Weyerbacher Brewing Co. – Quad *

 Beer Reviews  No Responses »
Jan 172012
 

This one goes in one of those style categories that is somewhat of a catch all, but also one that I should be using a bit more to categorize beers.  I often just throw everything that does not fit into a style in the Specialty Beer category, but I need to remember that the non-conforming Belgian-style beers really belong in this one.

A big beer to keep the week moving . . .

Brewery: Weyerbacher Brewing Co. (Easton, PA)

Name: Quad

Style: Belgian Specialty Ale

ABV: 11.80% (on bottle)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and pulled slightly early to warm some before serving in a stemmed goblet/chalice.

Aroma: A really full, malty sweetness to the aroma with prominent notes of dark fruit (like cherries).  Also a softer spiciness with some alcohol noticeable. – 9/12

Appearance: Deep, rich, coppery amber color.  A slight off-white head that is pretty thin, dissipates quickly, and leaves some legs on the glass.  Mostly clear with some haze and rising bubbles visible when held to light. – 2/3

Flavor: Smooth malty sweetness both up front and throughout.  A low spice character from middle to finish that combines nicely with the dark fruit notes of fig, raisin, etc.  Also some slight (and much needed) bitterness near the finish.  A bit of dryness to the finish, but still with a strong lingering sweetness. – 14.5/20

Mouthfeel: Medium body (maybe toward full) with a fairly high level of carbonation consisting of tiny bubbles.  Quite smooth and slightly creamy with some noticeable warmth. – 4/5

Overall Impressions: I very much enjoyed the level of carbonation that helps balance out the otherwise very prominent sweetness.  Certainly balanced to the malty sweet side but the spice, bitterness, etc. are enough to stop it from being cloying.  I like it and enjoyed the one I had, but did not love it.  One at a time (enjoyed slowly) is just fine for this one. – 7.5/10

Overall: B+ (37/50)

6707903455 3f2f22cb96 Weyerbacher Brewing Co. Quad *

Weyerbacher Brewing Co. - Quad

 Posted by Lucas at 11:00 am  Tagged with: , ,

With A Pitchfork

 Miscellaneous  2 Responses »
Jan 162012
 

Every so often I have one of those days where it seems like I can drink gallons and gallons of water and stay incredibly thirsty the whole time.  Aside from being a very good indicator of my inability to maintain hydration over the previous days it is also quite a frustrating scenario.

Before I continue to rehydrate . . .

  • Random thought #1 –  There is no good excuse that I can think of to still have your Christmas lights up at this point if you live in Florida.  You do not have to go out in the cold to take them down let alone shovel and move any snow to get the job done.  The season is over and you need to move on.
  • Random thought #2 –  Regardless of the many reasons I should be against the idea, I really would not have much of a problem with a few mice living in my garage if they would agree to not chew on/through anything.  Unfortunately for them they cannot be reasoned with so they have to go.
  • Random thought #3 – I do not have any basis  for judging the quality of haggis, but if the stuff I consumed at the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games is any sort of indication of what it is supposed to taste like I enjoy it very much and would like to try eat it again at some point sooner than later.
  • Random thought #4 – As a flashback to what college was like I was recently reminded that the worst part of going too many hours without sleeping is not being sleepy.  At some point that goes away.  The worst part is certainly the overall body ache that comes on after you are no longer sleepy.  Ah, I miss the college days.
  • Random thought #5 – Somehow having a few beers in the morning hours seems like the right thing to do when attending an outdoor festival.  I am not saying that it is otherwise a terrible idea, but there is something about watching people throwing heavy objects for distance and launching items over a bar with a pitchfork that just warrants a beer or two in hand.
6704202065 d1cda459c3 With A Pitchfork

Random photo of the week

 Posted by Lucas at 11:00 am  Tagged with:

Highland Brewing Co. – Oatmeal Porter *

 Beer Reviews  No Responses »
Jan 132012
 

In grabbing the four porters that I have reviewed over the last two weeks it seems that I did a pretty solid job.  Not one of them was at all bad.  The one that I drank first turned out to be my favorite among the group, but all of them were quite solid.  Actually they almost went in order with the second one being my second favorite.  The third one and this one were pretty much a coin flip with the beer today (as the only one to have something other than “Porter” in the name) getting the slight edge.

The end of the short run of porters . . .

Brewery: Highland Brewing Co. (Asheville, NC)

Name: Oatmeal Porter

Style: Robust Porter

ABV: 5.80% (via internet)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge before serving in a pint glass.

Aroma: A relatively mild roasted malt aroma with a low amount of toffee-like sweetness and maybe a touch of coffee.  Nice, but very subtle overall.  – 7.5/12

Appearance: Dark brown though garnet when held to light.  A slight tan head that is frothy, holds very well, and leaves solid lacing on the glass.  Appears almost opaque though is clear with rising bubbles when held to light.  – 3/3

Flavor: Good, deep roasted malt flavor up front with burnt notes that carry a bit of earthiness and some bittersweet chocolate.  Solid bitterness in the middle with a bit of floral character.  Well balanced overall.  Finishes smoothly with a bit of dryness with the roasted malt flavor lingering nicely. – 14/20

Mouthfeel: Medium body and a moderate level of carbonation (lending maybe a slight bite).  Very smooth and somewhat creamy on the palate. – 4/5

Overall Impressions: Nice beer though (again) not as strong as the same style from Anchor and Sierra Nevada I reviewed last week.  I really enjoy the smooth bitterness and the finish more than anything else.  Certainly could drink a few as everything is nicely balanced, but would not want more than that (maybe typical of the style for me). – 7/10

Overall: B (35.5/50)

6689509791 78845a48cd Highland Brewing Co. Oatmeal Porter *

Highland Brewing Co. - Oatmeal Porter

 Posted by Lucas at 2:00 pm  Tagged with: , ,
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