AW's Beer Reviews

[AWMiller]

Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA
Bear Republic Brewing Co. | Healdsburg, California USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: American IPA

ABV - 7%

IBU - 75

These IPAs are starting to appeal to me! This brew poured up a cloudy/hazy golden-orange body with a frothy head possessing excellent retention and lacing. Loads of aromas of citrusy hops with just a tiny hint of roasted malts. It has a good sharp bite all the way through followed up with just enough sweet malts to smooth it out for a nice, crisp, clean finish with no harsh aftertaste; almost like a mixture of flavors of cotton candy and caramel lingering on the finish. As it warms the hops and malts blend so much more ‘flavorfully’. Pair it up with some beer-butt chicken (yeah and use some of this beer for that dish!) or salmon cooked on cedar planks on the grill!

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]

Rahr & Sons Stormcloud IPA
Rahr & Sons Brewing Company | Fort Worth, Texas USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: American IPA

ABV - 6%

IBU - 64

Noah makes the call… Tony makes the pitch… and Fritz knocks it out of the park right into the Stormcloud! This is THE IPA that I would recommend those not into all that hops to try in order to develop an appreciation for hoppy brews!! All it took was a Texas IPA to get my head wrapped around all this hoppy-deliciousness! I’ve now had the pleasure of trying this brew both from the bottle and from the tap right at the brewery on one of their tours! A topaz colored body with a good frothy head that dissipates somewhat quickly to a thin sheen and good lacing effects. Lots of citrusy hops as well as some sweet malts on the nose. Medium-bodied and extremely smooth brew with an awesomely clean finish that’s not too hoppy nor too sweet! Definitely one of the best IPAs this malt-head has tasted!! Pairs well with pheasant, quail, smoked salmon/trout, or some spicy 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]

Wasatch White Label
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Witbier

ABV - 6%

What an amazing witbier! Light amber in color and from an aggressive pour a good foamy head that dissipated quickly to a thin sheen with minimal lacing. Aromas of grains and hearty spices. Flavors of orange zest, lemon zest and clove. Light-bodied and very smooth with a nice dry, clean finish with no harsh aftertastes. Pair it up with spicy Korean pork bbq or with a spicy fish/shrimp dinner or fresh-caught trout prepared right on the banks!

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]

Rahr & Sons Rahr’s Blonde
Rahr & Sons Brewing Company | Fort Worth, Texas USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Munich Helles Lager

ABV - 4.6%

IBU - 22

Daggum them boys thar at Rahrs know how to make some good brews! I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying this fine brew from the bottle and right from the tap there at the brewery! Golden amber in color with a hearty foamy head that dissipated quickly to a thin sheen and somewhat good lacing. Aromas of sweet malts, orange zest, maybe a little bit of lemon. Light- to somewhat medium-bodied, with a silkly smooth texture. Good sweet malts and just the right amount of hearty bite from the hops to make for a well-balanced white beer! Seems like a touch of lemon-grass in there too. Long-lingering malty-sweet finish but nothing overbearing. Just the right amount of carbonation in there too. The finish is so crisp and clean! Pair this up with some smoked gouda cheese or perhaps some smoked fish or grilled shrimp Cajun-style! Heck I’m thinking of some hearty new england clam-chowder with this Texas brew!

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]

Woodchuck Dark & Dry 802 Draft Cider
Green Mountain Cidery (HP Bulmer) | Middlebury, Vermont USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Ciders/Perrys – Common Cider

ABV - 5%

Quite a refreshing cider! Poured up a light caramel-colored body with loads of carbonation (from all that champagne blended in) and a thin fizzy head. Aromas of sugars, apples, and a light hint of clove way in the back. Light-bodied and easily quaff-able! Enjoy it on a hot day at the BBQ or fish fry! This is a great alternative to those that don’t want to load up on beer but still want something with a tasty little kick!

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]

Wasatch Summerbrau Lager
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased - received as a gift.

Style: Czech Pilsener

ABV - 5.6%

What are these folks at Wasatch doing?! They are turning out solid brews, that’s what!! This brew poured up a clear golden colored body with a frothy pearl-white colored head with good retention and slowly dissipating down to a thin sheen and light lacing and a good amount of carbonation. Aromas of sweet malts, spices, hops and lemongrass. Light-bodied with a very clean, refreshing finish with no harsh aftertastes. Easily one of the best pilz to have by the grill or by the fryer! Pair this brew up with some spicy chicken or spicy fish entrees or a spicy Cajun-style meal!

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]

St. Bernardus Abt 12
Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV | Watou, Belgium
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Belgian Abbey Ale – Quadrupel

ABV - 10%

Definitely one of the most extravagant tasting brews I have ever tasted. Poured up a dark mahogany-brown colored body with a one-finger head that was extremely creamy with amazing retention and lacing. Aromas of rich sweet malts, cloves, and dark fruits. The flavors are so complex in the fine brew; cloves and brown sugar along with spicy notes throughout. Full-bodied, creamy smooth, with a very warming and sweet finish. DO NOT RUSH THROUGH THIS BREW! Take your time and slowly savor every drop! Best if paired up with some smoked meats and wild game (venison, boar, etc.) or just all by itself!

