AW's Beer Reviews

[AWMiller]

Rahr & Sons Ass Kisser Smoked Porter
Rahr & Sons Brewing Company | Fort Worth, Texas USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: American Smoked Porter

ABV - 8.03%

Another fine brew from the folks at Rahr’s! This brew poured up a rich black-colored body with a thick, creamy tan-colored head with good retention and lacing. Aromas of smoked/charred wood, espresso coffee, roasted malts, dark/bitter chocolates. Flavors of the same and so well-balanced. Near full-bodied, smooth and creamy, good carbonation with a nice dry almost oak-like flavor on the finish. Can’t wait to pair this one up with some stuffed dove or some savory squirrel gumbo!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, dove, duck, geese, squirrel, venison, wild boar

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Stone Imperial Russian Stout (2011 Classic Release)
Stone Brewing Co. | Escondido, California USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Russian Imperial Stout

ABV - 10.5%

This is definitely one of the finest tasting RIS I have enjoyed in quite a while! This brew poured up a black colored body with a billowy tan-colored head that dissipated rather quickly but left moderate lacing. Aromas of roasted coffee beans, dark fruits, burnt sugar, and sweet malts. The body is rich and thick and loaded with sweet malts. Moderate on the carbonation with flavors of coffee, dark fruits, brown sugar, dark chocolate. This brew continues to improve on flavors the more it warms up. Generally with stouts I will take it out of the refrigerator and open; then let sit for 45 minutes to an hour so that it can ‘breathe’ and warm up; the flavors and scents just abound when you enjoy it this way! The finish has just the right amount of hops to sneak in with just a nip before giving way to lingering flavors of roasted malts and dark semi-sweet chocolates. By far this is my most-preferred brew from the Stone line-up!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, dove, ducks, geese, squirrel, venison, wild boar

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar
Rogue Ales | Newport, Oregon USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: American Brown Ale

ABV - 6%

IBU - 28

This brew poured up a dark hazelnut colored body with a creamy tan-colored head that held moderate retention and light lacing effects. Aromas full of sweet roasted malts, hazelnuts (duh!), dark fruits, and something akin to powdered cocoa. Medium bodied and loaded with carbonation. Flavors of sweet malts, hazelnuts, dark fruits, chocolate. The addition of the hazelnut extract makes for a nice spritz to a brown ale! This would pair well with a juicy steak or better off as a dessert brew.

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, dove, ducks, geese, partridge, pork, rabbit, squirrel, venison

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale
Oskar Blues Grill & Brewery | Lyons, Colorado USA
Not purchased; received as a gift.

Style: American Pale Ale (APA)

ABV - 6.5%

IBU – 65

This brew poured up a crystal-clear light amber colored body with a frothy head that had great retention and lacing. Aromas of hops, hops, hops, and hops with a smidgen of sweet malts. Flavors matched the scent; loaded with hops but not too hoppy. The malts help to bring things in balance. Medium bodied, lightly carbonated with a dry, refreshing, slightly bitter finish and aftertaste. This brew would be awesome for the BBQ and/or fish fry!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, ducks, geese, fish, partidge, pheasant, quail, grouse, rabbit, salmon, shellfish, squirrel, venison

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Oskar Blues G’Knight Imperial Red (a.k.a. Gordon)
Oskar Blues Grill & Brewery | Lyons, Colorado USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: American Double/Imperial IPA

ABV - 8.7%

IBU - 60

What an awesome lil’ IPA! This one poured up a dark copper-colored body sporting a thin foamy head with good retention and wicked lacing. Aromas of lots of hops, citrusy fruits, and a hint of sweet roasted malts. The flavor was not as hoppy as I was anticipating but still a good dose to make this malt-head pucker up just a tad on those first few sips! It’s hoppy all the way through until the finish and then those sweet malts sneak in and balance everything up. Medium bodied and loaded with carbonation with a dry, refreshing hoppy finish and aftertaste. Pair this one up with something spicy!!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, ducks, geese, fish, partridge, pheasant, quail, grouse, rabbit, salmon, shellfish, squirrel, venison

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Wychwood Scarecrow Ale
Wychwood Brewery Company Ltd | Witney, Oxon, United Kingdom (England)
Not purchased; received as a gift.

