A NIGHT WITH THE HOPS

It will take some extra effort on my part to be able to post “B Notes” on any sort of regular basis, but I will do my best to make it a common occurrence.  My intent is to not let them sit around for too long as many of my reviews from home tend to do.  In trying to do that, I am going with another two for one today.

Before moving on I will try to describe Altbiers (see below) for any of you that are not familiar with the style and have not had the opportunity to try one during your beer sampling efforts.  Think of it as a bit of a hybrid between an ale and a lager.  In general terms top fermenting ale yeast is used, but it is then fermented and aged at cooler temperatures much like a lager would be.  The result is a beer with a more subdued ale flavor and with the clean drinking character of a nice lager.  In short, be sure to go find one and try it.

Now on to the first of two for today . . .

Brewery: Shmaltz Brewing Company (San Francisco, CA & Saratoga Springs, NY)

Name: Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner

Style: German Pilsner

ABV: 5.00%

Location: Redlight Redlight – Teege at the bar

Tasting Notes:

• Don’t usually drink pilsners when out, but I am a fan of Shmaltz
• Orangish honey color (darker than many/most pilsners) with a frothy white head.
• Lightly sweet in aroma and flavor.
• Nice bitterness with some dryness at the finish.
• Sweetness and bitterness balances nicely on the palate.
• Crisply carbonated
• Bitterness dominates (in a good way) . . . leads me to think German Pils (turns out I was correct)

Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner

And now the second . . .

Brewery: Southampton Publick House (Southampton, NY)

Name: Altbier

Style: Düsseldorf Altbier

ABV: 5.30%

Location: Redlight Redlight – Teege at the bar

Tasting Notes:

• Deep amber to copper color with a nice cream color head.
• Lightly earthy, malty aroma (and flavor).
• Slightly toasted, bready, nutty maltiness in flavor.
• Crisp carbonation with some light dryness at the finish.
• Quite drinkable . . . agreed on by others at table.

Southampton Altbier

Cheers!