AW's Beer Reviews

[AWMiller]

Witches Brew
Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V. | Ertvelde, Belgium
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Belgian Tripel

ABV - 9.3%

Tripels … gotta love them tripels and this one is right up there with some of the best! This brew poured up a golden colored body with an enormous frothy head with long-lasting retention and phenomenal lacing. Aromas rich with fruits (apples, pears, bananas) and one can definitely smell the alcohol in this brew! Flavors are amazing (honey, apples, hops and sweet malts) and only get better as the brew warms up! Medium-bodied and very well carbonated with a sweet, smooth finish that is warming and full of sweet fruity aftertastes. Pairs well with some spicy Cajun meals or all by itself as a sweet dessert beer.

Pairing Recommendations: beef, poultry, pork

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]

Pacifico Clara
Grupo Modelo S.A. de C.V. | Mexico City, Mexico
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Adjunct Lager

ABV - 4.5%

This brew poured up a clear, golden colored body with a very thin white fizzy head that quickly dissipated and left no lacing. Aromas of hops and a hint of malts. Flavors are standard fair; bitter hops and a touch of malt to balance out but definitely nothing spectacular about the taste. Light-bodied, lightly carbonated easy to quaff, with a dry finish and slight bitter aftertaste. A good brew to slam along with some hot-n-spicy wings.

Pairing Recommendations: a fairly good throw-down for 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.

[AWMiller]

Kona Longboard Island Lager
Kona Brewing Company | Kona, Hawaii USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: American Pale Lager

ABV - 4.6%

IBU - 18

Here’s a great lager to throw down at your BBQ or fish fry! This brew poured up a cloudy golden amber colored body with a thin, foamy head this dissipated quickly and left faint lacing. Aromas full of pears, citrus fruits, sweet malts, and bread dough. Flavors of the same in this near-medium bodied brew that is very smooth and easy to drink. The finish is clean and very refreshing with no harsh aftertastes; only sweet malts lingering about.

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]

Stella Artois
Stella Artois | Leuven, Belgium
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Euro Pale Lager

ABV - 5%

This brew poured up a clear, light-golden colored body with a white frothy head that dissipates very quickly and left no lacing. Standard norm on the scents and flavors as that of adjunct lagers: grains, hops, malts. Light-bodied, easy to drink, highly carbonated with a clean, dry, hoppy finish. A good brew to have with some zesty fish-n-chips!

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]

Pabst Blue Ribbon
Pabst Brewing Company | Woodridge, Illinois USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Adjunct Lager

ABV - 4.74%

This review was done by request!! This brew poured up a clear, pale-golden colored body with a white frothy head that quickly dissipates to a thin sheen and no lacing. Aromas of sweet malts and light on the hops. Flavors of the same in this light-bodied brew that has quite a bit of carbonation. The finish is nice, dry, clean and slightly bitter.

Pairing Recommendations: standard fair for 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.

[AWMiller]

Dog Bite High Gravity Lager
Genesee Brewing Co. / Dundee Brewing Co. | Rochester, New York USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Malt Liquor

ABV - 10%

First up on my malt liquor reviews!! Probably one of the best looking brews I’ve seen in the lager arena! This brew poured up a crystal clear light orange colored body with a frothy white head that dissipated quickly and left marginal lacing. Aromas of orange, honey, grains, and alcohol. Flavors of the same and totally not what I was expecting to come from a malt liquor. Very flavorful and very light on the palate. Has a nice, thick malty body with loads of carbonation with a clean, fruit-like finish and lingering aftertaste. Easy to drink and again, very flavorful. Will definitely have several of these on-hand!

Pairing Recommendations: spicy fish tacos or beef/chicken fajitas

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]

Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale
Bear Republic Brewing Co. | Healdsburg, California USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: American Amber/Red Ale

ABV - 6.8%

IBU - 67

Delicious!! This brew poured up a dark mahogany colored body with a thick foamy head with unending retention and lacing. Aromas of caramel, sweet roasted malts, dark fruits (plums, raisins), and a touch of hops. Flavors of caramel, bread dough, and sweet malts with just the right amount of hops to bring the sweats into check. Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, with a finish that is dry with slight bitter notes and lingering effects. This is definitely a brew that all should try at least once!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, ducks, geese, fish, partridge, pheasant, 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]

Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
Bear Republic Brewing Co. | Healdsburg, California USA