Style: English Pale Ale

ABV - 4.7%

This is a good, average pale ale. This brew poured up a dark golden-colored body with a one-finger thick head that dissipated quickly and left minimal lacing. Aromas weren’t very strong but hops and a hint of malts were detected. Flavors were fairly bland for the most part; lots of grains (like I was eating dry cereal) with a hit of hops and some sweet malts. Medium-bodied with a finish that is dry and hoppy. One thing I will add is that they have one wicked website!! (http://www.wychwood.co.uk/)

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, ducks, geese, fish, partridge, pheasant, quail, grouse, rabbit, salmon, shellfish, squirrel, venison

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout
Great Divide Brewing Company | Denver, Colorado USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: American Double/Imperial Stout

ABV - 9.5%

Now this is simple an amazing brew! This brew poured up a rich, black colored body hefting a hearty mocha-colored head with unending retention and lacing. Aromas of espresso, roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate, bitter chocolate, dark fruits (plums, raisins), and sweet malts. Flavors of the same and so well balanced that you would soon forget you are enjoyed a splendid brew! Medium- to Full-bodied with good carbonation. Very creamy, almost like drinking a fine malt from the soda fountain. The finish is as robust as the initial sip; a slight bite of bitterness followed up with a lingering flavor of chocolate espresso. Definitely a fine dessert brew to have on-hand!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, dove, ducks, geese, squirrel, venison, wild boar

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Bard’s Gold
Bard’s Tale Beer Company, LLC | Buffalo, New York USA
Not purchased; received as a gift.

Style: Gluten-free

ABV - 4.6%

This is my first gluten-free brew to sample. If one has celiac’s disease (the inability to process gluten commonly found in pasta, crackers, bread, etc.) this style of beer is one to sample. This brew poured up a golden-honey colored body with a one-finger thick frothy white colored head that dissipates quickly and leaves marginal lacing. Aromas of lots of sugars and dark honey. Flavors of the same but also include pear; so it is much like drinking a pear cider in my opinion. Light-bodied and very smooth/creamy. Loaded with carbonation and a finish that is clean and refreshing with no harsh aftertastes of any sort.

Pairing Recommendations: Pair this up in accordance with your gluten-free diet.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout (2011 ‘odd year’ release)
Stone Brewing Co. | Escondido, California USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Russian Imperial Stout

ABV - 10.5%

What a wicked twist on the standards for the Russian Imperial Stout brews!! This brew poured up a hearty black colored body with a bubbly mocha-colored head that dissipated rather quickly to a thin sheen leaving moderate lacing. Aromas of licorice, anise (fishermen will pick that one up real quick!), dark/bitter chocolates, slow roasted coffee beans and sweet roasted malts. Flavors of the same but so intricate! One sip I pick up the licorice; next sip it is vanilla and chocolate and coffee; next sip it is hot fudge and toffee. Medium-bodied and very rich and creamy. The finish is very subtly filled with anise and sweet malts. Definitely a quality dessert brew!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, dove, ducks, geese, squirrel, venison, wild boar

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Foster’s Lager
Foster’s Group Limited | Southbank, Australia
Not purchased; received as a gift.

Style: Adjunct Lager

ABV - 5%

Like most adjuncts, this brew poured up the standard clear golden colored body with a frothy white head that dissipates quickly and leaves little to no lacing. Aromas of grains and candy corn (?!). Flavors are bitter and bland in this near-medium-bodied brew with a hoppy bitter finish and aftertaste. Definitely a ‘quaffer’ and one best suited for the BBQ or fish fry.

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, fish, pheasant, quail, grouse, pork, salmon, shellfish

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Redhook Mud Slinger Spring Ale
Redhook Ale Brewery | Woodinville, Washington USA
Not purchased; received as a gift.

