Wow twice in a week, yes I have found myself with a little bit of extra time on my hands so I figured I would spend it with my nearest and dearest...my beer! So I have gone through the stores and found another unique brew to share my thoughts on. Now this particular brew I have only seen once and had to acquire it as soon as I saw it among a few others which are still in the vault. So here we go!
6/26/2013
Brew: Shark Attack
Origin: Port Brewing Co. San Marcos, CA
Type: Double Imperial Red Ale
ABV: 9.0%
A very reactive pour with the head swelling to encompass most of the glass, big no no it wastes time and gives the beer extra time to flatten...which is bad! But I stuck it out for the sake of my fellow survivors who seek the knowledge to traverse this zombie beerpocalypse. When the beer was finally poured after about 5-6 minutes the initial sniff does however present an alluring scent profile. the bouquet of earthy florals with a light lilt of deep roasting. This beer has a strong hoppy punch in the face flavor that does not leave one wondering why this brew is categorized as imperial, as the only other imperial entity close to it is the evil galactic empire of Star Wars. There is hoppy beers and there are beers like this one which are drowning in hops. There is not a single redeeming quality in the taste of this beer and I had to struggle to finish a single glass of this and in all honesty ended up not finishing and abandoning it. While this brew does carry a hefty ABV% but honestly that is no excuse I have had beers of a higher ABV% which were flavorful, well crafted and were well enjoyed by myself.
So much like this review, I'll be short about this. Just because you have brewed a batch of beer does not mean that it should be bottled, labeled and sold. This brew has been labeled as a landmine in this zombie beerpocalypse. While this is by no means a zombeer, a poorly executed beverage like this might deter one from craft beers and incline one to just settle into the numbing embrace of a cold zombeer. Heed my warning, don't get Shark Attacked, much like the way you deter a shark I wish I could gouge my thumb into the eye sockets of the person who thought this beer was a good idea. Avoid this one at all costs folks. You have been warned.
Cheers!
~J. Christopher Patricks
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Terrapin Beer Co's The Hopsecutioner
Greeting fellow survivors. Now in an effort to be fair, I have chosen today to review a beer of a variety that I do not normally seek out but this particular bottle I acquired during an epic beer run during LI Craft Beer week while foraging like an alcohol deprived honey badger through boxes and boxes of loose bottles. So here we go!
6/25/2013
Brew: The Hopsecutioner
Origin: Terrapin Beer Co. Athens, GA
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.3%
A smooth not overly foamy pour with steady aeration running up the circumference of the glass leaving very delicate lacing hovering above a perfectly frothy head. This beer settles with a nice molten caramel color and a earthy, hoppy, almost piney scent. Upon first taste I was surprised that this beer was not as bitter as originally anticipated. This brew has a nice earthy flavor which lends itself well to a beer of this variety as an india pale ale which was brewed using pale malts and was a beer most commonly brewed and enjoyed by the common folk while tending a feudal or gentry landowners property. It would be brewed and then cellar aged for two years before being enjoyed, but enough with the history lesson I know. This beer has a bitter bite in the finish which one would come to expect from an IPA.
So in conclusion, while I am not traditionally a fan of IPAs, in all honesty I found myself enjoying this brew which came as a surprise to one such as I who has vehemently sworn off IPAs for their bitter taste throughout because I don't know about the rest of you survivors but I don't enjoy making bitter beer face throughout the experience. So if you are a fan of the IPA like my good friend and personal redneck adviser Boothill Billy, or feel the need for an earthy beer to make you feel a lil more humbled get out to your local beer distributor and get yourself a couple bottle of The Hopsecutioner. If you wanna literally hear what I think of this beer, feel free to check out my recorded review at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns9DfiUTwho
Cheers!
~J. Christopher Patricks
6/25/2013
Brew: The Hopsecutioner
Origin: Terrapin Beer Co. Athens, GA
Type: India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.3%
A smooth not overly foamy pour with steady aeration running up the circumference of the glass leaving very delicate lacing hovering above a perfectly frothy head. This beer settles with a nice molten caramel color and a earthy, hoppy, almost piney scent. Upon first taste I was surprised that this beer was not as bitter as originally anticipated. This brew has a nice earthy flavor which lends itself well to a beer of this variety as an india pale ale which was brewed using pale malts and was a beer most commonly brewed and enjoyed by the common folk while tending a feudal or gentry landowners property. It would be brewed and then cellar aged for two years before being enjoyed, but enough with the history lesson I know. This beer has a bitter bite in the finish which one would come to expect from an IPA.
