September 29, 2016 -
This blog is mostly an online notebook for me as I pursue the home brewing process. One trick that I have learned to help save even more money is to de-label bottles of beer that I have enjoyed prior to making some of my own. Glass bottles are wonderful in that you can use them over and over again. It also gives you some pretty cool bottles to put your own beer in.
This process is fairly easy. Rule number 1 is it has to be a pry off top. No twist caps here. The twist caps cannot stand up to the bottle conditioning process. So if you need a "Church Key" to open that bottle, this is something you can do.
Once you have accumulated enough bottles to do a bath it is time to take that label off. For some brands it is simple. These would include Sam Adams and Sweetwater bottles. Others have to go through a pre-step because their labels are coated in plastic. For those, simple warm up some water in a saucepan on the stove. Set the bottles in the simmering water and allow them to stand for a little bit. Once they have stayed in the water long enough, take the bottle out and see if you can peel the label off. If you can't yet, let the bottle sit for a little longer. Once the label comes free, peel it off. There will be some paper and glue residue still on the bottle. That is no problem, at this point the are ready to join the others that you have already set aside that have the paper label.
Get a container big enough to hold all of your accumulated bottles. You will have to purchase some of the OXY CLEAN detergent from your local grocery store. Place one or two scoops in the bottom of the container. Arrange your accumulated bottles in the container. Fill the container with warm water to the point where you are covering all of your bottles. Let stand overnight. Some bottles may need to sit in this solution longer. Pull the bottles and rinse with cold water and set aside.
That's how you can save some money reusing old beer bottles.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Natty Greene's Buckshot Amber Ale
September18, 2016 -
I bought a six-pack of this local Greensboro, NC this summer while on a baseball road trip. I really love Amber Ales and was really looking forward to trying this one. Now I am in no way a Beer Judge but I want to use the form going forward so I can represent my thoughts and compare to other beers with a set scale. So here is my first judging.
Natty Greene's Buckshot Amber Ale:
Aroma - 10/12
This has the aroma of what an Amber Ale should smell like. There is a real malt smell to this mixed with a honey aroma. Really nice smell. No off aromas.
Appearance - 3/3
Very clear amber color. Lives up to its namesake.
Flavor - 17/20
Flavor is extremely smooth. I really like this. It has a slight warm taste and is best suited for fall. Has a sweet maltiness that is not too bitter. Natty Greene's says it has six different malts and has mild American hops. Good overall flavor.
Mouthfeel - 4/5
Very smooth. No coating of the mouth with stickiness. Very clean.
Overall Impression - 8/10
It may be the age of the beer but carbonation was low. Still, even though it might be a little old, it was still a great beer.
Score - 42/50
Natty Greene's website has nothing else really about this beer. But if you happen to be in Greensboro, grab one of these.
I bought a six-pack of this local Greensboro, NC this summer while on a baseball road trip. I really love Amber Ales and was really looking forward to trying this one. Now I am in no way a Beer Judge but I want to use the form going forward so I can represent my thoughts and compare to other beers with a set scale. So here is my first judging.
Natty Greene's Buckshot Amber Ale:
Aroma - 10/12
This has the aroma of what an Amber Ale should smell like. There is a real malt smell to this mixed with a honey aroma. Really nice smell. No off aromas.
Appearance - 3/3
Very clear amber color. Lives up to its namesake.
Flavor - 17/20
Flavor is extremely smooth. I really like this. It has a slight warm taste and is best suited for fall. Has a sweet maltiness that is not too bitter. Natty Greene's says it has six different malts and has mild American hops. Good overall flavor.
Mouthfeel - 4/5
Very smooth. No coating of the mouth with stickiness. Very clean.
Overall Impression - 8/10
It may be the age of the beer but carbonation was low. Still, even though it might be a little old, it was still a great beer.
Score - 42/50
Natty Greene's website has nothing else really about this beer. But if you happen to be in Greensboro, grab one of these.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Samuel Adams Heaven or Helles
September 2, 2016 -
Tried this one also with dinner. Really enjoyed this. Probably because of the Tettnang hops. I really like the light bitterness that they bring. Cool and nice, this beer is something that I would put in my rotation.
