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You are currently viewing the Beer category or one of its subcategories. If you would like to learn more about beer and how it is made, you might want to read this article. If you should want to peruse a much, much more extensive and detailed set of reviews, you might have a look here. In North America often considered an evil drink ranking up there with stronger spirits and probably just about anything likely to make you talk a lot and feel good, Beer is still treated as a soft drink in many European regions: personally, I tend to have more sympathy for the latter view, but that's not really important. What is important is that beer has been part of our lives for a long time, even longer than spirits, and possibly as long as wine. It plays an important role in the identity of many nations and its story is often tied with the local history of those nations, both the old and the young. Sadly, we have found that keeping this section up to date is almost impossible, as we drink many more kinds of beer than we do spirits, and, by the end of a night out on the town, often aren't quite clear on which beer tasted like what. We have therefore decided to limit ourselves to rather sketchier comments than those we write in the other sections, unless a brew should catch our attention especially. As a way to make up for this, we are going to attempt to give a rating from one to five (one being horrible and five being delicious) on the logged beer, in hope to keep a somewhat accurate record of their relative merits. Enjoy your pint!Monday, October 24 2005
Flying Dog Brewry's Old Scratch Amber Lager
This was going to be the first microbrewry American beer I was going to taste, and I was very excited by the prospect. I was not disappointed: the beer is light (but no, absolutely not watery), fragrant, and easy-drinking, with a malty taste ending with a slight spike of roasted barley, leaving one definitely refreshed and craving more. This beer reminds me much of some beers from Germany and Austria; in fact, a bit too much, and one finds oneself wishing it were a bit more individual. Over all, very good, if a little expensive: but then, it's imported microbrewry stuff… Sunday, October 23 2005
Wild Rose brewery has been an exciting find for us, bringing us top-notch experiences from Alberta. Last night's weekend special was their IPA, starting off with a lovely head of foam, followed by aromas ranging from spices to berries to a suspected fragrance of jasmine. The body was medium; enough to allow for easy drinking but with enough substance to leave one satisfied. It had flavors of berry juice and cider, which were balanced with hops making it a refreshing ale and a great compliment to our fragrant, heavily garliced and spiced indian meal. This was followed by a nose of more spices, such a cloves. After these experiences, I think perhaps heaven comes in only a few sizes, and the litre, shared with a close friend, is one of them. The ceramic stopper, which allows one to re-seal the bottle, if not sharing, also adds a distinctive touch to the bottle, as well as offering a great alternative to corks and metal caps (Makes it re-usable too!). [/Beer/Canada/AB] permanent link Friday, October 14 2005
One of my all-time favourite beers. The taste is a perfect blend of malt, hops, and smoke, each coming in seperately, but ultimately merging for a unique taste. First comes the bitterness, then one can taste the slight sweetness of the malt, and, finally, a hint of charcoal--- but nowhere near enough to be uncomfortable--- which, once one adds the taste of the alcohol (which you can taste), does for a wondrous experience. However, do not expect to be able to guzzle down galons of this beer: it is rich and heavy, and, though the taste is delicious, it would most likely overwhelm the drinker if consumed in excess. The perfect beer for a fall or winter evening. [/Beer/Scotland] permanent link Monday, October 03 2005
A nice stout with a nice texture and a lot of fizz to it. Fairly sweet, dark taste with floral hints in the mouth, almost reminiscent of molasses, which then explodes into a fairly smoky taste in the back of the mouth and in the aftertaste. The smokiness is nice, but can sometimes have a coal like edge which would make drinking a lot of this beer difficult. What with this characteristic and the heaviness, it tastes somewhat like a cross between a stout and a Scotch ale. Highly recommended with spicy food. And it comes in a cute four pack, rather than a more traditional sixer. [/Beer/Canada/NS] permanent link Sunday, October 02 2005
Very nice consistency out of the can, though not the most foamy. Its taste was nice and fragrant, with typical IPA characteristics and a slight spiciness on the back of the tongue and in the aftertaste (mostly cinnamon to me). Very easily drunk, alone or with food, though one might want to tone down on the spices, as this ale could be easily overpowered. Overall, good, but not outstanding in relation to its price. However, I have a feeling that it might be much better draught. UPDATE: I tried it draught at a local pub and, although it was slightly better and smoother, it was not as radical a difference as I had hoped. Still a good thirst-quenching beer though. [/Beer/Scotland] permanent link |
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