So in conclusion, while I am not traditionally a fan of IPAs, in all honesty I found myself enjoying this brew which came as a surprise to one such as I who has vehemently sworn off IPAs for their bitter taste throughout because I don't know about the rest of you survivors but I don't enjoy making bitter beer face throughout the experience. So if you are a fan of the IPA like my good friend and personal redneck adviser Boothill Billy, or feel the need for an earthy beer to make you feel a lil more humbled get out to your local beer distributor and get yourself a couple bottle of The Hopsecutioner. If you wanna literally hear what I think of this beer, feel free to check out my recorded review at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns9DfiUTwho
Cheers!
~J. Christopher Patricks
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Innis and Gunn: Highland Cask
Psst...psst...over here.
Hey fellow survivors, I apologize for my absence as of late, but regardless I am back with another choice brew from a brewery I have previously reviewed but as I count it among my favorite breweries so here we go!
6/23/2013
Brew: Highland Cask
Origin: Innis and Gunn Brewery Edinburgh, Scotland
Style: English Strong Ale
ABV: 7.1%
A smooth even pour with just enough aeration running up the outer circumference of the glass. Held upto the light this brew has a deep amber hue and the first sniff brings about the deep smokey and slightly sweet aroma of a fine aged single malt akin to a Glenfidditch neat. The beer has a silky lacey head which settle ever so delicately upon the crown of the beer. Then the taste, oh my friends the taste. This brew has all the subtle and well crafted tastes of a fine single malt so the aroma bouquet does not disappoint. I took a deep sip of this and closed my eyes for a few moments. I was transported back to a joining of clans, perhaps a wedding of the daughter of one chieftain to another chieftain. For I feel a deep well aged brew of this caliber would be saved for such an occasion. To be honest I was almost tempted to jump up on a table and roar with the revelry of my celtic ancestors in celebration. It almost seems fated as I chose to sample this brew just after the dawning of the summer solstice. While a strong ale like this would normally not be favored during this time of year, even with its well aged single malt scotch taste, this brew is more than light and refreshing enough to be enjoyed on a warm summer day.
The finish of this beer is clean with the smallest hint of a scotchy bite just to remind you that indeed this brew and a fine single malt may have shared a home at one point.
So in conclusion, if you want to enjoy a refreshing beer but don't want to settle for a light zombeer or an ill conceived summer ale with god knows what sort of fru fru ingredients to make it more summery (cough cough lemonade cough) get to your nearest house of delicious brews and grab as many of these as you can. If your brew haven does not have Innis and Gunn Highland Cask, jump up on the counter tap deep into the primal roots of your ancestors and with a great warcry proclaim "Highland Cask or death" As to what language you cry out in, I'll leave that upto you. And for my local readers this brew can be located at Seaford Beverage on Merrick Rd.
Drink smart and Drink Responsibly!
Cheers!
~J. Christopher Patricks
Hey fellow survivors, I apologize for my absence as of late, but regardless I am back with another choice brew from a brewery I have previously reviewed but as I count it among my favorite breweries so here we go!
6/23/2013
Brew: Highland Cask
Origin: Innis and Gunn Brewery Edinburgh, Scotland
Style: English Strong Ale
ABV: 7.1%
A smooth even pour with just enough aeration running up the outer circumference of the glass. Held upto the light this brew has a deep amber hue and the first sniff brings about the deep smokey and slightly sweet aroma of a fine aged single malt akin to a Glenfidditch neat. The beer has a silky lacey head which settle ever so delicately upon the crown of the beer. Then the taste, oh my friends the taste. This brew has all the subtle and well crafted tastes of a fine single malt so the aroma bouquet does not disappoint. I took a deep sip of this and closed my eyes for a few moments. I was transported back to a joining of clans, perhaps a wedding of the daughter of one chieftain to another chieftain. For I feel a deep well aged brew of this caliber would be saved for such an occasion. To be honest I was almost tempted to jump up on a table and roar with the revelry of my celtic ancestors in celebration. It almost seems fated as I chose to sample this brew just after the dawning of the summer solstice. While a strong ale like this would normally not be favored during this time of year, even with its well aged single malt scotch taste, this brew is more than light and refreshing enough to be enjoyed on a warm summer day.