Let's see what all Samuel Adams has to say:
"Light and golden blonde, this seemingly innocent brew is hellishly drinkable. ‘Helles’ translates to bright in German, befitting this fresh lager. We brew our version in the Zwickelbier style meaning that it’s lightly filtered, resulting in a slightly hazy lager that tastes like it’s fresh from the tank. Spicy, floral hop notes from Saaz and Tettnang hops are complemented by a touch of honey malt sweetness for a drinkable yet flavorful brew."
Hops - Saaz and Tettnang, Tettnanger Noble hops
Malts - Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Bohemian Pilsner Malt
Yeast - Samuel Adams Lager Yeast
I always love it when they put some history with it:
Floral and slightly grassy, Saaz and Tettnang Noble hops add a brightness that perfectly complements the Noble hops. Helles differs from its Pilsner neighbor by balancing the hops with soft, delicate malt notes. To develop the light honey character we use Bohemian spring barley, still made using the labor intensive technique of floor malting where the barley is hand turned daily to carefully achieve its light golden taste.
Inspired by the fresh from the tank lager experience, our Helles is brewed in the Zwickelbier style (named after the tap used to sample straight from the tank). Its slightly hazy appearance comes from less filtration creating soft fruity esters not typical of lagers.
Helles originally developed as Munich’s answer to the Czech Pils that was taking Europe by storm back in the 1800s. The style was also light golden but leaned more towards a balance between the spicy, floral hops and subtle bitterness paired with light honey malt character. Today, the Munich Helles style is the perfect session beer, enjoyed by the liter at beer halls and gardens throughout the city and beyond.
Tried this one also with dinner. Really enjoyed this. Probably because of the Tettnang hops. I really like the light bitterness that they bring. Cool and nice, this beer is something that I would put in my rotation.
Let's see what all Samuel Adams has to say:
"Light and golden blonde, this seemingly innocent brew is hellishly drinkable. ‘Helles’ translates to bright in German, befitting this fresh lager. We brew our version in the Zwickelbier style meaning that it’s lightly filtered, resulting in a slightly hazy lager that tastes like it’s fresh from the tank. Spicy, floral hop notes from Saaz and Tettnang hops are complemented by a touch of honey malt sweetness for a drinkable yet flavorful brew."
Hops - Saaz and Tettnang, Tettnanger Noble hops
Malts - Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Bohemian Pilsner Malt
Yeast - Samuel Adams Lager Yeast
I always love it when they put some history with it:
Floral and slightly grassy, Saaz and Tettnang Noble hops add a brightness that perfectly complements the Noble hops. Helles differs from its Pilsner neighbor by balancing the hops with soft, delicate malt notes. To develop the light honey character we use Bohemian spring barley, still made using the labor intensive technique of floor malting where the barley is hand turned daily to carefully achieve its light golden taste.
Inspired by the fresh from the tank lager experience, our Helles is brewed in the Zwickelbier style (named after the tap used to sample straight from the tank). Its slightly hazy appearance comes from less filtration creating soft fruity esters not typical of lagers.
Helles originally developed as Munich’s answer to the Czech Pils that was taking Europe by storm back in the 1800s. The style was also light golden but leaned more towards a balance between the spicy, floral hops and subtle bitterness paired with light honey malt character. Today, the Munich Helles style is the perfect session beer, enjoyed by the liter at beer halls and gardens throughout the city and beyond.
Jekyll Brewing Big Creek
September 2, 2016 -
Tried the Big Creek offering from Jekyll Brewing tonight. Lovely light beer. Pour had a good head on it. Sorta of light compared to what I normally like but was a pretty good "lawn mowing" beer. Had a light, slightly fruity aroma and taste.
Jekyll's website has the following to say about it:
Big Creek Kolsch is delicately balanced beer style originating from the Cologne region of Germany and brewed according to Reinheitsgebot. We use only barley, hops, water and yeast under cold temperatures to give the style a crisp, dry quality. The ale yeast, which is unusual for a beer that is fermented like a lager, contributes to a fruity and slightly tangy taste along with “pear” characteristics.
Much better than Straight to Ale's Sand Island Light House Kolsch. This is however, not one of my favorite styles.
Tried the Big Creek offering from Jekyll Brewing tonight. Lovely light beer. Pour had a good head on it. Sorta of light compared to what I normally like but was a pretty good "lawn mowing" beer. Had a light, slightly fruity aroma and taste.