Style: English-style Brown Ale

ABV - 5.8%

IBU - 30

Try this one… you’re gonna like it!! This brew poured up a clear, dark colored body (like cherry Dr. Pepper) with a creamy off-white colored head with good retention and marginal lacing. Aromas of sweet malts, caramel, toffee, dark fruits (prunes). Flavors are of the same but very robust and very well balanced with hints of rum or bourbon off and on. Medium-bodied, well carbonated, with a nice hit of hops for a slightly bitter finish and a lingering aftertaste of dark toffee candy. Definitely an easy drinker!!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, dove, ducks, geese, partridge, pork, rabbit, squirrel, venison

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Widmer Brothers Rotator Series X-114 IPA
Widmer Brothers Brewing Company | Portland, Oregon USA
Not purchased; received as a gift.

Style: American IPA

ABV - 6.2%

IBU - 50

One of the most flavorful IPAs I’ve yet to sample! The beer pours a clear, golden colored body with a thin white foamy head that had light retention but left good lacing. Aromas of citrus fruits, starfruits, hops. Flavors of the same with a large dose of the fruits coming through and a subtle bite of hops throughout. Medium-bodied, lively carbonation, and a finish that is dry and bitter yet very refreshing. A malt-head like me could really get into an IPA of this caliber! Definitely a great IPA for the BBQ or fish fry!!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, ducks, geese, fish, partridge, pheasant, quail, grouse, rabbit, salmon, shellfish, squirrel, venison

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Pilsner Urquell
Plzensky Prazdroj, a. s. | Plzen, Czech Republic
Not purchased; received as a gift.

Style: Czech Pilsner

ABV - 4.4%

IBU - 36

A word to the wise … be leery of clear or green colored bottles!! Reason being is that they let a lot of sunlight in and if not properly stored that sunlight will skunk up a beer fast! And I think that is exactly what happened to this one! In order for me to better review this brew, I’m going to have to go to Czechoslovakia myself and try it there as fresh as I can get it! This brew poured up a crystal clear light golden colored body with a thin foamy head that quickly dissipated and left negligible lacing. Immediately upon opening I could have sworn I could reach in and pull out that skunk by the tail! (This is why I feel that this brew was improperly cared for during shipping/storage/display.) Once the skunky-ness went away, the hops and slight sweet malts began to come forth. I was hesitant to taste it based on my initial smell of the brew but one must be brave and forage onward! Flavors of grasses (almost like lemon-grass) and hops hit you from the beginning and then finish up with a subtle twist of sweet malts to balance things out. Light-bodied with a dry, bitter finish and aftertaste. Definitely a quaffer on this round. If I can find this on tap or in the can I would definitely give it another try.

Pairing Recommendations: greasy, beefy, cheesy nachos!!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Napa Smith Lost Dog
Napa Smith Brewery | Napa, California USA
Not purchased; received as a gift.

Style: American Amber/Red Ale

ABV - 7.2%

Hot diggity dog! This is one amazing ale and if the rest of their brew line-up is like this one, well then, Napa Smith might become quite a regular brew in my stock! This brew poured up a crystal-clear dark reddish-brown colored body with a nice creamy one-finger thick head with great retention and lacing. Aromas and flavors full of caramel, floral hops and sweet roasted malts. Medium-bodied, extra smooth and an easy drinker with a finish that is amazingly refreshing and slightly dry with a lingering aftertaste full of roasted nuts and caramel. Can’t wait to try more from their line! Definitely one that I’m going to pair up with some slow-grilled rib-eyes topped with melted bleu cheese crumbles!!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, duck, geese, fish, partridge, pheasants, quail, grouse, shellfish

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Foster’s Premium Ale
Foster’s Group Limited | Southbank, Australia
Not purchased; received as a gift.

Style: Adjunct Ale – Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)

ABV - 5.5%

This brew poured up a dark amber colored body with an enormous foamy off-white colored head with fair retention and marginal lacing. Go easy on the pour cause this brew foams up fast! Aromas are somewhat musty and smell of wet grains; none to pleasant. Flavors … egads this was a bland brew but there are some grapefruit and caramel but none to my liking though. Medium-bodied and somewhat carbonated. The finish is dry and hoppy and a poor aftertaste to say the least. To be honest I did not get through the entire brew as the flavor was just not my cup of beer.

Pairing Recommendations: swash it down at the BBQ or fish fry

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.