Wednesday, February 24, 2010

BEER#4: UNIBROUE CHAMBLY NOIRE



The fourth beer I chose to film was Unibroue Chambly Noire. I have had many of the Unibroue beers and have enjoyed most of them. I would like to visit the brewery someday if I ever go back to the Montreal area. The thing I notice most about their ales is the presence of a highly yeasty flavor, it seems like a signature to them. They list this as a "Black Ale" on their website.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BEER: Pretty nice looks. The smell and the taste have nice yeast and roasted malt elements to them. There is also a bit of a smokey note to it. I also get dark fruits and alcohol in the taste. The fruits give it a minor wine-like characteristic. The mouthfeel is good, especially the carbonation (noticed this in most Unibroue beers). The price is good and allows it to be sessionable (I got it for $9/4 pack). Worth a shot for dark beer/Belgian beer enthusiasts.

Things that could use change or improvement for me. The head forms nicely but needs more retention. The lacing was almost non-existent as well. I like the yeast notes but I think they could be toned down a tiny bit. The mouthfeel would be world class if the body was a tiny bit thicker.

FINAL GRADE: 3.75 / 5 = B (for nice flavor and mouthfeel, a good Belgian Dark Ale)

Saturday, February 20, 2010

BEER#3: FLYING DOG SNAKEDOG IPA



The third beer I chose to film was Flying Dog SnakeDog IPA. I had bought a six pack of this because it was one of the most affordable craft beers in the store I was visiting. I also had a craving for some hops. I took this wintry picture while snowboarding at Sugarbush Mountain in Vermont.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BEER: It was good looking with an orange-amber body that had a creamy head with good retention. The smell had fresh hops of the earthy, citrus and fruity variety. The taste also had fresh hops of the same varieties. The malts come through a good amount for an IPA and help balance the hops out. There was nothing to complain in the feel of the beer. It had a medium body with moderate carbonation and a coat of bitterness. I would say this beer is a good session beer because of the nice hop flavors are and the price is very affordable (for a well made craft beer).

I would make a few changes to this. The aroma could use a bit more strength in all aspects. The flavor is a bit overly bitter. If this was toned down, the flavor would score a few more points. I would also be happy if there was a bit more creaminess/body to the feel of the beer.

FINAL GRADE: 3.8 / 5 = B+ (for nice fresh hop aroma and taste; overall a well-rounded, sessionable beer)

Friday, February 12, 2010

BEER#2: FOUNDERS IMPERIAL STOUT



The second beer I chose to film was Founders Imperial Stout. I have had it a few times and figured I might as well film it. I like most of the shots on this one but the last one, still learning. I think the picture I took of the Pyrenees Mountains near Queralbs, Spain goes great as the backdrop of this one.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BEER: The looks are nice for an Imperial Stout. The beer looks like oil and the head is coffee colored. The head beats out most I see on Imperial Stouts and leaves a creamy layer on top of the beer indefinitely. It also left very good lacing! The aroma is good and consists of the expected roasted malts, cocoa notes and some coffee notes (from the malts). The taste is better than the aroma and consists of the same elements but at a better strength and balance. There is a hop element to the taste that backs the malts very well. The MOUTHFEEL is my favorite part of this one. This is the thickest beer I have ever had. It has an almost milkshake consistency and some alcohol warmth that compliment the flavor perfectly. The price at $11 per 4-pack is amazing for an Imperial of this quality. For me it is dangerously drinkable at 10.50% ABV. I could drink a few of these at any one time but won't because I would rather enjoy this one thoroughly one at a time.

The only thing I would change in this beer is the aroma. The smell is good and necessary elements are there but alcohol vapors keep it from being great.

FINAL GRADE: 4.55 / 5 = A+ (for excellent looks and mouthfeel, great taste and drinkability)

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

BEER#1: FOUNDERS REDS RYE P.A.



The first beer I chose to film was Founders Red's Rye P.A. The filming did not come out as good as I would have liked but I am still getting used to the system I am working with. My tripod could also use an upgrade. I love the Founders beers I have had so far and this one was certainly not an exception.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BEER: Looks very appetizing (head, color), Hop aroma and flavor that rivals most IPAs I have had, Malt backbone balances the hops well, Taste lasts and makes it a good session beer (goes down very smoothly).

The only thing I would really change about this beer would be the mouthfeel and the price. The mouthfeel could use a bit more substance. The price here in Western MA is $12-13 for a six pack. I would love to make this my session beer of choice but $2 per bottle is a bit steep (for a session beer).


FINAL GRADE: 4.5 / 5 = A (for great taste, aroma, appearance and drinkability.)