The finish of this beer is clean with the smallest hint of a scotchy bite just to remind you that indeed this brew and a fine single malt may have shared a home at one point.
So in conclusion, if you want to enjoy a refreshing beer but don't want to settle for a light zombeer or an ill conceived summer ale with god knows what sort of fru fru ingredients to make it more summery (cough cough lemonade cough) get to your nearest house of delicious brews and grab as many of these as you can. If your brew haven does not have Innis and Gunn Highland Cask, jump up on the counter tap deep into the primal roots of your ancestors and with a great warcry proclaim "Highland Cask or death" As to what language you cry out in, I'll leave that upto you. And for my local readers this brew can be located at Seaford Beverage on Merrick Rd.
Drink smart and Drink Responsibly!
Cheers!
~J. Christopher Patricks
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Cockeyed Cooper Bourbon Barrel Barleywine
Gather round fellow survivors and listen to yet another tale of one of my recon missions to discover tasty and well crafted brews. Here today I will recount my experiences with a brew that almost if by fate lent itself well to the surroundings in which the brew was consumed.
Brew: Cockeyed Cooper Bourbon Barrel Barleywine
Origin: Uinta Brewing Company Salt Lake City, UT
Style: American Barleywine
ABV: 11.1%
This highly strong brew has a deep dark brown body with a thick malty foamy head. The initial sniff brings scents of well roasted barley, molasses, brown sugar and maple. The initial sip does not disappoint, this brew has a rich, decadent sweet taste. Now I am not saying this is an overly sweet brew because there is a balancing bite to this beer due to the high ABV%. Let this brew sit on your tongue for a few moments and then the secondary flavors of oak and bourbon. Now I consumed this beer at a BBQ at a friend's home in Brooklyn. I was more than happy to share this with all the guests and while some stuck to traditional zombeers, a few brave adventurers took me up on my offer. Combined with the grilled chicken, farfalle with pesto, falafel and fresh garden salad composed of produce grown in my friends patio garden; this brew brought a majority of the festivities to a very relaxed tone, virtual strangers sat together as people laughed, danced, sang, played music; while others just sat and relaxed. I will forewarn you this rich and sweet brew is to be enjoyed in small quantities and shared. Furthermore, this brew is smooth going down because of the very low amount of carbonation in it.
In conclusion, if you get an invite to a party and you wish to do your part to keep the festivities relaxed and low key or to defuse any possible chaotic and frenetic turn of events, Get Cockeyed! Seek it out, find it, chill it, enjoy it. I find this beer to be very versatile as it pairs well with both carnivorous and vegetarian cuisine. In closing, don't let this growing zombie beerpocalypse get you over a barrel, GET COCKEYED!
Cheers!
J. Christopher Patricks
Brew: Cockeyed Cooper Bourbon Barrel Barleywine
Origin: Uinta Brewing Company Salt Lake City, UT
Style: American Barleywine
ABV: 11.1%
This highly strong brew has a deep dark brown body with a thick malty foamy head. The initial sniff brings scents of well roasted barley, molasses, brown sugar and maple. The initial sip does not disappoint, this brew has a rich, decadent sweet taste. Now I am not saying this is an overly sweet brew because there is a balancing bite to this beer due to the high ABV%. Let this brew sit on your tongue for a few moments and then the secondary flavors of oak and bourbon. Now I consumed this beer at a BBQ at a friend's home in Brooklyn. I was more than happy to share this with all the guests and while some stuck to traditional zombeers, a few brave adventurers took me up on my offer. Combined with the grilled chicken, farfalle with pesto, falafel and fresh garden salad composed of produce grown in my friends patio garden; this brew brought a majority of the festivities to a very relaxed tone, virtual strangers sat together as people laughed, danced, sang, played music; while others just sat and relaxed. I will forewarn you this rich and sweet brew is to be enjoyed in small quantities and shared. Furthermore, this brew is smooth going down because of the very low amount of carbonation in it.
