer to watch a game with. I give it an 8
Value: Available only at the BJ's and runs 4.50 a pint. Not bad for a restaurant beer really but since my standard is a six pack equivalent, I'll give it a 7 and call it average.
Total Score: 7.5 caps
Saturday, May 3, 2008
A Real Blonde
Finally I wrapped my hands around the cool rounded curves of a real Blonde Ale. In particular "Fireman's #4 Blonde Ale" from the Real Ale Brewing company of Blanco, Texas.
Now Historicaly what we now call a Blonde ale is what the Germans and Eastern Europeans rejected in favor of Lagering which produces Pilsners and Helles. Blonde Ales going into production is really a 20th century kind of kick thanks to the craft brewing industry.
Fireman's #4 delivers the goods in a Blonde, it is a pretty golden straw color and a little bit cloudy. It has a subtle nose reminiscent of hops and fresh grains. This beer has a citrus lead in for a complex malt flavor that is just wonderful to sit and enjoy. The foam is a bit light and degrades quickly but I really can't think of much else negative to say about this brew. Overall it's pretty darn tasty. A delight to the nose and the taste buds. The boys down at Real Ale Brewing make the Texas Hill Country proud.
Cap Scores:
Type: Describing this beer is a description of a Blonde Ale. the foam could be a bit heartier but over all, Well Done! 9.5
Drinkability: A very enjoyable beer. It is a bit on the rich side so some might be turned away but I don't think many. I give it an 8.75
Value: I paid 7.60 for a 6 pack. Right on average for a craft beer in this area. I would absolutely reach for it again. I give it a 8.75
Total Score: 9 even Go out and try this one.
Now Historicaly what we now call a Blonde ale is what the Germans and Eastern Europeans rejected in favor of Lagering which produces Pilsners and Helles. Blonde Ales going into production is really a 20th century kind of kick thanks to the craft brewing industry.
Fireman's #4 delivers the goods in a Blonde, it is a pretty golden straw color and a little bit cloudy. It has a subtle nose reminiscent of hops and fresh grains. This beer has a citrus lead in for a complex malt flavor that is just wonderful to sit and enjoy. The foam is a bit light and degrades quickly but I really can't think of much else negative to say about this brew. Overall it's pretty darn tasty. A delight to the nose and the taste buds. The boys down at Real Ale Brewing make the Texas Hill Country proud.
Cap Scores:
Type: Describing this beer is a description of a Blonde Ale. the foam could be a bit heartier but over all, Well Done! 9.5
Drinkability: A very enjoyable beer. It is a bit on the rich side so some might be turned away but I don't think many. I give it an 8.75
Value: I paid 7.60 for a 6 pack. Right on average for a craft beer in this area. I would absolutely reach for it again. I give it a 8.75
Total Score: 9 even Go out and try this one.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
In search of a natural Blonde
Wow you wouldn't think you'd hear some one talk about Beer that way, but it's true. It's really hard to find a real Blonde in todays beer market. You find lots of beers that have the word "blonde" in their name, Shiner Blonde (a Pilsner) , Rahr Blonde (A Helles Lager), and several other Lager styles that usurped the moniker of being a "blonde beer" but an honest to goodness blonde ale is just tough to find. I think in the next week I may have to go to the stores and lay my hands on the delicate curves of a likley subject or two and check if I can really find a natural blonde.
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