Jekyll's website has the following to say about it:
Big Creek Kolsch is delicately balanced beer style originating from the Cologne region of Germany and brewed according to Reinheitsgebot. We use only barley, hops, water and yeast under cold temperatures to give the style a crisp, dry quality. The ale yeast, which is unusual for a beer that is fermented like a lager, contributes to a fruity and slightly tangy taste along with “pear” characteristics.
Much better than Straight to Ale's Sand Island Light House Kolsch. This is however, not one of my favorite styles.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Samuel Adams Downtime Pilsner
March 8, 2016 -
I bought a six pack of this Pilsner because it was new. It is pretty refreshing and has a good taste to it. I am always out to try something new. I prefer to keep it local, but I will say Samuel Adams opened up my eyes to the craft beer scene. When they offer something new, I try to try it. This one was pretty good. A relaxing beer made with the normal hop varieties I have come to like but this one added a new one to the mix...Herkules and Mandarina.
This beer is easy drinking unlike some of the IPA's that are out now that leave you smacking your gums because of the bitterness. This beer is dry hopped with the new variety, Mandarina. Interesting flavor, I think it is has a distinct citrus note to it. Let's see what SA has to say about it.
Hop Varieties: Hallertau, Mittelfrueh and Hersbrucker Noble Hops, Herkules and Mandarina
Malts: Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, German pilsner malt
Yeast: Samuel Adams lager yeast
"A laid back golden pilsner that's full of character. The fun of brewing is that it's always evolving, even in the world's most popular beer style, the pilsner, there is still room for creativity. For our German pilsner we wanted to showcase both new and heritage hops from the original hop gardens of Bavaria. The classic Noble Hops offer a floral spiciness while the new varieties create a fruity and citrusy character for an elegant, light bodied yet flavorful beer."
"To give this beer a variety of notes including spicy, floral and earthy, our German Pilsner showcases Hallertau and Hersbrucker Noble hops from the world's oldest growing regions in Bavaria. To round out the balance of the hops, we added German Pils Malt and pale malts for a subtle biscuit notes."
"To add a unique twist for our Downtime Pilsner, we dry hopped this brew with a new hop variety, Mandarina. Dry hopping is a technique of adding hops later in the process for added impact. During the first portion of the brewing, hops are added to the boil where they contribute bitterness to balance the brew's malt sweetness but some of their character is lost in the process. Adding another addition of hops later during dry hopping bring out the flavor and aroma in the finished beer. For Downtime Pilsner, we dry hopped with Mandarina, a newly developed variety, which gives the beer notes of tangerine and citrus and a delicate flavor."
I bought a six pack of this Pilsner because it was new. It is pretty refreshing and has a good taste to it. I am always out to try something new. I prefer to keep it local, but I will say Samuel Adams opened up my eyes to the craft beer scene. When they offer something new, I try to try it. This one was pretty good. A relaxing beer made with the normal hop varieties I have come to like but this one added a new one to the mix...Herkules and Mandarina.
This beer is easy drinking unlike some of the IPA's that are out now that leave you smacking your gums because of the bitterness. This beer is dry hopped with the new variety, Mandarina. Interesting flavor, I think it is has a distinct citrus note to it. Let's see what SA has to say about it.
Hop Varieties: Hallertau, Mittelfrueh and Hersbrucker Noble Hops, Herkules and Mandarina
Malts: Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, German pilsner malt
Yeast: Samuel Adams lager yeast
"A laid back golden pilsner that's full of character. The fun of brewing is that it's always evolving, even in the world's most popular beer style, the pilsner, there is still room for creativity. For our German pilsner we wanted to showcase both new and heritage hops from the original hop gardens of Bavaria. The classic Noble Hops offer a floral spiciness while the new varieties create a fruity and citrusy character for an elegant, light bodied yet flavorful beer."
"To give this beer a variety of notes including spicy, floral and earthy, our German Pilsner showcases Hallertau and Hersbrucker Noble hops from the world's oldest growing regions in Bavaria. To round out the balance of the hops, we added German Pils Malt and pale malts for a subtle biscuit notes."
