Once again I must thank The Wife and Cousin Adam for passing along a few things to add to the list this week.  I am not sure what my personal record is for news stories in one post, but I might just have to start setting a limit for myself pretty soon.

Much to get to this morning . . .

sierra nevada brewing chico Narrowing the Search

Closer to picking a new location? (via http://beernews.org/)

 

After looking back at these notes as I typed them up I feel that they make it sound as if I did not enjoy this beer, but that was not really the case.  I consumed this one side by side with Genesis Ale and maybe that was a bit unfair (perhaps even to both).  This beer was not at all that bad, but there was no doubt that I liked Genesis better and as a result the notes for this one make it sound that I am really down on it.  So in short it is a good beer, but not as good as their Genesis Ale.

Now for the second of two Shmaltz reviews this week . . .

Brewery: Shmaltz Brewing Company (brewed in Saratoga Springs, NY)

Name: He’Brew Messiah Bold

Style: American Brown Ale

ABV: 5.60%

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in a pint glass.

Aroma: Earthy roasted maltiness with a bit of raisin-like sweetness.  Mild overall aroma, but nice.  – 8/12

Appearance: Dark brown color with garnet tones when held to light.  One finger light brown head with small bubbles that dissipates pretty quickly without leaving much trail.  Close to opaque in appearance though is clear with rising bubbles when held to light. – 3/3

Flavor: A pretty mild overall flavor with light roasted malt that seemingly has a hint of earthy, smoky character.  Also very faint bitterness somewhere in there.  Finishes just slightly dry with a bit of lingering flavors.  – 14/20

Mouthfeel: Medium(ish) body with a fairly low level of carbonation.  Drinks smooth and is quite creamy on the palate.  – 4/5

Overall Impressions: The flavor really did not work for me (especially after drinking Genesis).  Beers usually grow on me a bit, but this one not so much.  Certainly not a bad beer, but not really doing it for me.  Very easy to drink though and nicer warmer (liked it better). I think it primarily suffers by comparison to Genesis. – 7/10

Overall: Very Good – 36/50

5595186791 62c42ed5af Shmaltz Brewing Co.   HeBrew Messiah Bold *

Shmaltz Brewing Co. - He'Brew Messiah Bold

5595186837 0fd1101ae3 Shmaltz Brewing Co.   HeBrew Messiah Bold *

A bit closer

 

 

After really enjoying this one at a bar, I did not hesitate to grab a few bottle to drink (and review) at home when I had the chance.  I am not sure if I was simply not in the mood for a coffee beer, but I certainly had more fond memories of it than of what I found in my glass on the day of my review.  Quite a bummer but still a decent beer that will likely get another chance down the line.

So for the last full review for the week . . .

Brewery: Cigar City Brewing (Tampa, FL)

Name: Cubano-Style Espresso Brown Ale

Style: American Brown Ale (as a base anyway)

ABV: 5.50% (bottle)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and pulled very slightly early to warm some then served in a pint glass.

Aroma: Nice coffee aroma that is fairly even without being overwhelming.  Some slight sweetness underneath that helps give and overall character similar to coffee with sugar. – 8/12

Appearance: Deep brown color with maybe a hint of red.  Slight light brown (tan) head that dissipates quickly leaving very little trail.  Dark , but clear with rising bubbles visible when held to light. – 2/3

Flavor: Mild roasted maltiness with a coffee flavor present from the middle through the finish that is not very intense and comes through a bit stale.  Some dryness and lingering coffee notes at the finish.  – 10/20

Mouthfeel: Medium body that is toward light and feels thinner as I drink more.  A moderate level of carbonation and pretty smooth on the palate. – 3/5

Overall Impressions: Had this previously and really enjoyed it so I am a little surprised and confused by how much less I like it this time.  I remember it having a much more enjoyable coffee profile and more full brown ale base.  Without much depth behind the coffee flavor it falls pretty flat overall.  The aroma is probably the most enjoyable component. – 5/10

Overall: Good – 28/50

5516105274 7d8a3e497f Cigar City Brewing   Cubano Style Espresso Brown Ale *

Cigar City Brewing - Cubano-Style Espresso Brown Ale

5516105314 f7570bdfb7 Cigar City Brewing   Cubano Style Espresso Brown Ale *

A little closer now

 

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