Great Divide Brewing Co. – Claymore Scotch Ale *

 Beer Reviews  No Responses »
Mar 042011
 

It had been such a long time since I went to the fridge to get anything other than a Southern Tier beer to review that I was not really sure what I would find in there this week.  Of course it probably should have been no surprise to find a few beers in there from some of my favorite breweries.  Though I try to keep a good variety around, there are certain breweries that have a tendency to end up coming home with me on a more regular basis.  GDBC is one of those breweries.

To bring an end to this week . . .

Brewery: Great Divide Brewing Co. (Denver, CO)

Name: Claymore Scotch Ale

Style: Strong Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy

ABV: 7.70% (website)

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

Aroma: Deep, rich malty aroma that has a sweetness to it that is darker than caramel and also a bit of earthiness underneath.   – 8/12

Appearance: Dark brown with reddish tones that you can see when held to light.  Slight faint brown head that holds pretty well and dissipates slowly leaving a light trail with some legs.  Appears opaque, but is see through clear when held to light. – 3/3

Flavor: Rich, slight roasted maltiness up front that fades into a somewhat smoky earthiness after that.  Some light bitterness present from middle through to the finish.  It finishes somewhat dry, in a nice way.  – 16/20

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a moderate to high level of carbonation.  Pretty smooth overall with some sharpness coming through at the finish (at least somewhat from the carbonation). – 3/5

Overall Impressions: I really enjoy the smoky earthiness in the flavor as it builds nicely and becomes more smooth as I drink it.  The flavor is not overly complex or deep (just an observation).  Good cold, but slightly better when slightly warmed.  Not something I would keep drinking all night (probably two at a sitting would be enough).  – 7/10

Overall: Very Good – 37/50

5496901059 5cb9bea787 Great Divide Brewing Co. Claymore Scotch Ale *

Great Divide Brewing Co. - Claymore Scotch Ale

5497495578 683f3fe7b4 Great Divide Brewing Co. Claymore Scotch Ale *

Closer now

 

 Posted by Lucas at 8:00 pm  Tagged with: , ,

Orkney Brewery – Skull Splitter

 Beer Reviews  No Responses »
Oct 092009
 

Continuing with my attempt to get (most) all of the earlier reviews out of the way before I forget the details completely, I bring you Skull Splitter!  This was actually one of the many singles that The Wife gave me for my birthday.  I don’t know if the name is what made her pick this one, but it would have worked for me since I am a sucker for a good name.

I enjoyed this enough to order it a few months later when I found it on draft at a bar across town.  The bottle was good, but the draft was even better.  At the time I wasn’t able to put into words exactly why it was good, but I would certainly suggest giving it a try if you have the chance.

Brewery: Orkney Brewery (Scotland)

Name: Skull Splitter

Style: Strong Scotch Ale

ABV: 8.5%

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

Aroma: Heavy malt aroma with a light smoky(?) nose.  Hint of alcohol.

Appearance: Copper with red highlights.  Large tan/light brown head.  No trail left with dissipation.  Clear with a few visible bubbles rising.

Flavor: Good malt flavor (not overwhelming).  Slight sweetness (almost like raisins) into finish.  Extremely low amount of bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with low carbonation.  Very smooth and well balanced with slight warmth.

Overall Impressions: Very easy drinking with the alcohol warmth and maltiness being well balanced.  Would definitely drink again.

Grade: A- to A

3774911785 1621d385d8 Orkney Brewery Skull Splitter

Orkney Brewery - Skull Splitter

 Posted by Lucas at 7:00 pm  Tagged with:

Oskar Blues Brewery – Old Chub

 Beer Reviews  4 Responses »
Aug 112009
 

Continuing to first post reviews for beers from my “I am a fan of . . . “ list, I present you with the best beer in a can that you are likely to find anywhere.  The only challengers to that throne that I have found happen to also be Oskar Blues products.  Don’t think that I say this only because Old Chub is a decent beer that rises to the top of what is a pretty weak canned beer field overall.  This beer is fantastic and would be so if in a bottle, growler, canning jar, or dog food bowl.

Many thanks to Emily and Ian for providing that very first sample of Old Chub that opened my eyes to a whole world Oskar Blues goodness.

Brewery: Oskar Blues Brewery, LLC (Lyons, Colorado)

Name: Old Chub (Scottish Style Ale)

Style: Strong Scotch Ale (I think)

ABV: 8.0%

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in a pint glass (if not for evaluation I would drink from the can in this case).  A six pack for $7.99

Aroma: Strong malty aroma with a molasses / brown sugar like sweetness.  Slight hint of alcohol also.

Appearance: Deep brown color with garnet highlights.  Very slight, light brown head that dissipates rather quickly.  Opaque, though clear when held to light.

Flavor: Strong malt flavors with no real noticeable hop flavor.  Deep, dark caramel flavor with roasty notes.  Very slight dryness and puckering (in a good way) at the finish.  The finish holds for a bit.

Mouthfeel: Medium (to full) body with relatively low carbonation.  Some warmth, but well balanced into the overall.  Smooth with creaminess that coats the tongue a bit.

Overall Impressions: Best beer in a can that I have ever had.  Great for slow drinking . . . even straight from the can.  Really good roasted malt flavors.  Certainly would buy and drink again.

Grade: A-

3774858645 41b6dee14f Oskar Blues Brewery Old Chub

Nothing like a good canned beer

 Posted by Lucas at 9:29 pm  Tagged with: , ,

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