"To add a unique twist for our Downtime Pilsner, we dry hopped this brew with a new hop variety, Mandarina. Dry hopping is a technique of adding hops later in the process for added impact. During the first portion of the brewing, hops are added to the boil where they contribute bitterness to balance the brew's malt sweetness but some of their character is lost in the process. Adding another addition of hops later during dry hopping bring out the flavor and aroma in the finished beer. For Downtime Pilsner, we dry hopped with Mandarina, a newly developed variety, which gives the beer notes of tangerine and citrus and a delicate flavor."
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Tailgate Beer Red Rye
February 28, 2016 -
Today I tried a local (as local as 120 miles from me is) brewery called Tailgate beer. Tailgate has a few beers that are available in stores in 6-pack cans but the main thing about them is the taproom and pizza. They boast 30 house beers on tap as well as two new ones every week.
I got a growler of their Rye IPA. This was a decent IPA. It had a good aroma and tasted pretty good. Other than being a little spicy because it is a rye, there was no overly strong favors.
Tailgate's website says this IPA was hopped with the following hops....Chinook and Centennial and then dry hopped with Amarillo. Pretty good hop character.
Today I tried a local (as local as 120 miles from me is) brewery called Tailgate beer. Tailgate has a few beers that are available in stores in 6-pack cans but the main thing about them is the taproom and pizza. They boast 30 house beers on tap as well as two new ones every week.
I got a growler of their Rye IPA. This was a decent IPA. It had a good aroma and tasted pretty good. Other than being a little spicy because it is a rye, there was no overly strong favors.
Tailgate's website says this IPA was hopped with the following hops....Chinook and Centennial and then dry hopped with Amarillo. Pretty good hop character.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Straight to Ale Sand Island Light House
February 24, 2016 -
Today I tried Straight to Ale's Sand Island Lighthouse. Although I liked the hop aroma and taste I was not to keen on this one. I am sure it would be awesome on a hot summer day but at the end of February, this is a hot weather beer.
Named for the southernmost tip of Alabama, this is one of the year round beers offered by Straight to Ale. It has one is becoming one of my favorite hops, Tettnanger and is a Kolsch style. Website doesn't list any of the malts, yeast or other hops if any. This is definitely a summer, I just mowed my lawn, kind of beer. Maybe someday soon I will get a chance to visit the brewery and see how they make it.
Today I tried Straight to Ale's Sand Island Lighthouse. Although I liked the hop aroma and taste I was not to keen on this one. I am sure it would be awesome on a hot summer day but at the end of February, this is a hot weather beer.
Named for the southernmost tip of Alabama, this is one of the year round beers offered by Straight to Ale. It has one is becoming one of my favorite hops, Tettnanger and is a Kolsch style. Website doesn't list any of the malts, yeast or other hops if any. This is definitely a summer, I just mowed my lawn, kind of beer. Maybe someday soon I will get a chance to visit the brewery and see how they make it.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Jackalope Brewing Rompo Red Rye Ale
February 23, 2016 -
It is not often that I find a beer that is "up there" in taste like this one was. Not sure if I was really graving this and it hit at the right time, but this beer is really good. This was one of the best beers I have tried in my listing so far.
It started out with a very malty/honey aroma. Had a nice taste to it and was really enjoyable red ale.
This was one of the styles I really enjoy. Not too strong and not too weak. I was amazed by this beer.
Let's see what Jackalope Brewing has to say about this:
"Rompo is a twist on an Irish Red, using classic earthy UK hops and caramel malts. We gave it our own Tennessee take by adding flaked rye to the mash. Rompo is a very smooth drinking brew with notes of fruit and caramel, while the rye contributes a spicy and clean finish."
I wish they had a little more on what hops, malts and yeast they use on this but they don't. I can see why they would keep this to themselves. Good Brew.
It is not often that I find a beer that is "up there" in taste like this one was. Not sure if I was really graving this and it hit at the right time, but this beer is really good. This was one of the best beers I have tried in my listing so far.
It started out with a very malty/honey aroma. Had a nice taste to it and was really enjoyable red ale.
This was one of the styles I really enjoy. Not too strong and not too weak. I was amazed by this beer.