Style: American IPA

ABV - 8%

IBU - 80

Daggum these IPAs are starting to impress this malt-head! This brew poured up a rich, dark amber colored body with a hearty off-white colored head that had amazing retention and lacing effects. Aromas full of rye and hops. Flavors of warm bread, lemon zest, rye and piney hops. Medium-bodied and very well carbonated with a dry, hoppy finish and lingering aftertaste. Definitely something I would serve up when grilling or working the smoker!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, duck, 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]

Asahi Super Dry
Asahi Breweries Ltd | Tokyo-to Tokyo-shi, Japan
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Pale Lager

ABV - 5%

These Asahi brews are certainly a pleasant surprise! To be honest, I was half expecting them to be on the skunky side but they have proven me wrong and are good brews to enjoy! This brew poured up a clear pale golden yellow body with a white frothy head that quickly dissipated to a thin bubbly sheen and left marginal lacing. Aromas and flavors are genuinely almost like good sake in this light-bodied brew with a clean, dry finish with no harsh aftertastes. Definitely an easy brew to drink and not get that bloated feeling afterwards (unless you down a case or so!).

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]

Asahi Brewmasters Select
Asahi Breweries Ltd | Tokyo-to Tokyo-shi, Japan
Purchased @ Whole Foods Market

Style: Premium Lager

ABV - 5%

Probably the best of the Asahi line of brews! This brew poured up a dark golden colored body with a frothy head that dissipated quickly down to a thin sheen with good lacing. Aromas are filled with caramel, sweet malts, bread dough, and light hops. Flavors are pretty much the same but very light on the hops and full of that sweet malt flavor. Medium-bodied with a nice, dry finish with a nice warm, sweet aftertaste. Definitely one of the top Asian brews I’ve ever had!

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]

Pike Monk’s Uncle Tripel Ale
Pike Pub & Brewery | Seattle, Washington USA
Purchased @ Whole Foods Market

Style: Tripel

ABV - 9%

IBU - 34

This tripel poured up a cloudy, honey-colored body with a thin, bubbly head that dissipated quickly down to a thin sheen and left minimal lacing. Aromas and flavors are full of apricots, honey, sweet malts, lemon zest. Medium-bodied and very smooth with a light hoppy bite on the finish and a lingering fruit aftertaste. Needs to beef it up a bit in order to compare well with true Trappist tripels but still a good brew nonetheless.

Pairing Recommendations: beef, poultry, pork

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]

Murphy’s Draught-Style Stout
Murphy Brewery Ireland Limited | Cork, Ireland
Not purchased; received as a gift

Style: Irish Dry Stout

ABV - 4.3%

This brew has one wicked upward-cascading foaming action (much like a Boddington’s Pub Ale) that imparts one of the creamiest heads of foam I have ever seen! This brew poured up a pitch black colored body and a creamy off-white colored head with long-lasting retention and lacing effects. Aromas of dark roasted malts, burnt sugar, and warm caramel. Flavors of the same in this ultra creamy brew. Medium-bodied with a dry finish having lingering aftertastes of sweet malts. A bit on the ‘thin’ side as I was wishing it to be a bit more thick-n-chewy but still it’s a good brew to have!

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]

Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale
Kona Brewing Company | Kona, Hawaii USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: American Pale Ale (APA)

ABV - 6%

IBU - 35

What a great APA from the folks at Kona Brewing!! This brew poured up a rich coppery colored body with a one-finger thick white frothy head with moderate retention and lacing effects. Aromas of hops, caramel, and hints of toffee. Flavors of the same and so well-balanced that you must remind yourself to slow down and enjoy it! Medium-bodied, easy on the drinkability scale, with a dry finish that leaves hints of citrus fruits. Definitely a great brew to have on-hand for those special cookouts!!

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]

gonna be offline for a few days... thought I'd post up a slew of brew reviews to keep y'all busy!! will get back into the swig of things upon my return!!

[AWMiller]

Maredsous 10 Tripel
Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV | Breendonk-Puurs, Belgium
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Abbey Tripel

ABV - 10%

This brew poured up a dark orange colored body topped with a frothy white head with good retention and moderate lacing effects. Aromas of oranges, pineapples, peaches, roasted nuts. Flavors are subtly sweet along with a nice bitter balance and a flavor of fresh baked bread. You can definitely tell there is alcohol in this hearty brew! Medium-bodied, well carbonated, with a dry sweet finish just begging to be paired up with a hearty grilled rib-eye!!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, bison, poultry, cream/cheese pasta, pork, rabbit

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.