As I mentioned on Saturday reaching out to the Twitterverse has worked well in the past, so I again asked for some help picking numbers before leaving home. I still think that is a great way for me to get random selections, though I will take suggestions for other ways if anyone has another idea. A big thank you to those who helped me out this time!
The first number that I was given (via @jcarlin) was 77 and turned out to be a good old Sam Adams Boston Lager (Boston Beer Company). It is surprising that with so many Sam Adams options on the list, that this is the first one I have crossed off. It pours crystal clear and amber in color (with a bit of orange tint). Both the aroma and the flavor have a good malty base that is slightly sweet and has a bit of toasted character. The best part of it for me is the good amount of hop bite and bitterness that comes through from the middle to the finish. That character does linger a bit, which makes me thirsty for the next sip.
They should stick with these labels.
Sam Adams Boston Lager
We were both (Bill and I) in agreement when giving it a 4 since it is just a solid beer to enjoy at a bar and a good value at 4 bucks per each. Though I would drink this one with just about anything, I would say if you stick with chicken dishes (including wings) or burgers you will have a really good beer pairing.
The second beer of the afternoon was again via @KegWorks, who gave me number 49 that was a Lobster Ale (Belfast Bay Brewing Co. – Belfast, ME). Though I have never tried it, I seem to remember seeing this one a fair bit during our travels in Maine. It pours a crystal clear amber color and has a clean, light malt aroma with some sweetness. The flavor has a nice malty character that is somewhat dark caramel-like with a light burnt/smoky quality. The hop bitterness comes through toward the finish that is abrupt and somewhat dry.
A lobster you can drink!
A better look at the color of the Lobster Ale.
I did like this one with its bit of smokiness in the flavor, though I am not sure how often I would be in the mood for it again. It seems that Bill had some of the same thoughts since we both landed on a 3 for it. I am very glad to have tried it where I likely otherwise would not have without the Beer Club incentive. Because of its smoky, dark caramel characteristics I think it would go really well with strongly flavored cheeses and good steaks. A nice burger with bleu cheese would probably be the perfect accompaniment.
Since the beer that was number 10 (via @kwidrick) was out of stock that afternoon we gave @jcarlin’s second number (9) a shot, giving us a Honey Raspberry Ale (Spanish Peaks Brewing Co.). The bottle indicated production in Saratoga Springs, NY though I am not certain that is the main brewery location since it was founded in Montana. It poured an amber (to copper) color that was pretty clear, though with a slight haze. The aroma had a prominent berry profile with an underlying brown sugar-like maltiness. The flavor of the berry comes through strongly up front then fades quickly and (to me) is noticeably artificial. It is smooth with a slight bite at the finish.
A closer look at the dog.
Honey Raspberry Ale
There seems to be a distinct pattern developing with the wheat and fruit beers on the list that I have crossed off so far because this one lands at a 2 for me. Bill could not get himself to even finish his and did not hesitate to give it a 1. It likely would be more enjoyable when outside on a warm day (as I have said with fruit beers before), but it certainly should be consumed cold because it does not get better as it warms. This is another beer that has a light overall profile and would be fine with salads or maybe lightly flavored fish or chicken dishes.
As a closing note to this post, I must say that I was surprised and pleased to have no chilled glasses this time. I did not ask why on this visit as I am waiting to see what the situation is on my next visit. I know that some people prefer the ice-cold glass, but I am not one of those people.
For those keeping track, that is now 11 down and 88 to go!
Stay tuned . . .
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