Let's see what Jackalope Brewing has to say about this:
"Rompo is a twist on an Irish Red, using classic earthy UK hops and caramel malts. We gave it our own Tennessee take by adding flaked rye to the mash. Rompo is a very smooth drinking brew with notes of fruit and caramel, while the rye contributes a spicy and clean finish."
I wish they had a little more on what hops, malts and yeast they use on this but they don't. I can see why they would keep this to themselves. Good Brew.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin
February 19, 2016 -
Cleaning out some more of the stuff from the fall, tonight I sampled the Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale. The first thing I sensed with this one was nutmeg and ginger from the aroma. The taste was a smooth malt flavor. The pumpkin, although present, was not overwhelming like some pumpkin ales are. This one had a nice mix. Really enjoyed this, but it is not a go out of your way to get beer. Find it funny how it uses some of the same malts as the Hoppy Red.
Malts - Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Caramel 60, special B and smoked malt
Hops - East Kent Goldings and Fuggles
Yeast - Top Fermenting Ale
Color - Deep Amber
Special Ingredients - real pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice
Real pumpkin and warming spices like ginger,cinnamon and nutmeg give this brew a smooth, hearty, and inviting character perfect for the crisper days of fall.
Malts - Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Caramel 60, special B and smoked malt
Hops - East Kent Goldings and Fuggles
Yeast - Top Fermenting Ale
Color - Deep Amber
Special Ingredients - real pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice
Real pumpkin and warming spices like ginger,cinnamon and nutmeg give this brew a smooth, hearty, and inviting character perfect for the crisper days of fall.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Samuel Adams Hoppy Red
February 16, 2016 -
Tonight I had a few leftover beers from the fall that needed to get enjoyed. Pity to waste some good beer.
This was a very hoppy red, as the name implies, but it had the right amount of bitterness to be enjoyed. Not saying it would be my favorite all the time but it was pretty good. Let's see what SA has to say about it.
"Amber, smooth, and resinous, this ale was inspired by our exploration of Australian hops. We discovered that their rugged, spicy and piney character brightened a back-bone of roasted caramel malts, creating a beer with surprising depth and smoothness."
Hops - East Kent Gouldings, Northern Brewer, Hallertau Mittelfrueh, Nelson Sauvin and Ella
Malts - Samuel Adams 2-row pale malt blend, Caramel 60 and Special B
Yeast - Samuel Adams Ale Yeast
"Our brew uses Nelson Sauvin, named after the Sauvignon grape, a hop grown in New Zealand. It's strong fruity flavor and aroma is described as resembling white wine. We also added Ella hops, native to Australia, which add soft floral notes and hints of anise.
We start with a select blend of five different hops and combine those with Special B and Caramel malts that contribute to layers of caramel roastiness. The malt is balanced with the hops to create this perfect deep red Amber beer."
Tonight I had a few leftover beers from the fall that needed to get enjoyed. Pity to waste some good beer.
This was a very hoppy red, as the name implies, but it had the right amount of bitterness to be enjoyed. Not saying it would be my favorite all the time but it was pretty good. Let's see what SA has to say about it.
"Amber, smooth, and resinous, this ale was inspired by our exploration of Australian hops. We discovered that their rugged, spicy and piney character brightened a back-bone of roasted caramel malts, creating a beer with surprising depth and smoothness."
Hops - East Kent Gouldings, Northern Brewer, Hallertau Mittelfrueh, Nelson Sauvin and Ella
Malts - Samuel Adams 2-row pale malt blend, Caramel 60 and Special B
Yeast - Samuel Adams Ale Yeast
"Our brew uses Nelson Sauvin, named after the Sauvignon grape, a hop grown in New Zealand. It's strong fruity flavor and aroma is described as resembling white wine. We also added Ella hops, native to Australia, which add soft floral notes and hints of anise.
We start with a select blend of five different hops and combine those with Special B and Caramel malts that contribute to layers of caramel roastiness. The malt is balanced with the hops to create this perfect deep red Amber beer."
Back Forty Naked Pig
February 14, 2016 -
Tonight was AMC's Walking Dead Premier and what better way to enjoy the show than to try out a new beer and watch zombies. Tonight was Back Forty Brewery's Naked Pig. This was a delightful pale ale that was on the bitter side. Had a little maltiness to balance it out and was an easy to drink pale ale. Sort of reminds you of Mayday's Borro Blonde. I would classify this as an easy drinking beer. Now to see what the brewer says.