In conclusion, if you get an invite to a party and you wish to do your part to keep the festivities relaxed and low key or to defuse any possible chaotic and frenetic turn of events, Get Cockeyed! Seek it out, find it, chill it, enjoy it. I find this beer to be very versatile as it pairs well with both carnivorous and vegetarian cuisine. In closing, don't let this growing zombie beerpocalypse get you over a barrel, GET COCKEYED!
Cheers!
J. Christopher Patricks
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Scrimshaw German Pilsner Style Beer
OK folks today's words of beer guidance will probably be short and sweet because today's brew is a true classic and it would be a travesty to over complicate a classic.
5/25/2013
Brew: Scrimshaw Pilsner Style Beer
Origin: North Coast Brewing Company Fort Bragg, CA
Style: German Pilsner
ABV: 4.4%
A smooth and clear pour with a perfectly golden color and foamy but subtle head. This beer has a unique aeration pattern as I observed beyond the initial bubbles there were two spots which continued with a steady stream of bubbles after the pour settled. This beer has a clean and hoppy aroma that brings to mind a caucus of friends and family gathered around a table at a Hofbrauhaus with great big steins of beer like this in front of all. The first taste lives up to the aroma as it's clean refreshing taste goes down smooth. This beer's low ABV percentage lends itself to allowance of several of these fine brews one after another in true social Hofbrauhaus fashion. This beer with it's refreshing body and taste can be enjoyed on it's own but will also couple well with anything from classic NY style pizza to hot dogs to even a nice NY strip or T-Bone steak.
So in conclusion this is an aptly named beer as I can envision a crew of sailors coming into port after a long arduous whaling voyage and piling into the nearest tavern to enjoy many many rounds of this fine brew to celebrate a successful hunt or to soothe the wounds of failure and mourn and commemorate those lost during the hunt. So seek shelter find a haven which carries this simple and classic pilsner beer. This brew was obtained by me at Bellport Beverage during my excursion for LI Craft Beer week. So find a beer distributor and if they carry it buy it, chill it, drink it, experience it.
Cheers!
J.Christopher Patricks
5/25/2013
Brew: Scrimshaw Pilsner Style Beer
Origin: North Coast Brewing Company Fort Bragg, CA
Style: German Pilsner
ABV: 4.4%
A smooth and clear pour with a perfectly golden color and foamy but subtle head. This beer has a unique aeration pattern as I observed beyond the initial bubbles there were two spots which continued with a steady stream of bubbles after the pour settled. This beer has a clean and hoppy aroma that brings to mind a caucus of friends and family gathered around a table at a Hofbrauhaus with great big steins of beer like this in front of all. The first taste lives up to the aroma as it's clean refreshing taste goes down smooth. This beer's low ABV percentage lends itself to allowance of several of these fine brews one after another in true social Hofbrauhaus fashion. This beer with it's refreshing body and taste can be enjoyed on it's own but will also couple well with anything from classic NY style pizza to hot dogs to even a nice NY strip or T-Bone steak.
So in conclusion this is an aptly named beer as I can envision a crew of sailors coming into port after a long arduous whaling voyage and piling into the nearest tavern to enjoy many many rounds of this fine brew to celebrate a successful hunt or to soothe the wounds of failure and mourn and commemorate those lost during the hunt. So seek shelter find a haven which carries this simple and classic pilsner beer. This brew was obtained by me at Bellport Beverage during my excursion for LI Craft Beer week. So find a beer distributor and if they carry it buy it, chill it, drink it, experience it.
Cheers!
J.Christopher Patricks
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Three Heads Loopy Oatmeal Red
OK folks, it's been a rough couple days between insanely high pollen counts, long work hours, body exhaustion etc. But the time has come for me to re assume my mantle as the beacon of hope and safety in this insidious zombie beerpocalypse. So come sit by the fire fellow survivors and listen to my tale of another brew I have done some recon on.
