Saturday, December 17, 2011

Sam Adams Bonfire Rauchbier




















The Dirt
Smoked beers are...interesting. I always can respect a smoked beer when it's clear that it was actually smoked versus adding liquid smoke. However, it's usually so present in all aspects of the beer that it makes it difficult to consume more than a large sampler worth. So when Sam Adams decided to release a smoked beer, I was surprised and intrigued.

As with all smoked beers for me, the smoke flavor did overpower the rest of this beer. That said, this is probably the most drinkable smoked beer I've ever had. I couldn't drink more than one bottle, but was able to comfortably consume all 12 oz. "Bonfire" is certainly an appropriate name, as you do feel like you're by the fire. The smoke flavor is very present on the first sip, but does mellow out some as you drink on. I found that it's quite good with spicy food, especially chips and salsa. The salsa seems to cut the smoke a bit, or perhaps compliments it in a chipotle kind of way. There are some caramel tones in the beer as well, but they're hard to find in the smoke (no pun intended).

Worth it?
I wouldn't buy it again, but if you want to try a smoked beer for the first time or like smoked beers but want something a bit more drinkable, then this is a very good option. It came in the fall mix pack, and I'm sure you can find a single of it here and there.

The Final Word

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Bristol Red Rocket Pale Ale




















The Dirt
A large degree of variance exists in American pale ales these days. From flirting with IPAs to flirting with pure boredom, the style can be all over the place it seems. Not my favorite of styles, but I typically go for a pale when I don't want the in-your-face hop storm and fullness of an IPA. Red Rocket provides just that - a hoppy but refreshing beer. The hops are certainly present, as the Red Rocket approaches IPA-dom, but they don't overpower and there isn't any biscuity sweetness on the back end. The initial hit is more piney/floral in nature rather than pure bitterness, and it fades somewhat quickly to clean and smooth hop notes. The body is somewhat light, but doesn't make it feel like you're drinking water. Quite honestly when I think of what an American pale ale should do, the Red Rocket does it quite well. If you like hops, but don't want an IPA and are often disappointed with other pale ales, give the Red Rocket a ride.

Worth it?
Totally - a nice change of pace from IPAs during the summer months. Bought in a mix-pack, but would buy alone or on draft.

The Final Word

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Bristol Beehive Honey Wheat




















The Dirt
Part of a summer mix pack, the Beehive attempts to be the wheat beer in Bristol's bottled profile. I really like wheat beers, and I yearn for a honey beer to really impress me, but unfortunately this was beer did not meet expectations. You can taste the honey a bit up-front, but it fades to more of a pale ale profile, ending with a dry copper-like taste. The beer is a bit too light for my taste and has a weak back end. The honey, although somewhat detectable, is almost hidden by a slight lemon-like flavor. Perhaps the honey is more wild than I'm used to, but whatever the case, it's not as present as I had hoped.

Worth it?
Perhaps I'll one day buy the sample pack again, as there were some stellar beers in it (reviews to come), but it's unlikely I'd purchase this individually.

The Final Word