"Naked Pig is a delightfully crisp, hand-crafted ale. The German malts provide a perfect balance to the five hop additions that go into every batch we make. This American Pale Ale is tasty enough for any craft beer newcomer, while the complex character is sure to please even the most discerning craft connoisseur."
Hops - Columbus and Cascade
Malts - Two-row and Munich
May want to try and clone this in the future.
Tonight was AMC's Walking Dead Premier and what better way to enjoy the show than to try out a new beer and watch zombies. Tonight was Back Forty Brewery's Naked Pig. This was a delightful pale ale that was on the bitter side. Had a little maltiness to balance it out and was an easy to drink pale ale. Sort of reminds you of Mayday's Borro Blonde. I would classify this as an easy drinking beer. Now to see what the brewer says.
"Naked Pig is a delightfully crisp, hand-crafted ale. The German malts provide a perfect balance to the five hop additions that go into every batch we make. This American Pale Ale is tasty enough for any craft beer newcomer, while the complex character is sure to please even the most discerning craft connoisseur."
Hops - Columbus and Cascade
Malts - Two-row and Munich
May want to try and clone this in the future.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Samuel Adams Noble Pils
February 9, 2016 -
I tried the Samuel Adams Noble Pils tonight with dinner. This is a really clean crisp beer. Very light in color and clear. I have drank this before and enjoyed it and other times did not. This is one of those times I did as I am expanding my beer palate.
This beer is brewed with 5 Noble hops. The hops are not royalty, they are from the "Old World" hops variety as this style of beer originated in the Czech region.
Let's see what SA has to say:
"Citrus and floral character from its 5 Noble Hops and a honeyed sweetness from Bohemian spring barley make this crisp golden lager anything but a plain Pilsner."
Hop Varieties: Hallertau Mittelfrueh, Tettnang Tettnanger, Spalt Spalter, Saaz, Hersbrucker
Malt Varieties: Samuel Adams 2-row malt blend and Czech Pilsner malt
Yeast: Bottom-fermenting lager
"Noble hops are so called as they are the original hop varieties from the world's oldest growing regions in Bavaria and the Czech Republic, and are prized for their delicate aroma and flavor. Each of the five noble hop varieties used in Samuel Adams Noble Pils adds a slightly different aroma and flavor to the beer, from citrus and spice to pine and floral. The result is a badly flavorful pilsner that's crisp, complex and refreshing."
I tried the Samuel Adams Noble Pils tonight with dinner. This is a really clean crisp beer. Very light in color and clear. I have drank this before and enjoyed it and other times did not. This is one of those times I did as I am expanding my beer palate.
This beer is brewed with 5 Noble hops. The hops are not royalty, they are from the "Old World" hops variety as this style of beer originated in the Czech region.
Let's see what SA has to say:
"Citrus and floral character from its 5 Noble Hops and a honeyed sweetness from Bohemian spring barley make this crisp golden lager anything but a plain Pilsner."
Hop Varieties: Hallertau Mittelfrueh, Tettnang Tettnanger, Spalt Spalter, Saaz, Hersbrucker
Malt Varieties: Samuel Adams 2-row malt blend and Czech Pilsner malt
Yeast: Bottom-fermenting lager
"Noble hops are so called as they are the original hop varieties from the world's oldest growing regions in Bavaria and the Czech Republic, and are prized for their delicate aroma and flavor. Each of the five noble hop varieties used in Samuel Adams Noble Pils adds a slightly different aroma and flavor to the beer, from citrus and spice to pine and floral. The result is a badly flavorful pilsner that's crisp, complex and refreshing."
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Samuel Adams Session Ale
February 8, 2016 -
Tonight I tried an Extra Special Bitter Session Ale from Samual Adams. ESB is sort of a misnomer as this was an exceptional beer. Just a touch of hops and clean finish. Very easy to drink. I enjoyed this and it makes me want to try more from this category.
Now on to what SA says about it.
"The Extra Special Bitter style originated as a Pale Ale but over time became known as ESB. Session Ale uses traditional malt character from the Maris Otter malt, along with the fruity and ester character of the yeast. We brewed this beer with English hops to bring out the floral, citrus notes of Bavarian Noble hops.