5/23/2013
Brew: Loopy Oatmeal Red Ale
Origin: Three Heads Brewery Honeoye Falls, NY
Type: Imperial Red Ale
ABV: 6.6%
If poured correctly at a 45 degree angle into a proper beer glass this brew presents with a deep red/caramel color with a thick fluffy head which emits a clean fresh aroma of roasted barley and oats which left me feeling comforted and looking forward to that first taste. The first sip brings a strong hoppy bite which carries through the experience to the finish. If left to sit on the tongue for a few moments one can notice undertones of espresso and even a note of dark chocolate. Once the tastes merge together I feel as if this is a brew that can be enjoyed on a cold winters night wrapped in a blanket perhaps when coupled with a shepherd's pie or a chicken stew. The hearty body of this brew stands up to even a palate as discerning of mine and despite its only slightly above average ABV percentage, this brew definitively stands upto any taster and leaves the drinker with a loopy feeling so this brew does not disappoint when it comes to the claims set out by its name.
The finish of this beer has a slightest notes of tropical fruit which after a hearty brew with a strong hoppy bite is much appreciated and leaves the drinker feeling loopy and serene.
In conclusion, although I generally tend to avoid a brew with any sort of hoppy bite as I will admit that I have never been a fan of IPAs, I felt it necessary to put my person prejudices aside and open my palate upto a more biting beer in order to appropriately guide a survivor who has a predilection for IPAs and other beers with bitter tones to it. While I did not fall head over heels with this particular brew, I definitely left me feeling a little loopy and after the trying week I've had it was much appreciated. So while many havens of the brewed and malty carry this particular beer around me, for this post I will plug Seaford Beverage on Merrick road in Seaford, Long Island. So make your way to your local distributor and if they don't carry it, call out with an authoritative tone, I WANNA GET LOOPY!
Drink Well and Drink Responsibly
Cheers!
J. Christopher Patricks
5/23/2013
Brew: Loopy Oatmeal Red Ale
Origin: Three Heads Brewery Honeoye Falls, NY
Type: Imperial Red Ale
ABV: 6.6%
If poured correctly at a 45 degree angle into a proper beer glass this brew presents with a deep red/caramel color with a thick fluffy head which emits a clean fresh aroma of roasted barley and oats which left me feeling comforted and looking forward to that first taste. The first sip brings a strong hoppy bite which carries through the experience to the finish. If left to sit on the tongue for a few moments one can notice undertones of espresso and even a note of dark chocolate. Once the tastes merge together I feel as if this is a brew that can be enjoyed on a cold winters night wrapped in a blanket perhaps when coupled with a shepherd's pie or a chicken stew. The hearty body of this brew stands up to even a palate as discerning of mine and despite its only slightly above average ABV percentage, this brew definitively stands upto any taster and leaves the drinker with a loopy feeling so this brew does not disappoint when it comes to the claims set out by its name.
The finish of this beer has a slightest notes of tropical fruit which after a hearty brew with a strong hoppy bite is much appreciated and leaves the drinker feeling loopy and serene.
In conclusion, although I generally tend to avoid a brew with any sort of hoppy bite as I will admit that I have never been a fan of IPAs, I felt it necessary to put my person prejudices aside and open my palate upto a more biting beer in order to appropriately guide a survivor who has a predilection for IPAs and other beers with bitter tones to it. While I did not fall head over heels with this particular brew, I definitely left me feeling a little loopy and after the trying week I've had it was much appreciated. So while many havens of the brewed and malty carry this particular beer around me, for this post I will plug Seaford Beverage on Merrick road in Seaford, Long Island. So make your way to your local distributor and if they don't carry it, call out with an authoritative tone, I WANNA GET LOOPY!
Drink Well and Drink Responsibly
Cheers!
J. Christopher Patricks
Monday, May 20, 2013
Innis and Gunn Irish Whiskey Cask
OK well I'll keep this short and to the point, I go through my daily path and often find myself bemusing to myself if the reason our society has been on a slow gradual downward spiral into a robot state of complacency is large batch, mass produced, mediocre, mass consumed beer. I think so!
So in order to do my part to take up arms as a soldier against the drab, unoriginal, bourgeois zombie beerpocalypse, I started this blog so I can help steer a weary traveler to a draft or bottled brew that is nothing short of art. But then again be forewarned this is simply my opinion. I only regret that I started this blog after LI Craft Beer Week. Well enjoy.
