The main reason that I am taking a little break from what has lately been a Cicerone study focused string of Wednesday posts is that I watched this video the other day and thought it was really interesting.  That is probably partly because I think that The Bruery produces excellent beer but also because the topic is Sour Ales.

Enjoy . . .

The Bruery – On Sour Ales from The Bruery on Vimeo.

 

If this beer was simply to replace Noble Pils I would be pretty upset about the switch, but since it simply slides into the Spring seasonal spot so Noble Pils can be available all year I am willing to accept it.  As mentioned below I think it would actually be great as the beer for the hotter months, but it is a solid beer nonetheless.

An early start to Spring for today . . .

Brewery: Boston Beer Company (Boston, MA)

Name: Alpine Spring

Style: Maybe a Helles or maybe a Premium American Lager (not really sure)

ABV: 5.50% (internet)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge before serving in one of my incredibly awesome Genny Cream Ale glasses (sort of pilsner-like).

Aroma: A lightly floral aroma with a hint of citrus and a faint sweetness underneath.  Pretty subtle overall. – 8.5/12

Appearance: Medium golden yellow color.  One finger fluffy white head that holds well and leaves solid lacing.  A slight haze but is otherwise clear with rising bubbles visible. – 3/3

Flavor: A slightly sweet maltiness up front that is faintly honey-like.  Very little bitterness at all with a touch of citrus flavor.  Pretty well balanced overall.  Finishes smoothly and mostly clean with a touch of lingering citrusy sweetness. – 15/20

Mouthfeel: Light body with a moderate level of carbonation.  Very smooth and lightly crisp on the palate. – 4/5

Overall Impressions: Light in body but has a bit of creaminess to it and especially so after warming just a bit.  I still prefer Noble Pils, but a very good lighter beer that I actually think would be great for the summer months.  Goes down very easily at least in part because of the good balance of flavors.  Glad to have it around as a seasonal. – 7.5/10

Overall: B+ (38/50)

6754866127 d7784a1ffe Samuel Adams   Alpine Spring *

Samuel Adams - Alpine Spring

 

If there is one thing that I have learned during the time I have lived in Florida it is that there should never be a decision about using sunscreen.  Even if it supposed to be 50 degrees out with a pretty good chance of rain you should go ahead and put some on anyway.  You will save yourself the misery that comes later if you didn’t.  As a bonus for me when I put on sunscreen there is a pretty good chance the sun will go behind the clouds anyway.

Could be a very exciting week . . .

  • Random thought #1 –  It is fair to say that I do not often clean out the inside of my car as I am generally the only one in it.  However finding some mail dated from 2010 under the seat when I did so recently was a pretty good indicator that I probably should get to it a bit more often.
  • Random thought #2 –  I in no way want to make an effort to do so myself, but a part of me wonders what it is like to drive into a house.  After seeing the aftermath of that the other day and I am curious how exactly that happens in the middle of the day on a beautiful sunny afternoon.
  • Random thought #3 – Has anyone in the history of popcorn ever eaten more than a few pieces without some of it ending up stuck in their teeth?  An official study needs to be done to see if that is even a possibility.
  • Random thought #4 – As passionate a fan as I am for the teams that I support, I also think that sometimes sporting events are very much more enjoyable to watch when you really do not care who wins.  At some point you lean toward one side or the other, but it is still a lot less stressful.
  • Random thought #5 – In the same way that it is really important to be drinking a beer while brewing your own beer at home I think that it is also a very good idea to be drinking a good beer while reading about beer.  Just consider it a study aid.
6327604014 148dd74d5a A Study Aid

Random photo of the week

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