Hops - East Kent Goldings, Tettnang Tettnanger Noble hops
Grain - Samuel Adams 2-row pale malt blend, Maris Otter, Honey Malt
Yeast - Samuel Adams pale yeast"
Tonight I tried an Extra Special Bitter Session Ale from Samual Adams. ESB is sort of a misnomer as this was an exceptional beer. Just a touch of hops and clean finish. Very easy to drink. I enjoyed this and it makes me want to try more from this category.
Now on to what SA says about it.
"The Extra Special Bitter style originated as a Pale Ale but over time became known as ESB. Session Ale uses traditional malt character from the Maris Otter malt, along with the fruity and ester character of the yeast. We brewed this beer with English hops to bring out the floral, citrus notes of Bavarian Noble hops.
Hops - East Kent Goldings, Tettnang Tettnanger Noble hops
Grain - Samuel Adams 2-row pale malt blend, Maris Otter, Honey Malt
Yeast - Samuel Adams pale yeast"
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Calfkiller Brewing - Christmas Bonus
Saturday, February 6, 2016 -
Tried Calfkiller Brewery's Christmas Bonus. Pretty good. This one is not listed on their website. I am not sure what it is brewed with or what hops are in it, but it was a pretty good beer. Very tasty. It had a bread-like aroma and was not big on a hop flavor.
One website listed it as an ale. It is listed as an ale brewed with local honey, orange zest, and pine needles. The orange zest you could taste as well as the honey. Liked it a bunch. Bought at Sigler's in Chattanooga, TN.
Tried Calfkiller Brewery's Christmas Bonus. Pretty good. This one is not listed on their website. I am not sure what it is brewed with or what hops are in it, but it was a pretty good beer. Very tasty. It had a bread-like aroma and was not big on a hop flavor.
One website listed it as an ale. It is listed as an ale brewed with local honey, orange zest, and pine needles. The orange zest you could taste as well as the honey. Liked it a bunch. Bought at Sigler's in Chattanooga, TN.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Monday Night Brewing Nerd Alert
Sampled Monday Night Brewing's Nerd Alert. The brewery's website list this as a pseudo Pilsner. The website states: "Technically speaking Nerd Alert is an ale. And if you want to get really technical, we fermented this beer with ale yeast at low temperatures to achieve an incredibly clean flavor."
I could not agree more. This was a pretty good beer. This was a hard day in IT type of beer. One of those where you have finger cramps from the keyboard. A bottle of this is the perfect way to unwind.
It's got a 5% ABV. They claim it is brewed with Hallertau and Williamette hops. Grains are Munich and Pilsner. Would really like to play with this one and see if it is replicable. This did make me want to try some more of their product and hopefully take a tour of the brewery one day soon.
Drank another round of this over the past couple of days and still enjoy it. Really like this one. Need to explore some more of the brand but right now, I would say I like stuff that has the Hallertau hops in it.
I could not agree more. This was a pretty good beer. This was a hard day in IT type of beer. One of those where you have finger cramps from the keyboard. A bottle of this is the perfect way to unwind.
It's got a 5% ABV. They claim it is brewed with Hallertau and Williamette hops. Grains are Munich and Pilsner. Would really like to play with this one and see if it is replicable. This did make me want to try some more of their product and hopefully take a tour of the brewery one day soon.
Drank another round of this over the past couple of days and still enjoy it. Really like this one. Need to explore some more of the brand but right now, I would say I like stuff that has the Hallertau hops in it.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Sweet Water IPA - February 2, 2016
I finally tried the Sweet Water IPA. It had a good bit of hoppiness that was very pleasant and not overwhelming. Had a really nice clarity even though it is bottle conditioned. Well worth trying again or trying to clone.
The Sweet Water website describes it as - "This mammoth India Pale Ale is loaded with intense hop character and subjected to an intense dry hopping process. Our IPA is unfiltered, leaving all the natural favors intact. - The beer you've been training for."
The website also lists the grains and hops used in this beer. Grains are 2-row, Munich, Wheat, and 70/80. Hops are Chinook, Cascade, Columbus and finished with Simcoe and US Golding.
This would be cool to try to clone. Need to try more IPAs and see what the hop profiles are.
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