05/20/2013
Brew: Irish Whiskey Cask
Origin: Innis & Gunn Edinburgh, Scotland
Style: English Stout
ABV: 7.4%
A smooth pour, with a perfect aeration stream running up the circumference of the glass. It's deep dark color glows a deep crimson when held up to the light. First sniff brings a revelry of whiskey, oak, hint of vanilla and even a little Irish clover probably from where the clover grew on the oak the barrels were made of. When settled the head of the beer laces with an almost satiny quality which transitions perfectly into the taste which wraps the tongue in warm satiny cocoon of deep roasted malty brew which takes one back to the Iron Age when this was beer for strength as Celtic tribes traveled in pursuit of conquest, glory and pride. I could see a travel worn warrior taking a draw from his flagon of this brew to give him the resolve to trek on when morale is low and his fellow man broken of body and spirit looks to him for leadership.
The beer has a creamy and subtly sweet finish which oddly enough brings to mind a Malta, a Hispanic child's drink with a sweet malty taste which was like kiddie non alcoholic beer, it is also a childhood favorite as my dearly departed grandmother often would bring me them as treats in my far younger days when she would watch my sister and I after school while my parents worked once my sister and I entered pre school.
So in short, this brew lives up to a proud Celtic heritage of brewing as in the past I have had several other brews by Innis & Gunn each unique and delicious. So in conclusion I wholeheartedly suggest this beer if you are in the market for a decadent and smokey stout that can ward off even the deepest chill in your bones. Due to the fact that Innis and Gunn is constantly brewing new and unique batches, I would get to your nearest beer distributor and get some now before it's gone. And because I am your guide to foamy, fermented enlightenment I wanted to reveal locations where this can be found but the sites want money to reveal such locations but I for sure know Bellport Beverage & Soda on Station Rd in Bellport, New York carrys it and the owner is truly a beer snobs merchant if you don't live in NY then contact you haven of beer supply and tell them to get it.
Cheers!,
J. Christopher Patricks (Yes I have a pen name that I have been dying to use forever)
So in order to do my part to take up arms as a soldier against the drab, unoriginal, bourgeois zombie beerpocalypse, I started this blog so I can help steer a weary traveler to a draft or bottled brew that is nothing short of art. But then again be forewarned this is simply my opinion. I only regret that I started this blog after LI Craft Beer Week. Well enjoy.
05/20/2013
Brew: Irish Whiskey Cask
Origin: Innis & Gunn Edinburgh, Scotland
Style: English Stout
ABV: 7.4%
A smooth pour, with a perfect aeration stream running up the circumference of the glass. It's deep dark color glows a deep crimson when held up to the light. First sniff brings a revelry of whiskey, oak, hint of vanilla and even a little Irish clover probably from where the clover grew on the oak the barrels were made of. When settled the head of the beer laces with an almost satiny quality which transitions perfectly into the taste which wraps the tongue in warm satiny cocoon of deep roasted malty brew which takes one back to the Iron Age when this was beer for strength as Celtic tribes traveled in pursuit of conquest, glory and pride. I could see a travel worn warrior taking a draw from his flagon of this brew to give him the resolve to trek on when morale is low and his fellow man broken of body and spirit looks to him for leadership.
The beer has a creamy and subtly sweet finish which oddly enough brings to mind a Malta, a Hispanic child's drink with a sweet malty taste which was like kiddie non alcoholic beer, it is also a childhood favorite as my dearly departed grandmother often would bring me them as treats in my far younger days when she would watch my sister and I after school while my parents worked once my sister and I entered pre school.
So in short, this brew lives up to a proud Celtic heritage of brewing as in the past I have had several other brews by Innis & Gunn each unique and delicious. So in conclusion I wholeheartedly suggest this beer if you are in the market for a decadent and smokey stout that can ward off even the deepest chill in your bones. Due to the fact that Innis and Gunn is constantly brewing new and unique batches, I would get to your nearest beer distributor and get some now before it's gone. And because I am your guide to foamy, fermented enlightenment I wanted to reveal locations where this can be found but the sites want money to reveal such locations but I for sure know Bellport Beverage & Soda on Station Rd in Bellport, New York carrys it and the owner is truly a beer snobs merchant if you don't live in NY then contact you haven of beer supply and tell them to get it.
Cheers!,
J. Christopher Patricks (Yes I have a pen name that I have been dying to use forever)
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