Monday, May 30, 2011

Dogfish Head Squall IPA




















The Dirt
Drinking a Dogfish beer is always a treat, especially when you've never had it before. However, this guy will seem strangely familiar if you've had the 90-Minute IPA. From what I could deduce, it seemed like a slightly less carbonated and bit sweeter version of the 90-Minute, which I'm told may be because this beer is bottle conditioned versus aging in a tank.

The brew pours a thick, deep gold color that's cloudy from being unfiltered. It has pine and citrus tones up front, followed by that trademark Dogfish IPA sweet middle. It's not really a malty sweet...kind of its own sweet...like what I'd imagine a candied hop would be like if such a thing existed. Both flavors then merge and slowly wash away on the back end. Like I noted, very similar to the 90-Minute, but I'd have to taste them side-by-side to tell the official differences. I could almost say this one may be a little smoother than the 90-Minute.

Worth it?
First and foremost, this is a delicious beer. However, at $10 for a 750mL bottle, it might be better to buy the 90-Minute 4-pack. I need to have this next to a 90-Minute to compare. But in the end, you'll be quite happy with either purchase.

The Final Word
 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Sam Adams Revolutionary Rye Ale




















The Dirt
A recently added beer to the Sam Adams lineup, most recently in the spring variety pack. Unlike some of the other rye beers I've had, rye is the focus of this beer (versus being a pale ale or something). This is clear while drinking, as the spice and grab of the rye lingers throughout the beer. That combined with the traditional ale nature of this beer brings a well balanced brew with a sweet finish. You also get a hint of dry hops in the middle, giving it a bit more character. A very tasty medium bodied brew that's refreshing.

Worth it?
I bought this as part of the spring variety pack, which is always worth it given the other beers that tag along. I've bought this on draft too, and would definitely buy again. A good beer to relax with and to identify the rye difference.

The Final Word
 

Monday, May 16, 2011

Shiner Ruby Redbird




















The Dirt
I will admit, when I saw this on the shelf, I frowned a little. But my roommate brought back a couple from a BYOB gathering at Salt Lick, so I thought I'd review something I wouldn't normally buy.

Once poured, you can instantly smell the ginger. After a few sips, you wonder if you're drinking a ginger ale with less fiz and alcohol added in. There's a hint of the grapefruit on the backside of the beer, but isn't too noticeable compared to the ginger. Very dry after the initial ginger taste.

Worth it?
I will always keep an open mind to any beer I try, because some can truly surprise you. But this one lived up to the expectations. It was free for me, and there's another in the fridge. Safe to say, I won't be drinking it. I applaud the creative effort and old college try, but Shiner, please return to crafting tasty renditions of classic German beers.


The Final Word

Friday, May 13, 2011

Terrapin Rye Pale Ale




















The Dirt
Rye beers are making a big comeback (or moment in the sun), and with good cause. Rye adds a little spice versus a lot of malty taste. And of course, pale ales are hoppy, so it was interesting to see how these two would play with each other.

This beer got it all right, with the perfect balance of hops and rye. Smooth at first, but the hop and rye flavors fade in quickly. Citrus notes from the hops and the spice of the rye linger on the backside, with a hint of sweet at the end. Just plain tasty and very drinkable. Hop heads (which I am), you may want more hops, but I think that would hide the rye. Although letting a pale ale warm up isn't something I'd recommend, I will say that the rye becomes more present later in the glass, as the beer warms up just a tad. The only way this could get better is if it was made into a double pale or something.

Worth it?
A trick question this time around. A very generous friend gave me of few of these, as they're not available here in Texas. But if you see it somewhere (probably more in the Southeast), I recommend getting one, especially if you like pale ales and want to be introduced to rye.

The Final Word

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Sam Adams Scotch Ale




















The Dirt
 The Scotch Ale finds itself in many of the Sam Adams sampler packs, and is a great addition. It has that traditional malty sweetness that is part of a scotch ale, with a small hint of peat. It's one of the most drinkable scotch ales I've had, as some can be too sweet, making it hard to have anything else afterward. The downside to that is the flavor may not be as intense or complex. Pretty solid flavor profile from start to finish, though it does get a little flat at the end as it warms up a bit. Very good beer though, and a good entry to scotch ales if you're a bit weary of trying one.

Worth it?
I rarely buy a 6-pack of a Sam Adams beer for the full list price, as they can be a bit pricey. But they usually go on sale at some point, so grab it then to try. I usually get the Scotch Ale in a mix pack, which is always worth it.

The Final Word