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]

Squatters Provo Girl Pilsner
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased - Received as a gift

Style: German Pilsener

ABV - 4%

Another good pilsner from the folks at Squatters! This brew poured up a crystal clear, light golden colored body with a one-finger thick foamy head with good retention and moderate lacing effects on the glass. Sweet aromas of malts and a slight hint of citrusy hops. Flavors of sweet malts dominate with just the right tough of a hoppy bite on the finish. Light-bodied with a clean finish with no harsh aftertastes. Quite an easy drinker so this would be a great compliment to your BBQ and/or fish fry. Would pair well with pheasant, quail, salmon or fresh-caught trout.

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]

Squatters Big Cottonwood
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased - Received as a gift

Style: American Amber/Red Ale

ABV - 6.4%

Pours up a rich crystal clear dark amber colored body with a hefty frothy tan-colored head with good retention and lacing effects. Warm aromas of grains, malts, toffee, vanilla, and melted caramel with a subtle hint of hops. The flavors are nicely complex with sweet malts, just a touch of a hoppy bite, with a noticeable smoothness like warm caramel. Medium-bodied, ease of drinkability, well-balanced, and a sweet, clean finish.

Pairing Recommendations: duck, goose, patridge, pheasant, quail, grouse, grilled meats

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]

Squatters 529
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased - received as a gift!

Style: Flanders Oud Bruin (Sour/Wild Ale)

ABV - 7.15%

Sour is as sour does! Woooo doggie that is one sour brew, but taste is in the mouth of the beholder as they always say! This brew poured up a murky reddish-brown colored body that sported a one-finger thick head that quickly dissipated to a thin sheen and left excellent lacing on the glass. Definitely one of the most aromatic brews! Sweet malts, dark fruits, lots of sour cherry going on! Flavors are very complex yet well-balanced; intense sour cherry, melted caramel, sweet malts, and a nice hit of spicy hops on the backend. Medium- to Full-bodied with an intensely, insanely sour hit all the way through and finished off with a long-lasting, mouth-puckering hit of brew-love that’s dry on the finish and aftertaste. I found myself enjoying this brew as it slowly warmed as the flavors and aromas just intensified!

Pairing Recommendations: An excellent pairing with some grilled rib-eye steaks or some slow-smoked meats/sausages! Heck get ya a double-meat buffalo burger and some taters and have yourself a good ol’ meal!

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]

Squatters Full Suspension Pale Ale
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased; received as a gift!

Style: American Pale Ale

ABV - 4%

This brew poured up a cloudy amber colored body with a thin, fizzy off-white head that dissipated somewhat slowly and left incredible lacing on the glass. Aromas of floral hops, caramel, sweet malts and citrus (like orange peels). Flavors full of the citrus notes and sweet malts with a nice hoppy bite on the finish. Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, very smooth and creamy with a finish that is very clean and tart.

Pairing Recommendations: Excellent when paired up with some hot-n-spicy buffalo chicken tacos and some extra creamy bleu cheese dressing!

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]

Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout
Lagunitas Brewing Company | Petaluma, California USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: American Double/Imperial Stout

ABV - 8.8%

IBU - 29

Definitely a fine quality brew from the Lagunitas line! This brew poured up a near pitch black colored body sporting a hearty foamy tan-colored head with amazing retention and lacing effects. Hearty aromas of coffee, caramel, and toffee; flavors of the same but so intense and so well-balanced. Medium- to Full-bodied so it’s a good thick brew with a good strong coffee taste throughout with a clean, warming finish full of sweet malts and a subtle hint of hops for a ultra-slight bitter hit and a long lingering aftertaste just as though you finished off your favorite cappuccino.

Pairing Recommendations: Pair this brew up with a juicy steak right off the grill or with your favorite smoked or grilled meats.

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]

Squatters Captain Bastard’s Oatmeal Stout
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased; received as a gift!

Style: Oatmeal Stout

ABV - 4%

Now this is one exceptional stout!! It poured up a jet-black colored body with a hearty, foamy mocha-colored head with amazing retention and lacing effects. Aromas of roasted/sweet malts, coffee, and a hint of hops. Flavors of the same but oh so intense and well-balanced! Medium-bodied, thick and creamy, with a warming finish full of robust coffee and dark chocolate flavors.

Pairing Recommendations: Would make for an awesome compliment to some decadent burgers or venison burgers!

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]

Squatters Hell’s Keep
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased; received as a gift!

Style: Belgian Strong Ale

ABV - 7.75%

Truly one of the finest offerings one can partake of from Squatters!! This brew poured up a cloudy light-golden colored body with a meringue-like head with awesome retention and lacing effects. Aromas full of pear, cloves, banana, and peppery spices. Flavors are intense and very well-balanced with the addition of lemon-grass and a fruity hint somewhat like starfruit. Medium-bodied, good carbonation, very creamy and a finish that is dry, tart and tangy.

Pairing Recommendations: A perfect companion with a slow-grilled rib-eye steak and grilled veggies and another one of these beers for dessert!

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]

Real Ale Devil’s Backbone
Real Ale Brewing Company | Blanco, Texas USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Tripel

ABV - 8.1%

IBU - 36

This brew from Real Ale completely exceeded all of my expectations of this Tripel! It poured up a hazy dark golden colored body with a foamy head that possessed great retention and lacing effects. Aromas of yeast, peppers, spices, bananas. Flavors of the same and also include pears and sugars. Medium-bodied, good carbonation, very easy to drink with no harsh aftertastes and a smooth, clean finish with just the right amount of hoppy bite. This is definitely one of the finest American Tripels that I have even had the pleasure of tasting!

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.