Saranac – Belgian White
So I was at the liquer store hankering for some guiness when my bro pointed out this large box of Saranac, to which I said "Saranac? never heard of it, I better get some". Short story shorter I got the summer variety pack of said Saranac. So tonights Saranac entry will be on one type of beer that has consistantly been one of my favorites; the Belgian White.
I'm a little surprised by this particular beer as there's something about the taste that just isn't consistent with other Belgian Whites I've had. I'm having trouble placing it, but its something about the aftertaste. Honestly its almost a little flowery... kind of like some sort of beer flower, only not hops. Apart from the flowerocity, the finish is pretty mild with almost no bitterness to it whatsoever. I'm actually a little disappointed as I'm starting to really appreciate the bitter twang that hits the sides of your mouth in a nice pale ale and I find myself wanting after drinking this guy. Perhaps my tastes are begining to shift from the smooth finish of a Belgian White to the bite of a pale ale... Well whatevers going on here I'd say this is an all around mediocer Belgian White. So lets say, I'll give this one a 4.5
Samuel Adams – Pale Ale
For my next beer I've decided to go with another of Sam Adams' finest: Pale Ale. There's something about a chilled pale ale that just really hits the spot on a hot summer evening, or morning for that matter. Perhaps its the refreshingly crisp bite to the bitterness from the hops, or the light body that almost encourages one to chug. Well whatever quality it is, Sam Adams Pale Ale certainly has it in abundance. I think I've only recently really started to enjoy the bitter flavor of pale ales; more often than not I'll defer to something smooth and dark over a brew I can easily see through. However this pale ale gives me cause to reconsider my preferences. The bitterness seems to go right to the edge of what I would normally consider an enjoyable flavor, but I'm finding that with each sip the bitterness starts to have a sweet quality to it. All in all, everything seems to be in perfect balance in this one.
So for a pale ale, this was a really enjoyable beer... I think it's earned a 7.2
Look at my hat!
So I was picking up a few new shirts the other day and I came across the most useful hat ever! I'm usually not a hat wearer, but I'm reconsidering my stance on personal head coverings after picking up this thing. BTW, I used this to open the Wachusett Country Ale I just wrote about!
Wachusett – Country Ale
I have returned! And I vehemently apologize for my inexcusable absence... I had no right to stop drinking and telling you about it and I deeply regret my low blood alcohol level. As some of you may know I've recently moved back to the east coast from a two year stint in Ohio. In honor of my return, I've decided to review a local ale. This one is brewed not far from where I live now so it seemed an apt selection.
On to the Ale!
At first sniff, one might think this ale is infused with fruit or, worse yet, perhaps it is a lambic! Fear not! It is, in fact, a true and pure ale; untainted by spontaneous fermentation or rotten fruit. Upon tasting this fine ale, the fruitiness fades quickly, although not completely. It has a strong flavor of hops with a mild and crisp spiciness which also fades quickly. To be perfectly honest, the flavor is distantly reminiscent of a brew some people have been duped into calling "the king of beers"... except that this ale actually tastes good. So if you're in New England and you're looking for a nice refreshing summery brew and don't feel like going with the common "summer ales", try a Wachusett Country Ale. Its not the best I've ever had, but it's a damn fine brew.
So to you, Wachusett Country Ale, I bestow a 6.5
Columbus Brewing Company – 90 Shilling Ale
So I thought that on a day like today, I really had a patriotic duty to review a domestic beer. Granted the Columbus Brewing Company has only been around since 1988 and really has nothing to do historically with the repeal of prohibition, but then again it was in my beer closet and it was free. And to be perfectly honest, if I wanted to blog about the beer that had the most to do with the repeal, I'd probably have to go pickup a Budwiser or a Schlitz... and really I'm not in the mood to rant about piss in a can just yet. Don't worry though, that time will come.
So on the 90 Shilling Ale. This is really a nice strong ale with a deep amber color. For being as strong in flavor as it is though, it finishes pretty smoothly. I suppose I can taste some hints of caramel in there, but its quickly overpowered by a nice hoppy flavor which leaves you with a slightly sweet aftertaste. Nothing really outstanding about this one, but its pretty decent. This probably wouldn't make it to my top ten (if I ever actually compile a top ten), but i certainly wouldn't shy away from grabbing a couple of six packs of these and brining em to a shindig.
So for a pretty straightforward red Scottish style ale, I'd say give 90 shilling ale a shot. It may not actually be from Scotland, but chances are neither are you.
Anyway, I'll give this stuff a 6
