Instead of reaching out to the world of Twitter again this week to get the numbers for my beers, I turned to my inner sports geek. In looking ahead to the NFL Draft next week I took my favorite team, The Wife’s favorite team, and Syracuse Rob’s favorite team. To be clear (at least to him), I know that he doesn’t actually live in Syracuse, but no one would know what I was talking about if I used the specifically correct location. He should just feel good that I have finally found a use for his team.
With all of that, I will not reveal the actual teams and will only tell the numbers that were used. Consider it a scavenger hunt of sorts if you are really interested in knowing where our NFL allegiances lie. It was interesting that the quality of the beers turned out to be directly related to the quality of the more recent play of the respective teams.
In case you need more convincing to go for that first beer.
The first number that I went with was 66 (via my favorite team), which turned out to be a Pacifico Clara (Mexico). It pours super clear and a golden to yellow color. It has an aroma this is slightly sweet and malty, though pretty much smells like corn. There is not too much flavor overall save for a bit of light malt character and light minerally quality (and some carbonation bite) toward the finish. This is another beer that really needs to be enjoyed ice-cold and on a beach or at least in the sun. I cannot stress the ice-cold part enough as it also does not drink well as it warms.
Pacifico Clara
Bill referred to this beer as “A Corona with more flavor” and that is pretty accurate as we both gave it a grade of 2.5. I should remind you that my grades for these beers are in the vacuum of the Beer Club list and are influenced only by the value compared to others on the list. It is not a terrible beer, but I would not order it again so it falls below the middle of the road grade of 3. It is, however, better than a few that I have already had and a few that I am yet to cross off. That said I would not necessarily pair this beer with a big entrée but it would be fine with some spicier appetizers and probably lighter fish and shellfish dishes.
Next up via the Syracuse Rob influence was number 41 and a Kona Longboard Lager (Hawaii). It pours a clear golden to amber color with a slight white head (even with the chilled/frozen glass). The aroma is very light and has some faint malt and spice notes. The beer has a light flavor overall with a low toasted malty character with a smooth and slightly creamy feeling on the palate.
Kona Longboard Lager
This is not my favorite of the Kona beers, but is OK and almost the definition of the average grade of 3 that I gave it. In continuing with our day of agreement, Bill also gave it a 3. It was certainly a better value at $4 than the Pacifico was at the same price. I do think that the beer has the right mix of light maltiness and crispness that would go well with some sort of BBQ or at least something with a good sweet BBQ sauce (chicken, pork, or otherwise).
Knowing the three beers that were in line for the day I was sure to put them in order so that the final would be The Wife’s number 44 and a Lagunitas IPA (CA). I may leave choosing the numbers up to some level of randomness, but the final order is something I keep control of. It would not be fair (to me or the beers) to chase this IPA with a Pacifico. The Lagunitas poured a full amber color and was clear with a slight off-white head. It had a nice floral/resiny hop aroma with a good amount of underlying sweetness. The flavor was in line with the aroma leading with some full hoppiness up front and then fading towards a slightly dry finish with some underlying malty/toasty sweetness. It was also quite smooth and clean drinking overall.
Lagunitas IPA
This beer was certainly the best of the three for me, but I did have a difficult time deciding on a final grade. My initial grade was a 4, but then I thought about it as only a $4 beer and I was comfortable giving it a final mark of 4.5. It has really good value at the price. Bill’s grade of 4.5 completed our day of agreement as we both appreciate a good IPA. Similar to those of the same style previously reviewed, this beer can stand up to bigger flavors and can offset some fat in a dish so I would recommend a pairing with maybe some fried shellfish or a burger with bleu cheese.
It had become a habit for me to include some sort of closing remark to each post and today is no different. I would like to thank Robert for being extremely nice and for stopping by to chat about beer for a bit. I certainly do not know everything and as I continue to learn, I love having the opportunity to talk beer whenever I can. I am glad that he took interest in our choices that day and I promise to be better prepared next time to talk about which beer is my favorite. That is the toughest beer question of all.
For those keeping track, that is now 20 down and 79 to go!
Stay tuned . . .
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